Coincidentally, My daughter just returned from Japan yesterday.
On the way home she mentioned riding on the trains and how she would be perfectly happy to sit on the floor if all the seats were taken.
It was that clean.

I surmise that their train wasn't paid for by a "rough take" of its citizens

I surmise that their train wasn't paid for by a "rough take" of its citizens

I have been to Japan nine times.  They are aggressive in boarding commuter trains and at airport lines.  No politeness there.

I have been to Japan nine times.  They are aggressive in boarding commuter trains and at airport lines.  No politeness there.

Really?  I've been all around Japan many times.  While things are crowded, I wouldn't say "no politeness".  You just have to understand things about the culture there, particularly in big and crowded cities like Tokyo.  Did you notice how things are VERY different indoors and outdoors?  I noticed that when I went there the first time.  Outdoors, they have to be a little more assertive as that's what you need to do to get where you're going.  Of stuff like how little old women will push their way to the doors of the trains.  It's not that they aren't being polite, it's that they would get trapped in the train otherwise. 

Try traveling with a bunch of Chinese tourists.  You'll see "no politeness" there! 

Really?  I've been all around Japan many times.  While things are crowded, I wouldn't say "no politeness".  You just have to understand things about the culture there, particularly in big and crowded cities like Tokyo.  Did you notice how things are VERY different indoors and outdoors?  I noticed that when I went there the first time.  Outdoors, they have to be a little more assertive as that's what you need to do to get where you're going.  Of stuff like how little old women will push their way to the doors of the trains.  It's not that they aren't being polite, it's that they would get trapped in the train otherwise. 

Try traveling with a bunch of Chinese tourists.  You'll see "no politeness" there!

You should see what goes on during rush hour at the stations.   

You should see what goes on during rush hour at the stations.

Are you talking Japan or China?

I've been in rush hour trains at large stations like Shinagawa and Yokohama.  I mean, yeah, people are packing in there, but it's not like people are pushing each other aside to get on.  I did notice stuff like where you'd be walking and someone would step on the back of your shoe, bump shoulder, etc.  At first, I would turn and look to apologize if it was me or look for an apology, but people would keep on going.  But that's outdoors.  Indoors, it's a much different story.

Some of the worse I've experienced is in tourist places, like on the train that serves area like Kamakura (the Great Buddha) and Enoshima.  However, the "not polite" people are usually tourists. 

Been in japan multiple times.  the difference between the japanese and the chinese/koreans on trains and other busy places is that the latter will shove to get where they want to go. The former tries to be more respectful, so sort of dues a "nudging push".  99% of the time whenever you see outright rudeness in japan, it's likely to be chinese, and there's A LOT of chinese visitors to japan nowadays.

Been in japan multiple times.  the difference between the japanese and the chinese/koreans on trains and other busy places is that the latter will shove to get where they want to go. The former tries to be more respectful, so sort of dues a "nudging push".  99% of the time whenever you see outright rudeness in japan, it's likely to be chinese, and there's A LOT of chinese visitors to japan nowadays.

those Chinese are everywhere!

Been in japan multiple times.  the difference between the japanese and the chinese/koreans on trains and other busy places is that the latter will shove to get where they want to go. The former tries to be more respectful, so sort of dues a "nudging push".  99% of the time whenever you see outright rudeness in japan, it's likely to be chinese, and there's A LOT of chinese visitors to japan nowadays.

That's what I was saying and noticed as well. 

Learned about the Chinese tour groups on my first trip to Japan.  Their bus would show up and you know it's them because of the super loud swarm coming your way.  Very rude.  No sense of lines or personal space.  We were at an aquarium.  So most people in our group and Japanese tourists waited patiently to view each exhibit.  Not the Chinese.  They forced their way into the line to get their view, take pics, etc.  Some so bold as to even go in the one foot space in between you and the glass aquarium to get their view.  Over many trips to Japan and all over Japan, I've noticed the same.  Friends and strangers alike have noticed, so it's not like I have a huge bias against Chinese. 

Look out for Chinese ladies at the chinatown market.
They'll snatch the money right out of your fingers.

Those Chinese building up in Palolo
One Chinatown enough already!

