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Japanese culture is absolutely incomparable to any in our Western world. Their deeply rooted politeness, precision, and dedication to work are rarely seen anywhere else. And though you might know Japan as a home to anime, sumo wrestlers, cherry blossoms and bullet trains, their ingenuity shows in many other aspects of their daily lives. Starting with extremely innovative toilets and vending machines filled with fresh farm eggs, to the unique system of Tokyo subway and drainage canals swarming with Koi fish. These are just a particle of the interesting facts about Japanese culture. Actually, there are so many that this one post couldn't fit them all.

Bored Panda has compiled some of the weirdest inventions, cultural practices and amazing facts about Japan that will make this country your go-to destination.

#1

Bus Drivers In Japan Were On Strike But Continued Driving Their Routes While Refusing To Take Fares From Passengers

Bus Drivers In Japan Were On Strike But Continued Driving Their Routes While Refusing To Take Fares From Passengers

MohammedAshemimry Report

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Daria B
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have double thoughts about it. Part of me, thinks this is awsome and effective, but the othe other part thinks that, if you don't make regular people uncomfortable too, you make less impact and the people might not want to support your cause because for them, the protest is only beneficial. If everyone's uncomfortable, everyone will be like "Oh, give them what they want, so this can f***ing end!" But then, again, not everyone is the same, and my appreciation for this kind of striking is prevailing. So, I praise these drivers.

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    #2

    Drink Cans Have Names Written In Braille On The Top

    Drink Cans Have Names Written In Braille On The Top

    gracebuchele.wordpress.com Report

    #3

    Japanese Fans Stayed Behind After The FIFA World Cup 2014 Match To Help Clean Up

    Japanese Fans Stayed Behind After The FIFA World Cup 2014 Match To Help Clean Up

    Joe Giddens - EMPICS Report

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    stellermatt
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    every blue bag filled should be a rewarded with a free ticket to the next match

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    #4

    There Are Baby Seats Attached To The Wall In Most Bathrooms

    There Are Baby Seats Attached To The Wall In Most Bathrooms

    minneapolis2tokyo2madarao Report

    #5

    I Recently Gave Birth In Japan. Here Is Some Of The Hospital Food I Ate

    I Recently Gave Birth In Japan. Here Is Some Of The Hospital Food I Ate

    jenkinsinjapan Report

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    stellermatt
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    you know what ya get in the UK? toast. I mean, it's damn good toast, but...

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    #6

    You Can Often Find This Kind Of Toilet In Japan. Wash Your Hands And Reuse The Water For Your Next Flush

    You Can Often Find This Kind Of Toilet In Japan. Wash Your Hands And Reuse The Water For Your Next Flush

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    Nini Meow
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We the current water scarcity this idea should be incorporated every where

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    #7

    Japan's Manhole Covers Are Beautiful

    Japan's Manhole Covers Are Beautiful

    Tombo_64 Report

    #8

    Most Japanese Schools Don't Have Custodians. Instead, The Students Do The Cleaning Themselves As A Part Of Showing Gratitude To The School And Learning How To Become More Productive Members Of Society

    Most Japanese Schools Don't Have Custodians. Instead, The Students Do The Cleaning Themselves As A Part Of Showing Gratitude To The School And Learning How To Become More Productive Members Of Society

    sarahmoersfelder Report

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    Yuka Momoyo
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Japanese here...Every school do have custodians though...the students certainly don't clean the teachers' restrooms... and the custodian usually take care of the garden area too.

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    #9

    The Note In Japanese Says, "I Accidentally Knocked Over Your Bike And Broke The Bell. I Am Very Sorry"

    The Note In Japanese Says, "I Accidentally Knocked Over Your Bike And Broke The Bell. I Am Very Sorry"

    gaijinpot Report

    #10

    This Is How Smooth The Bullet Train Is In Japan

    This Is How Smooth The Bullet Train Is In Japan

    gaijinpot Report

    #11

    I Dropped My Shopping Bag On The Streets Of Osaka And When I Went Back To Look For It Later That Day, Someone Had Placed It Next To A Tree Untouched

    I Dropped My Shopping Bag On The Streets Of Osaka And When I Went Back To Look For It Later That Day, Someone Had Placed It Next To A Tree Untouched

    justlikebuddyholly Report

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    stellermatt
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    apparently there was once a time when this sort of honesty ruled the world?

