Sleeping On a Stranger’s Shoulder
In Japan, it is a common practice for individuals to fall asleep on a stranger’s shoulder while riding on a train. The long hours people spend working and the lengthy daily commutes often leave many passengers feeling physically and mentally exhausted. As a result, it is not uncommon for commuters to unintentionally doze off during their train journeys, finding solace and rest on the shoulder of a fellow traveler.
This practice reflects the communal and considerate nature of Japanese society, where people respect each other’s needs, even in crowded public spaces like trains. Therefore, there is a prevailing practice of tolerance among passengers when someone falls asleep on another person’s shoulder while traveling on the train.
Advertisement
