Shinkansen Etiquette: What the Wanda Nara Incident Teaches Us About Japanese Train Manners

What happened on the Shinkansen?

Question: who were Wanda Nara and Martín Migueles, and why did they spark headlines in Japan? Wanda Nara is a well-known Argentine media personality and model, and Martín Migueles accompanied her 恩 (on, debt of gratitude; obligation) a trip to Japan reported on 30 March 2026.

Fact: several local passengers publicly reacted with anger after reports and clips circulated online showing the pair acting in ways fellow riders found disruptive on a 新幹線 (Shinkansen, bullet train). For the original report, see Ciudad. Wait, there's more.

How the story spread

Let me show you why social media made it bigger. Clips from other passengers appeared on platforms, and local news picked up the story. That brings us to the cultural angle: Japanese reactions to perceived rudeness tend to be public and persistent.

Why Shinkansen etiquette matters in Japan

No joke: Japan's Shinkansen network carries over 350 million passengers a year on nearly 3,000 kilometres of track. The system runs on tight schedules, and punctuality is expected.

What most people don't know is that the first modern high-speed line, the 東海道新幹線 (Tokaido Shinkansen, Tokaido Shinkansen line), opened in 1964 for the Tokyo Olympics. No wonder, because decades of high-capacity travel created strong unwritten rules about noise, space and respect.

I still remember exactly the moment I learned not to talk on the phone on a train. I was gently scolded by a local, and that lesson stuck. Personally, I think these small rules keep trains calm, which is good for everyone. See what I mean?

Specific rules and cultural context

To be fair, Japan Railways and local guides recommend simple behaviours: keep voices low, set phones to silent, avoid eating strong-smelling foods in reserved seats, and never block aisles.

That reminds me: the Shinkansen can run at speeds up to 320 km/h on some lines. Trains are engineered for stability, but that doesn't excuse inconsiderate actions. Seriously though, respect for public space is a daily cultural practice in Japan, rooted in concepts like on and 和 (wa, harmony), which learners will encounter in language and travel contexts. Wait, there's more.

Practical dos and don'ts for the bullet train

Know that feeling when you squeeze into a tight seat on a long ride? Do take off large backpacks and place them in the overhead rack or in the luggage area behind the carriage. That small act prevents complaints from other riders.

Let me show you why phone calls are frowned upon: use your phone for browsing or messaging, but don't hold a conversation. Many Japanese prefer silent travel and will notice a loud call instantly.

Dos

Do use reserved seats when you have them. Show consideration during peak hours like Golden Week or New Year. Reply with a quiet ありがとう (arigato, thank you) when someone helps you; it goes a long way. My tip: learn a handful of travel phrases in romaji, like すみません (sumimasen, excuse me; sorry) and arigato; they'll ease interactions.

Don'ts

Don't eat odorous meals in small seats, don't shout or play loud music, and don't put your feet on the seat. That kind of behaviour often triggers complaints from local riders and, in high-profile cases, viral criticism.

Learning from the incident

Direct address: if you're a Japan fan, treat this as a learning moment, not a scandal. The Wanda Nara episode is a vivid example of how private actions in public can become public lessons about cultural norms.

No joke: for language learners, watching these news cycles helps with listening practice and vocabulary in romaji. That brings us to practical resources like JR Central's visitor pages, which list etiquette guidelines. See JR Central for official travel info.

What I especially like is that focusing on small daily habits will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable, and you'll look like a considerate guest. Not bad, right?

Sources

1. Ciudad - Wanda Nara and Martín Migueles Shinkansen report (30 March 2026)
2. JR Central Global - Travel Information