Tokyo Metro Railway Bylaws

[Addy]

Hello,

 

I am seeking assistance on help with railway bylaws on the Tokyo Metro system.

 

I record automated announcements (as one of the forum members on here from Adelaide knows only too well!), and am looking at travelling to Tokyo to do this. I went to the Tokyo Metro website, and they have no option for email contact, much less provide any information on this subject.

 

I would like to persue my hobby, and most likely would not have any trouble travelling on trains and recording announcements, but I seeking some assurance that I can actually do this, before I book non-refundable flight tickets! Also, having read the bylaws for Hong Kong, and after specifically mentioning my activity couldnt be pursued if it was a commercial activity, also have stated this applies personally (it doesnt state this).

 

Would there be anybody here who could shed some light on this subject. Any assistance, or even Metro contact info, would be appreciated.

 

Regards,

Addy

[ToniBabelony]

IIRC, there is no persecution on this when the material is not used for a commercial product. There are a LOT of people who record announcements and so on here in Japan, and I have yet to hear about someone being arrested for doing so. In general, the companies are quite tolerant with train fans (providing they behave themselves).

[nartak]

As Toni-san mentions, there should be no issue for just recording the announcement at the station.

Just few tips to avoid any unnecessary issue...

1. Avoid doing it on peak-hours and at busy stations.
2. I know you want locate microphone close to speaker but look around and make sure your standpoint is not bothering other passengers.
3. Enjoy recorded sound personally and not for commercial purpose.
4. Please be polite as much to avoid any issue with other passengers...

[Addy]

Thank you Toni and Nartak for your replies, I shall take all of this on board. I seems overall that Japan is far more rail fan friendly. I'll avoid the peak, thats for sure.

 

Out of interest, I know that the onboard announcements are bi/multi ligual, but what about the stations? Are they only in Japanese, or is english used on these as well?

[E231-500]

Hiya Addy!

 

On my last trip I noticed that the only Bi Lingual platform announcements on the JR network in Tokyo I heard was at stations where the Narita Express operates. I cant remeber if they do on the Shinkansen platforms but locals can probably elaborate more on this.

 

They are definatly more accepting of railfans in Japan than they are here in Australia (especially when you mention your a driver from overseas). Just be sure to follow nartak's guide.

 

Im looking forward to hearing what you come back with......Only wish I was going with you :)

[Guest keio6000]

I would suggest that you pre-print a piece of paper explaining what you are doing and for what purposes that you can hand to a staff member who might question you.   Probably you won't need it, but it can't hurt to do this.

[Addy]

Hiya E321-500 and Keio6000 and thanks for your assistance with my query, shall take all your comments on board (so as to speak!).

 

I must agree with you E321-500, even from the short thread, I can already see that Japan is far more accepting of railfans. Even better than some of the operators we have back here in Australia, particularly Adelaide :)

[bikkuri bahn]

As nartak mentioned, avoid the peak hours and busy sections- I suggest early morning runs before 7am, those passengers you encounter are more reticent and less chatty then (often being alone), and there is less chance of babbling/screaming kids ruining your recordings.

[Addy]

Thats a good idea Nartak, I could always do an "anti peak" trip to a terminus in the morning (if there is such a situation on the Metro), then start heading back after the peak, until the afternoon rush starts. I have often found that the best time to record is in the early morning. Most people do stick to themselves with the workday ahead. I dont what school children are like on trains in Tokyo, but they are horrible on the trains in Australia.