In Tokyo this can only mean two things: earthquake or 'human accident' (read suicide). So when the train was late the other day I knew which one it was, given there hadn't been a quake and was standing at the platform contemplating this poor person's fate. Normally when 'accidents' happen there is a bit of disruption but the Japanese are pretty efficient at cleaning up. This time however things were different. The woman who jumped hit the top of the train and bounced off at high speed shooting through the open door of the nearby shop kiosk. Blimey! Feel bad for those customers who was just buying their morning latte when they were bowled over by a flying dead body. Pretty disturbing.
It's a sad fact that Tokyo has a ridiculously high suicide rate with over 30,000 per year. That's over 80 people a day, with a lot opting for the subway to do the job. So much so that some stations have put in blue lights as colour psychologists believe this has a calming effect as it reminds us of the sky and sea and apparently makes us think and reflect. Different lines also have higher suicide rates due to the speed of the train and also the amount it costs the family of the deceased for the clean up. Some lines cost more than others. Can't help but think they should probably look at why people feel the need to commit suicide rather than changing light bulbs to more mellow colours. That and install high barriers and keep kiosk doors closed.
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