Blog

#114

Is Japan Ready to Stand on Both Sides of the Escalator?

by Merch C.

For decades, Japan’s escalator etiquette has been a quiet symbol of regional pride—and confusion. In Tokyo, you stand on the left. In Osaka, it’s the right. In Kyoto? Well… it depends on the train line. But now, a new movement is asking : Should we all just stand still—on both sides?

In Tokyo, on the escalator : stand on the left.

In Osaka, on the escalator : stand on the right.

The One-Side Rule : A Cultural Quirk

The “stand on one side, walk on the other” rule isn’t just about efficiency—it’s deeply ingrained in Japanese manners. It allows those in a rush to pass, while others stay politely out of the way. But this habit has unintended consequences:

Increased risk of falls and collisions.
Uneven wear on escalator mechanisms.
Accessibility issues for elderly or disabled passengers.

The Push for Change

Cities like Nagoya have already taken action. In 2023, Aichi Prefecture introduced an ordinance encouraging people to stand on both sides of the escalator. If you try to walk, a buzzer might even go off. The goal? Safety first.

Meanwhile, Tokyo and Osaka remain divided—literally. Commuters instinctively follow local norms, and any attempt to change them feels like rewriting the rules of rush hour.

In Nagoya, city officials deploys "Stop and Stand Squad" that aims to reduce accidents on escalators.

Image Reference : https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3312494/japans-nagoya-city-deploys-stop-and-stand-squad-bid-reduce-accidents-escalators

In Fukuoka, the public is asked to stand in two lines on escalators.

Image Reference : https://www.fukuoka-now.com/en/news/public-asked-to-stand-in-two-lines-on-escalators

Is Japan Ready?

The answer is… maybe. While safety campaigns are gaining traction, old habits die hard. Regional identity, social pressure, and sheer muscle memory keep the one-side rule alive. But as Japan’s population ages and accessibility becomes a priority, standing on both sides may become the new normal.