Why Japan's Rail Workers Can't Stop Pointing at Things - Atlas Obscura

i appreciated the detail about the importance of training on this cultural trait because it feels odd and counter intuitive to so publicly point and make a show.

i think doing what is right or good or better can be easily surpressed by emotions, counter intuitive feelings, or laziness.

training, education and practice can be an important counter effort.

A seemingly silly gesture is done for the sake of safety. Japan's rail system has a well-deserved reputation for being among the very best in the world. Train conductors, drivers and station staff play an important role in the safe and efficient operation of the lines; a key aspect of which is the variety of physical gestures and vocal calls that they perform while undertaking their duties. The system is in place across a number of industries in Japan.