March 25, 2008
'Manners police' hit Japan metros
Badly behaved commuters riding on Yokohama's public transport will soon be risking a dressing-down, reports the BBC.
"Newly appointed "etiquette police" or the Smile-Manner Squadron, will be asking travellers to turn down their headphones and give up their seats for their elders and betters.
The move comes amid growing concern that etiquette is losing its hallowed place in Japanese society.
This perceived lapse included failing to offer your seat to pregnant and elderly people, chatting loudly on mobile phones, applying make-up in public, and listening to music on "leaky" headphones.
A prime hang-out for violators was identified as Japan's jammed commuter trains.
... The mile-Manner team is mostly made up of over-60s, well acquainted with the standards of conduct associated with the "old Japan".
But many of these enforcers will be accompanied by younger bodyguards, should their etiquette advice - diplomatically given, of course - not prove welcome. "
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