Japanese “etiquette police” take on bus foulers

Yokohama transit types, beware the Smile-Manners Squadron!

From a recent BBC article:

…transport authorities in Yokohama – a port city south of Tokyo – have appointed a team of manners enforcers, the Smile-Manner Squadron, to try to curb … bad behaviour.

The team is mostly made up of over-60s, well acquainted with the standards of conduct associated with the “old Japan”.

But many of these enforcers will be accompanied by younger bodyguards, should their etiquette advice – diplomatically given, of course – not prove welcome.

(Thanks for the link, Chris!)

Apparently, Yokohamans commit some of the same bus fouls as residents of our fair city.

… failing to offer your seat to pregnant and elderly people, chatting loudly on mobile phones, applying make-up in public, and listening to music on “leaky” headphones.

I’ve been itching to issue citations for these (and other) transit transgressions for years. Anyone down to play bodyguard?