The Sankei Shimbun 
Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) has launched a new initiative using popular manga characters to teach visiting foreigners about Japanese manners. Illustrated message boards, featuring characters from FAIRY TAIL (left) and Attack on Titan (right), have been installed inside Tokyo Station (photo provided by JR Central).
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On April 24, JR Central began displaying boards at major Tokaido Shinkansen stations, offering guidance on Japanese manners through beloved manga characters. A collaboration with publishing giant Kodansha, the campaign coincides with the ongoing Osaka Expo and will run through June 30.
Titled "MANGA MANNERS," the campaign features characters from 17 Kodansha series, including Attack on Titan, FAIRY TAIL, and Sailor Moon. The messages are presented in English to ensure they're accessible to international visitors.
Boards have been installed at Tokyo, Shinagawa, Kyoto, and Shin-Osaka stations. At Nagoya Station, the campaign will appear via digital signage for a limited time. Inside Tokyo Station's Yaesu South Exit, for example, a message featuring Attack on Titan's popular character Captain Levi warns: "When taking photos of the train, stay away from the railings."
Other boards offer reminders like "When using trains or buses, wait in line until your turn to board" and "A bow at a 45-degree angle is customary to show gratitude." JR Central has also printed 20,000 leaflets in English to be distributed at the four participating stations. A company spokesperson noted that if the campaign receives a strong response, additional prints may be considered.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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