A recent study from a Japanese railway association shows that coughing and sneezing were the biggest annoyances on trains. A total of 5,314 passengers responded to a survey on behaviour and manners on trains and at stations. "Coughing and sneezing without consideration for others" topped the list of passenger gripes. The association said the effects of the coronavirus pandemic "may have ingrained the importance of consideration for others as a norm". It added: "People…feel greater anxiety than before the pandemic when someone nearby coughs or sneezes without…a mask."

The railway association has conducted polls since 1999 to gauge passengers' opinions. It hopes to promote better behaviour on trains. In addition to coughing and sneezing, other sources of irritation on trains included people stretching their legs, people not moving over to make space, and noisy conversations. Strong scents from perfume and "poor manners during boarding and alighting such as blocking doors" were fourth and fifth on the list. The number of people on Japan's trains increased this year due to more tourists visiting Japan.