Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2010

Ever find yourself staring longingly at the not-quite-full train bench in front of you? If only the people on either side would scoot over a bit, you’d be able to rest your aching feet. But as it is, the open space is barely big enough for a pint-sized elementary schooler. Here are some tips on ways to encourage your fellow commuters to open up.

From Tsukin Densha de Suwaru Gijutsu (Techniques for Getting a Seat on a Commuter Train) by Hajime Yorozu (Kanki Shuppan, 2005)