Who can use priority seats?
In short
It dependsPriority seats are for older people, people with disabilities, pregnant people, those with small children and others who need them. Give them up when someone needs one.
When does this apply?
Priority seats are usually at the ends of a carriage, marked with different-coloured seats or stickers. Some people sit there when they are empty, but the basic rule is to stand up as soon as someone who needs the seat gets on.
Why?
Not every need is visible. Japan has a "maternity mark" worn by people in early pregnancy and a red "help mark" showing that the wearer may need support.
What to do
- Offer your seat with a word when someone seems to need it
- Learn to recognise the maternity mark and the help mark
- If your offer is declined, accept it with a smile
Better to avoid
- Fall asleep in a priority seat without paying attention to those around you
Exceptions and differences
Opinions differ slightly on sitting in an empty priority seat, and some people avoid them even when the train is not crowded. For phones, follow each line’s guidance.
Manners can differ by region, facility and generation. Local signs and staff instructions come first.
Check with a quiz
You are sitting in an empty priority seat when a person with a cane gets on. What do you do?
Choose an answer
Sources
- Japanese Customs and Etiquette(opens in a new tab)
- Japanese Manners Do's and Don'ts(opens in a new tab)
- 優先席付近における携帯電話使用マナーを「混雑時には電源をお切りください」に変更します(opens in a new tab)
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This text was written with AI assistance and has not yet been proofread by a person.