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    #12

    Commuters In Tokyo Pushed A Train Car To Save A Woman Who Fell And Got Stuck Between The Car And The Platform

    Commuters In Tokyo Pushed A Train Car To Save A Woman Who Fell And Got Stuck Between The Car And The Platform

    Norihiro Shigeta Report

    #13

    Koi Fishes Even Live In Drainage Channels In Japan

    Koi Fishes Even Live In Drainage Channels In Japan

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    #14

    Japanese Toilets Often Have A Button That Plays White Noise/Water Sounds So You Can Poop Without Other People Hearing Your Business

    Japanese Toilets Often Have A Button That Plays White Noise/Water Sounds So You Can Poop Without Other People Hearing Your Business

    mikieliza Report

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    Aaron Kara
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    First time I used this toilet I was slightly disconcerted by the accuracy of the water jet but pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness

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    #15

    Another Reason Why I Love Japan

    Another Reason Why I Love Japan

    zozozeze73 Report

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    Isabel Tamayo
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And in escalators, they stay left (I think) if you'll just stand and if you'll walk you go right...

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    #16

    In Trains You Can Rotate The Seats In Any Direction

    In Trains You Can Rotate The Seats In Any Direction

    4S Report

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    Erin Smidt
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is true in China as well. Makes for some great conversation time on long train rides!

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    #17

    Another Great Japanese Invention: Umbrella Lockers. So You Don't Have To Carry Them Around Inside A Building And Nobody Takes Yours 'Accidentally'

    Another Great Japanese Invention: Umbrella Lockers. So You Don't Have To Carry Them Around Inside A Building And Nobody Takes Yours 'Accidentally'

    monikakuelsheimer Report

    #18

    This Toilet In Japan Has A System Of Occupied/Vacant Toilets Information

    This Toilet In Japan Has A System Of Occupied/Vacant Toilets Information

    youknowitalktoomuch Report

    #20

    This Japanese Gum I Have Came With Little Pieces Of Paper Inside For You To Spit Your Gum In To When You’re Finished With It

    This Japanese Gum I Have Came With Little Pieces Of Paper Inside For You To Spit Your Gum In To When You’re Finished With It

    Jerry_McPhee Report

    #21

    This Shopping Center In Japan Has Free Refrigerated Lockers For Your Perishables So You Can Keep Shopping After You Get Your Groceries

    This Shopping Center In Japan Has Free Refrigerated Lockers For Your Perishables So You Can Keep Shopping After You Get Your Groceries

    RegionFree Report

    #22

    At Narita International Airport (Tokyo) They Give You Free Origami Instead Of Candy

    At Narita International Airport (Tokyo) They Give You Free Origami Instead Of Candy

    badnelly123 Report

    #23

    Photo I Took Of Tokyo Commuters Waiting For Their Train

    Photo I Took Of Tokyo Commuters Waiting For Their Train

    GoodGuyGoodGuy Report

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    Sylvia van der Linden
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the Dominican Republic people can wait patiently too. And if a pregnant woman appears, they let her go to the front immediately.

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    #24

    Japanese Being Japanese

    Japanese Being Japanese

    mangomilk Report

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    Lemonsito
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Look how disciplined the Japanese dots are... and look at the others..haha

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    #25

    This Smartphone Wiper Dispenser In Japan

    This Smartphone Wiper Dispenser In Japan

    Luwast Report

    #26

    In Japan, Even The Deer Are Polite

    In Japan, Even The Deer Are Polite

    sportyme7 Report

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    Eujis
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most of these deers are extremely aggressive!!! They bit me all the way from a snack stand to the entrance of the temple. And bit me again when I'm not feeding them fast enough. I suffered so much trying to save some snacks for the little ones...

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    #27

    In Japan, The Ground Crew Bows And Waves Goodbye To The Departing Aircraft

    In Japan, The Ground Crew Bows And Waves Goodbye To The Departing Aircraft

    FirearmConcierge Report

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    Isabel Tamayo
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What I love about them is their sense of courtesy... When you are around a neighborhood and go down for a morning walk, neighbors will greet you a warm "Ohayo!" (Good morning!) It's very heartwarming..

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    #28

    Japanese Airport Staff Sorted Luggages On The Belt By Their Colour

    Japanese Airport Staff Sorted Luggages On The Belt By Their Colour

    91424 Report

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    Hans
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the US they get thrown onto a large heap... (just look at yesterday's video...)

