ネイティブが教える英会話のジェムスクール☆Teachers☆

I have noticed that on long-distance, crowded buses and trains (bullet train, etc,) here in Japan, that there are quite a few people that place their luggage on an adjacent and open (free) seat next to them. It appears that the person does not wish for anybody to sit next to them, so they occupy the nearby seat with a piece of luggage.

My observation has apparently been noticed by at least one bus company in Japan. While traveling on a special bus recently, I saw a sign located in front of the seat behind the bus driver. The sign clearly stated (in Japanese) that you should not leave your luggage on the seats, and to remove it if somebody needs the seat. The person sitting there had luggage on the empty seat, and the bus was full. The driver politely notified the passenger that they would have to remove their luggage so that somebody could sit there.

Possibly a sign on the train is next.