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Why Japan’s Rail Workers Point at Things

atlasobscura.com

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Re: Why Japan’s Rail Workers Point at Things

#71

Post by 13of40 »

jakub_g wrote: post #32

I noticed the problem on myself on several occasions and kind of invented the same solution. For example, sometimes I would take a medicament mechanically while doing something else and just a few minutes later, forget if I took it or not. Solution: say loud to myself "I'm taking a pill". Another: sometimes I'd lend some amount money to a colleague, and a few weeks later I'd have a hard time figuring whether they gav…

Whenever I need to remember to do a one-off thing in the morning, I just leave my car keys next to (or under) something that will remind me. That way I literally can't leave without remembering to do it.

Re: Why Japan’s Rail Workers Point at Things

#72

Post by spectistcles »

saulrh wrote: post #60
DonHopkins wrote: post #48

I have a strict rule that I must touch my keys before closing the front door, because I discovered the keys in my memory don't open the door as well as the keys in my pocket.

Same. I have a "keys-wallet-phone-pad" routine in which I make sure my pockets contain all of: my keys, my wallet, my cell phone, and the 7-inch tablet that I carry everywhere. I've gotten into the habit of doing it every time I get up if I'm not at home or at my desk at work.

spectacles testicles wallet & watch (originally a joke about the sign of the cross, but it's how I remember everything when I leave and also some fun blasphemy for the whole family)

Re: Why Japan’s Rail Workers Point at Things

#73

Post by jnordwick »

saulrh wrote: post #60
DonHopkins wrote: post #48

I have a strict rule that I must touch my keys before closing the front door, because I discovered the keys in my memory don't open the door as well as the keys in my pocket.

Same. I have a "keys-wallet-phone-pad" routine in which I make sure my pockets contain all of: my keys, my wallet, my cell phone, and the 7-inch tablet that I carry everywhere. I've gotten into the habit of doing it every time I get up if I'm not at home or at my desk at work.

I do the almost the exact same thing, minus the pad. I repeat "keys, wallet, phone" (in that order) as I touch each one when I'm leaving.

Bonus, when you get into a good enough habit of doing this, you even do it automatically when you're drunk.

Re: Why Japan’s Rail Workers Point at Things

#74

Post by inetknght »

mrschwabe wrote: post #59

In Saitama I saw an old guy on a pedal bike (not a train) who did this the other day! In fact, I made a note specifically to ask a Nihon friend just what the hell he was doing (so I'll just ask HN instead)... I understand stopping at an intersection and looking both ways. But making a specific pointing gesture and verbally calling out while doing it I thought was just a bit odd. Particularly cause he was the only per…

On the other hand, if you're looking directly at a vehicle and _pointing_ at the vehicle, you're more likely to actually _interact_ with the driver of the vehicle if they're alert. If they point back, you know they see you. If they don't, did they truly see you or do you just assume they did? Now you're more alert than you were before.

Re: Why Japan’s Rail Workers Point at Things

#77

Post by kalleboo »

saulrh wrote: post #60
DonHopkins wrote: post #48

I have a strict rule that I must touch my keys before closing the front door, because I discovered the keys in my memory don't open the door as well as the keys in my pocket.

Same. I have a "keys-wallet-phone-pad" routine in which I make sure my pockets contain all of: my keys, my wallet, my cell phone, and the 7-inch tablet that I carry everywhere. I've gotten into the habit of doing it every time I get up if I'm not at home or at my desk at work.

I used to have a doormat that said "mobile phone, keys, wallet" (in Swedish) https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/7f/58/df/7f58...

These days I just tap my pockets. I freak out if I do that check when I happen to be holding onto my phone or keys

Re: Why Japan’s Rail Workers Point at Things

#78

Post by FabHK »

d0mine wrote: post #52

> pointing-and-calling is known to reduce workplace errors by up to 85 percent, according to one 1996 study. If it is supported only by one study; it seems like cargo-culting: performing a ritual without a solid proof that it actually works.

Another quote from the article:

> According to MTA spokeswoman Amanda Kwan, conductors were quick to adapt to the new system, and within two years of implementation, incidents of incorrectly berthed subways fell 57 percent.

Re: Why Japan’s Rail Workers Point at Things

#80

Post by JackFr »

JohnJamesRambo wrote: post #20
Jill_the_Pill wrote: post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Wow, my reaction is exactly the opposite. Good on the Japanese railways for employing intelligent and responsible adults to care for everyone's safety instead of cheaping out with cameras and computers. These are solid, respectable jobs, and it means there will always be competent people around to help when things go awry.

Should a human being have his life's work be forty years of checking if bags are caught in a door? Modern society is weird. Automation can free us from humans having to be automatons.

You can't let go of the American upper middle class conceit that you are your job. Many people find meaning, worth and dignity outside the workplace.
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