The Japanese take train punctuality very seriously.
Even departing 25 seconds early warrants a formal apology.
But what do you do in Japan if there's a delay of over five hours, an eternity by Japanese commuter standards?
You keep yourself entertained however you can.
Picnic time
According to Sora News 24, Twitter user @Thrill_Junky took a picture of congested conditions on the platform of Tokyo Station. A group of older commuters were sitting in a circle, chatting while having drinks and eating snacks.
東北新幹線全然動いてなくて、改札口は阿鼻叫喚だけど、ホームは諦めて宴会場になってるの草 pic.twitter.com/ZvKiikuvqs
— ちゃび (@Thrill_Junky) June 17, 2018
Translated, it reads:
"When the Tohoku Shinkansen was not moving at all, the ticket gantry area was complete pandemonium but up on the platform people were having a "we've given up" outdoor drinking party."
The group apparently decided not to let their drinks and snacks go to waste, and had an impromptu picnic while waiting for the train service to resume. Commuters at the ticket gates weren't so lucky though.
ちなみにエレスカレーター下るとこう pic.twitter.com/LYLrZ5P2d9
— ちゃび (@Thrill_Junky) June 17, 2018
Tohoku Shinkansen line shut down
The delay was caused on June 17 by a Shinkansen bullet train that suffered an undisclosed mechanical issue while travelling North along the Tohoku Shinkansen line, after leaving Sendai Station.
The conductor decided to stop the train while a team of inspectors carried out checks and fixed the issue.
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However, this meant that the entire Tohoku Shinkansen line was shut down for the duration, thereby forcing passengers to wait at the various stations along the line.
Passengers at Hachinohe Station in the Aomori Prefecture were treated to a spontaneous display from a college gymnastics team.
東北新幹線のホームで学生さんたちがパフォーマンスしてる pic.twitter.com/1r4QnPJTMm
— かか (@hminami_oshi) June 17, 2018
新幹線が運転見合せになり、疲れてる方々に何かできないかと思い自分たちがパフォーマンスしました!
— 瑞貴 (@Ms_mickey7711) June 17, 2018
見てくださった方々ありがとうございました! pic.twitter.com/FiqhiPwaJ6
Twitter user @Ms_mickey7711 said, translated:
"For the people tired during the Shinkansen suspension, we thought about what we could do, and did a performance. Thank you for watching!"
One can only wonder what the Singaporean reaction would be to a train delay of over five hours.
![](https://static.mothership.sg/1/2018/06/Screen-Shot-2018-06-18-at-3.32.31-PM-e1529307180187.png)
Or perhaps it would be better not to.
Top image from Twitter user @Thrill_Junky.
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