“Inside the Fascinating Job of Pushers: Why People Are Hired to Shove Passengers into Trains in Japan”
It is a well-known fact that Japan has one of the busiest and most efficient train systems in the world. Millions of commuters rely on the train every day to get to work or school, and the stations can get extremely crowded during peak hours. To ensure that everyone can get on the train in time, Japan has a unique solution to the overcrowding problem: people are hired to push people inside trains.
Known as “oshiya” in Japanese, these people are responsible for squeezing as many passengers as possible inside the trains. They are typically stationed at the busiest stations during rush hour and are trained to use a combination of physical force and verbal communication to get people to move further inside the train.
While the idea of being pushed inside a train may seem uncomfortable or even dangerous, oshiya are highly trained professionals who know how to handle the situation with utmost care. They wear white gloves to avoid touching passengers inappropriately, and they use their bodies to create a safe and stable environment for everyone on the train.
The practice of hiring oshiya has been around since the early 20th century, and it is a testament to Japan’s commitment to efficiency and order. The country has one of the lowest rates of train accidents in the world, and the oshiya play a crucial role in ensuring that everyone gets to their destination safely and on time.
That being said, the practice of hiring oshiya has been the subject of some controversy over the years. Some people argue that it is a dehumanizing job that exploits workers and puts them at risk of injury. Others argue that it is a necessary part of life in Japan and that the oshiya are highly respected members of society.
In recent years, some train companies have started to experiment with new technologies to reduce the need for oshiya. For example, some trains now have digital screens that show passengers where they can stand to create more space inside the train. Others have implemented new boarding procedures that help to reduce the crush of passengers at peak hours.
In conclusion, the practice of hiring oshiya to push people inside trains in Japan is a unique aspect of Japanese culture that reflects the country’s commitment to efficiency and order. While it may seem uncomfortable or even dangerous to some, the oshiya are highly trained professionals who play a crucial role in ensuring that everyone gets to their destination safely and on time. As technology continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how the role of the oshiya evolves and whether new solutions can be found to reduce the need for them.