I have been to Japan nine times.  They are aggressive in boarding commuter trains and at airport lines.  No politeness there.

Lived there for over 14 years....you are absolutely correct... get them around trains @ rush hour and they change like Jekyll and Hyde, especially with "gaijin". Oh wait there's more! How bout the way they drive? Sure, as they cut you off, you'll get a wave of the hand and a "so sorry" head nod. Sure they are really polite and I love them but under certain conditions they can and are very rude. 

I saw politeness and respect for your personal space while standing in line in London when I was there in 1973.

Really?  I've been all around Japan many times.  While things are crowded, I wouldn't say "no politeness".  You just have to understand things about the culture there, particularly in big and crowded cities like Tokyo.  Did you notice how things are VERY different indoors and outdoors?  I noticed that when I went there the first time.  Outdoors, they have to be a little more assertive as that's what you need to do to get where you're going.  Of stuff like how little old women will push their way to the doors of the trains.  It's not that they aren't being polite, it's that they would get trapped in the train otherwise. 

Try traveling with a bunch of Chinese tourists.  You'll see "no politeness" there!

I know Japanese culture.  I am half Japanese. My grandparents moved to Hawaii from Japan.  I had Japanese people trying to cut in line in front of me at the airport.  I can tell the difference between Japanese, Chinese and Korean by their facial features as well as recognize the different languages when they speak.

Really?  I've been all around Japan many times.  While things are crowded, I wouldn't say "no politeness".  You just have to understand things about the culture there, particularly in big and crowded cities like Tokyo.  Did you notice how things are VERY different indoors and outdoors?  I noticed that when I went there the first time.  Outdoors, they have to be a little more assertive as that's what you need to do to get where you're going.  Of stuff like how little old women will push their way to the doors of the trains.  It's not that they aren't being polite, it's that they would get trapped in the train otherwise. 

Try traveling with a bunch of Chinese tourists.  You'll see "no politeness" there!

Being "around" Japan many times and "living" there is a big difference, especially when you speak the language.  They are a very polite and kind people MOST of the time but as with everything there are exceptions to the rule. I lived the culture, speak the language fluently, my wife of 47 years is from Japan and studied their history and culture quite intensely. Live amongst them for 14-15 years straight and as a gaijin, you will come away from the experience quite different than you would if your just visiting for a period of time. Sorry, I disagree with your assessments but respect your observations......

Being "around" Japan many times and "living" there is a big difference, especially when you speak the language.  They are a very polite and kind people MOST of the time but as with everything there are exceptions to the rule. I lived the culture, speak the language fluently, my wife of 47 years is from Japan and studied their history and culture quite intensely. Live amongst them for 14-15 years straight and as a gaijin, you will come away from the experience quite different than you would if your just visiting for a period of time. Sorry, I disagree with your assessments but respect your observations......

The “they are very polite and kind people most of the time” was most of my point. Yeah, there are always exceptions to the rule. Just not quite “no politeness”, at least that I personally observed or experienced.

My comment about understanding the culture was how it was explained to me when I noticed what I thought were differences.  Not that I considered myself some expert. Yeah, some what I experienced would be considered rude if we were in the US. But when in Rome. 

Anyways, the way people explained it that made sense to me, not that it was the absolute truth for everyone. From my sister who was in JET, many of her JET friends, folks who have done 3-5 year tours in Japan, etc. None with your extensive resume and expertise on the matter, but I’ve also had the same discussion with folks that are from Japan, including my GF (born and raised there, but lived in US almost a third of her life and her family. 

I understand that everyone has different tolerance for things. While I am generally laid back, I absolutely hate crowds and lines, which isn’t a good combination for Asia.

Well, I have a chance to test my tolerance for what happens in rush hour trains as I’ll be going back there for work soon. I’ll be going to work everyday via the train. Shinagawa to Yokosuka and Shinjuku, so some pretty large and packed stations. 

I haven't been to Japan for quite a while.  Do they still have those white gloved train attendants that push you in so the doors can close?  Packed like sardines during rush hour.

I haven't been to Japan for quite a while.  Do they still have those white gloved train attendants that push you in so the doors can close?  Packed like sardines during rush hour.

Yup, sure do....