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    #29

    This Bedside Lamp At My Hotel In Japan Can Be Half Lit

    This Bedside Lamp At My Hotel In Japan Can Be Half Lit

    Nokqua Report

    #30

    Ordered This From Japan And It Came With A Little Note And Origami Crane

    Ordered This From Japan And It Came With A Little Note And Origami Crane

    JustBeingAMitch Report

    #31

    Children's Seat On The Fujikyu Railway Line In Japan

    Children's Seat On The Fujikyu Railway Line In Japan

    arm4da Report

    #32

    Toreiyu Tsubasa Train In Japan Is Equipped With Footbaths So You Can Enjoy A Relaxing Trip

    Toreiyu Tsubasa Train In Japan Is Equipped With Footbaths So You Can Enjoy A Relaxing Trip

    jreast Report

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    #33

    Japanese Often Line Up For Buses, Trains, Restaurants Or Shops And Can Wait In Lines For Long Periods Of Time. Kids Learn How To Line Up As Early As Kindergarten As It Teaches Self-Discipline, Cooperation And Respect

    Japanese Often Line Up For Buses, Trains, Restaurants Or Shops And Can Wait In Lines For Long Periods Of Time. Kids Learn How To Line Up As Early As Kindergarten As It Teaches Self-Discipline, Cooperation And Respect

    munya munyaka Report

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    Miklós Nagy
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Kids Learn How To Line Up " Try it in my country and parents would lynch the teacher who restricted the freedom of their little psychopaths!

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    #34

    Almost Everyone In Japan Reverse Parks

    Almost Everyone In Japan Reverse Parks

    itscalledANIMEdad Report

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    nanashi
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yes they do. almost everyone even managed to park very neatly and as closely together as possible too. I wonder how hard it was to gain a driver's license there, bc I sure as heck won't ever passed them if I took it.

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    #35

    Tokyo Train Company Tsukuba Express Apologized For 20-Second-Early Departure

    Tokyo Train Company Tsukuba Express Apologized For 20-Second-Early Departure

    Tsukuba Express , LERK Report

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    Monika Georgieva
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whaaat, wooow :O In my country the trains sometimes doesn't come at all and nobody tells you why :D

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    #36

    This Lift In Japan Has A Seat That Can Be Used As A Toilet In An Emergency

    This Lift In Japan Has A Seat That Can Be Used As A Toilet In An Emergency

    matt_777 Report

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    Happiness is Hippo
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm more impressed with the deodorant, so even if you're stuck in the lift for hours, you don't need to worry about the embarrassment of getting stinky : )

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    #37

    Restaurants In Japan Display Fake Food That Looks Just Like The Real One From The Menu

    Restaurants In Japan Display Fake Food That Looks Just Like The Real One From The Menu

    Matthew Yau Report

    #38

    Japanese ATM's Have Cane Holders Due To The Aging Population

    Japanese ATM's Have Cane Holders Due To The Aging Population

    IntelWarrior Report

    #39

    There Are Over 300 Scramble Intersections In Japan Where You Can Cross A Street Diagonally

    There Are Over 300 Scramble Intersections In Japan Where You Can Cross A Street Diagonally

    bolubantat Report

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    Daria B
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That was also at the intersection at my university entrance (HUFS, Seoul). So cool! ♥

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    #40

    At Some Tourist Spots In Japan There Are Stands To Hold Your Smartphone So You Can Take Good Selfies

    At Some Tourist Spots In Japan There Are Stands To Hold Your Smartphone So You Can Take Good Selfies

    WhaleMeatFantasy Report

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    Nini Meow
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll be in the constant fear of it getting snatched.. something that may not happen in Japan but still.

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    #41

    Japanese Hotel Apologies For One Minute Internet Stoppage At 4am

    Japanese Hotel Apologies For One Minute Internet Stoppage At 4am

    amesco Report

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    Mikleo
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm curious how many people would even have noticed the interruption.

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    #42

    The Elevators In My Office Building Have An Umbrella Sign That Lights Up If It's Raining Outside (Osaka, Japan)

    The Elevators In My Office Building Have An Umbrella Sign That Lights Up If It's Raining Outside (Osaka, Japan)

    eigosensei Report

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    Daria B
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The building where my office is at, like most office buildings in the world, does not have a sign like that. Yesterday, had the lift had this sign, it could have spared me the trip back to the 18th floor to take my umbrella.

