Why Do Japanese People Sleep on Trains (And Nobody Steals Their Stuff)?

In many Western cultures, sleeping in public or at work might be seen as lazy. In Japan, it is often viewed socially as a badge of honor—a sign that you have been working so hard that you are exhausted. It is socially accepted to nap on trains, in cafes, and sometimes even during boring meetings (as long as you wake up when called!).

The fact that people can fall into a deep sleep with their wallets and phones exposed is another testament to Japan’s safety. No one worries about being robbed while they nap. If a stranger falls asleep on your shoulder, don’t panic. Gently nudging them or simply tolerating it until your stop is the kind, local way to handle it.