On October 10th, a post on China's social media platform Xiaohongshu (RED) titled "I really feel like cutting in line in Japan" sparked a significant reaction.

The woman who posted uploaded photos taken inside a Japanese subway station. The photos show people lined up in a single file to use stairs in a narrow passageway. Since the stairs are narrow, barely wide enough for two people to stand side-by-side, people ascend one by one, leaving the right side open so that those coming down can pass. Furthermore, even in the passageway at the bottom of the stairs, they form a line while leaving the right side open, anticipating people coming down.

The woman stated that "every time I see Japanese people lining up like this, I think, 'there's clearly space on the side (right), so I just want to go straight ahead (without lining up).'". She continued, "But if you look closely, everyone is quietly lining up in a single file. No one is giving instructions, nor are staff members guiding them. It seems everyone considers this to be normal." She concluded, "It's a little frustrating to wait in line, but I have to admit that there is certainly order."

In response to this post, Chinese netizens commented: "This is what I like most about Japan." "I love places with this kind of order." "These aspects of Japan are truly comfortable!! Does anyone else get it? I hate it when everyone rushes to be first." "In reality, this is the most efficient way. If everyone shoves and pushes like in our country, it actually takes more time and is annoying." "When someone cuts in line at Beijing Capital Airport, I truly feel, 'Ah, I'm back (in China)' (cries)."

Additionally, many such comments were made: "What's more, (Japanese people) all line up with proper space between each other. In our country, people stick so close (to prevent others from cutting in) that it's truly annoying!" "When lining up, you should keep your distance from the person in front. In our country, the distance is really too close, and there are even people who try to cut in from the side by exploiting the gaps." "Lining up in Japan gives a sense of security. In most cases, everyone leaves a certain distance from the person in front. Conversely, in our country, it's really frustrating. If you don't stick close to the person in front, you'll be cut off immediately." "When you line up in our country, people stick right behind you, and if you say something, they talk back."

In addition, while there were comments like, "Why would anyone want to cut in line like that?" "I don't understand why Chinese people are so eager to cut in line. It only makes a difference of a few minutes, right?" "In Japan, even in the subway, 'those getting off first, those getting on later' is thoroughly enforced. I've never seen a place in our country where this is done." "Environment shapes behavior. Even people without good manners will quietly line up if they go to Japan (to match their surroundings), but this is impossible here (in China)," there were also users who commented, "If it were me, I'd pretend to be in a hurry and rush up the right side. If someone takes the lead, (the Japanese) will follow."