10 Things Japanese People Do on Their Phones During Train Commutes

In modern Japanese society, commuting by train has become a part of daily life for many people. Thanks to the widespread use of smartphones, this commuting time is not just a period of transit but has transformed into an opportunity for information gathering, entertainment, and communication. Many Japanese commuters utilize their smartphones to make their daily lives more efficient and enjoyable. This ranking presents the top 10 activities that Japanese people engage in on their smartphones during train commutes, based on a survey conducted by BizHits involving 500 men and women who commute by train.

10 Common Pastimes for Train Commuters

1. Scrolling on Social Media
2. Checking the News/Weather
3. Playing Mobile Games
4. Messaging/Emailing
5. Earning Pocket Money/Doing Side Jobs
6. Watching Videos
7. Listening to Music/Radio
8. Reading
9. Online Shopping
10. Browsing Websites

1. Scrolling on Social Media

The most common activity during train commutes is browsing and posting on social media, with 199 respondents ranking it first. Many people check celebrity posts on Instagram or catch up on friends' updates on Facebook and Twitter during their commute. As a convenient tool for obtaining information while traveling, social media allows commuters to effectively utilize their travel time, with many taking advantage of its convenience. Additionally, using social media is an easy way to stay updated on news and trends; many people check real-time updates about events that occurred overnight or breaking news during their morning commutes.

2. Checking the News/Weather

Coming in a close second with 194 respondents is checking news and weather updates. This indicates that many commuters use their smartphones to stay informed about the latest news and forecasts while traveling. Particularly among younger generations, it has become rare to see people reading newspapers on trains; instead, they use news sites or portals for quick access to current events, stock market trends, and more during their commute.

3. Playing Mobile Games

Many short games have been released recently that are perfect for quick play during brief commutes. Commuters often play games to level up or collect login bonuses, which motivates them to continue playing regularly during their travels. Even those with shorter commutes of 10-15 minutes can enjoy these quick games as a way to have fun while commuting.

4. Messaging/Emailing

Ranking fourth is messaging and emailing, revealing that many commuters check work emails or send texts via LINE or other platforms during their travels. Many utilize their smartphones not only for personal communication but also for professional correspondence.

Responses like "I check the news while commuting, then message my family on LINE when I head home" illustrate how the purpose of smartphone use can vary depending on the time of day.

5. Earning Pocket Money/Doing Side Jobs

It was revealed that many people use their commuting time for activities like survey monitoring or side jobs through crowdsourcing platforms—often referred to as "poi-katsu." By answering surveys or participating in quizzes to earn points, individuals can gradually generate extra income.

Additionally, some individuals engage in writing or data entry through crowdsourcing sites via their smartphones, effectively utilizing their commute time for work tasks.

6. Watching Videos

Ranking sixth is watching videos; commuters reported using platforms like YouTube or Netflix during travel times. These platforms provide a wide range of content from entertainment to educational material, making them popular choices for passing the time while commuting.

7. Listening to Music/Radio

Seventh place goes to listening to music or radio shows; many commuters enjoy music or podcasts while traveling. Some relax by listening to music while others gather information through podcasts about news or specific topics.

8. Reading

In eighth place, 37 respondents reported enjoying e-books, online novels, and manga during their commutes thanks to apps like Kindle that allow easy access to numerous works.

9. Online Shopping

Ninth place is shopping; 20 respondents indicated they browse online shops or check product reviews during their commute.

10. Browsing Websites

Finally, some commuters spend time checking favorite blogs, websites, or forums during travel times—many enjoying this opportunity to gather information tailored to their interests.

Conclusion

This ranking highlights the diverse purposes for which Japanese people utilize smartphones during train commutes—fulfilling various needs such as information gathering, communication, and entertainment while transforming travel time into meaningful experiences. The smartphone serves as a tool for self-expression as well as relaxation through activities like listening to music or reading e-books. Overall, it can be said that train commuting in Japan is increasingly becoming enriched through smartphone usage.