A study from Japan shows that coughing and sneezing were the biggest annoyances on trains. Over 5,000 passengers responded to a survey on behaviour on trains and at stations. Coughing and sneezing topped the list of passenger gripes. A rail association said the effects of the coronavirus pandemic "may have ingrained the importance of consideration for others as a norm". People not wearing a mask added to people's anxiety.

The rail association hopes its polls to gauge passengers' opinions will lead to better behaviour on trains. It said other annoyances on trains included people stretching their legs, people not moving over to make space, noisy conversations, strong perfume and poor manners when getting on and off trains. The number of people riding Japan's trains has increased because of more tourists visiting the country.