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    #43

    This Hospital In Japan Offers Glasses With Different Prescriptions For Filling Out Forms

    This Hospital In Japan Offers Glasses With Different Prescriptions For Filling Out Forms

    Rasonic Report

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    mbergen
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just started needing reading glasses and still don't carry a pair with me (lazy or vain, you pick). This would save a lot of embarrassment (and squinting lol)

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    #45

    In Japan, You Not Only Have To Take Your Shoes Off And Change Them To Slippers At The Entrance, But Also Use Different Slippers When You Go To The Bathroom

    In Japan, You Not Only Have To Take Your Shoes Off And Change Them To Slippers At The Entrance, But Also Use Different Slippers When You Go To The Bathroom

    nn.naru.uu Report

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    nanashi
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought this was the common norm... at least in the few countries in SEA I've been to

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    #47

    Everybody Lines Up Their Carts Nicely At The Food Court In Costco In Japan

    Everybody Lines Up Their Carts Nicely At The Food Court In Costco In Japan

    RegionFree Report

    #48

    These Fitting Room Instructions In Japan. Cover Your Face To Prevent Makeup From Getting On The Garment

    These Fitting Room Instructions In Japan. Cover Your Face To Prevent Makeup From Getting On The Garment

    Sad_Weeaboo_In_Japan Report

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    Cormorry Stroph
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it is the right one, when you have a make-up, so in this way clothes will stay clean

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    #49

    In Japan They Sell Square Watermelons To Fit Better In The Refrigerator

    In Japan They Sell Square Watermelons To Fit Better In The Refrigerator

    RazerJoe Report

    #50

    Toothpick At A Mall In Japan Had A Mint Coated Tip

    Toothpick At A Mall In Japan Had A Mint Coated Tip

    HellDiverz Report

    #51

    This Urinal In Japan Is A Video Game You Play With Your Pee

    This Urinal In Japan Is A Video Game You Play With Your Pee

    GreenTeaOnMyDesk Report

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    nanashi
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ..do they have this in the ladies room too? .... asking for a friend...

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    #52

    Only In Japan Would Someone Leave These Out While They Sleep

    Only In Japan Would Someone Leave These Out While They Sleep

    new_redpill Report

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    bob
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Note: there are many pickpockets in trains in Tokyo. Like, this guy is either crazy or very very tired. Because I would never do that...

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    #53

    Designated Smoking Rooms On Trains In Japan

    Designated Smoking Rooms On Trains In Japan

    dystortionation Report

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    Meowton Mewsk
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That’s cool in my opinion. Smoking is bad but it’s mainly a personal choice like drinking alcohol or overeating. Instead of nearly outlawing it, they accommodate.

    Greg T
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As an ex-smoker elitist snob.... Don't these people still come out reeking of smoke and sit next to non smokers? I never noticed as a smoker, but after having quit, I can smell a smoker from 100 yards

    Chris Miilu
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never realized how bad smoker's breath is until I quit. After that I avoided standing next to smokers, even if they were not smoking. Clothes smelled like cigarette smoke. Entering a smoker's room in an airport is a good way to shorten your life.

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    Jill
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Japan, you can only smoke outside in designated areas, but inside in certain rooms is OK: In some restaurants, they still have the 80’s smoking and non-smoking section. On the good side, there are also places that have amazing smoking or vape rooms. But all that said, I’m surprised by how much smoking I see.

    Dan Brownlee
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Common all through Asia, because Asians smoke too damned much. Worse than America.

    Blue Banana
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Victoria Aus, smoking is prohibited in any enclosed space where the public may go. Certain places ban smoking anywhere on their premises including outside grounds. At a restaurant if you want to go outside for a smoke, you have to be a minimum five metres away from the door. Basically, if you want to smoke in Victoria, forget it. Other states and territories have similar prohibitions.

    David Bujold
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good idea, but would be even better to just ban smoking from trains entirely.

    Aimee Simmons
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    unfortunately, this is a terrible idea. I was in a smoking room at an airport and left it reeking of stale cigarette smoke. Unless that room is WELL ventilated with a nice spritze of something that kills the smell, than you will surely stink worse than licking an ashtray when you come out.

    Donald Holder
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Health is important to them. Smoking in public is fround upon period.

    Jan Kaszuba
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They have designs smoking areas outdoors. You can’t smoke outdoors but you can in restaurants. No sense.

    李米娜 (Mina)
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I live in China - here you just walk to the end of the carriage on trains and smoke there, there isn't really any separation

    Tiu Tau Tilhi
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trains in Finland also had these, until 2013 when they removed those from trains, as well. The same applied to nightclubs, for example - a transition from smoking allowed, to restricted designated areas, to no smoking.

    mbergen
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Much of Canada is doing the same thing. Here smoking at outdoor events and outdoor bars/restaurants is no longer allowed.

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    Kjorn
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    you must be so addicted to not able to wait few min

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    #54

    This Japanese Handrail Bends With The Steps

    This Japanese Handrail Bends With The Steps

    SH4Z4M Report

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    Kevin Donegan
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think this would be safer or easier to use than the straight handrail.

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