Why does everyone stand on the left in Tokyo but on the right in Osaka?
There is a custom of standing on one side of an escalator and leaving the other open for people passing by. In Tokyo, people generally stand on the left; in Osaka, they generally stand on the right.
It's local convention, not law. Each region settled on a default side, and people copy whoever's there, so the habit sticks and differs by city.
Why — five layers
The custom initially spread through signs and by watching others, then became a local standard as people adapted to those around them. This is why different customs remain in Tokyo and Osaka.
It is not an official rule established by law or railway companies. It spread as a custom among passengers in each region.
Several explanations have been proposed, including the influence of Osaka's 1970 Expo and older regional walking customs. The precise cause is unknown, however, and today's difference is thought to have arisen from a combination of factors.
International view
Some places outside Japan also leave one side of escalators open. In London, for example, people stand on the right and leave the left for walkers. Japan has the unusual regional difference that Tokyo and Osaka use opposite standing sides.
But not always
In recent years, more railway companies have asked passengers not to walk on escalators and to stand on both sides for safety. Nevertheless, the custom of leaving one side open continues in many places.
What to do
Just glance at which side locals stand on and match them. If unsure, stand still and hold the rail; don't block the open side.
Sources
- Escalator safety campaigns; regional etiquette testimony
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