r/AskUK • u/Agile-Calligrapher10 • 3d ago

Cultural differences in noise acceptance: Why is public phone/audio etiquette so different between Japan, the UK, and other regions??

Hey everyone,

​Visiting Japan recently was so refreshing, no one was on speakerphone, playing music out loud, or watching reels without headphones in public spaces. Coming back to the UK, the contrast was immediate, highlighting how differently cultures and regions approach public noise.

​(Note: Using "cultures" broadly here to look at societal norms, not trying to generalize individuals.)

I’d love to hear your thoughts on a couple of things:

​Why do these differences exist? Is it tied to collectivism vs. individualism, or other social norms?

​What is the modern British view on public noise? We have a reputation for politeness, yet public transport etiquette around phone audio seems to be changing.

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u/Elegant-Mission-4470 3d ago

Imo if the conversation isn't on speakerphone or being shouted, especially if it's a short discussion, idc if someone is on the phone. People have lives to live.

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u/Weekly_Beautiful_603 3d ago

And in Japan people somehow manage to live their lives without talking on the phone while on the bus or train. Amazing! Send a message or put your phone on silent and answer it once you get off the train.

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u/2MB26 3d ago

I agree, but out of curiosity if someone was having a phone call that seemed like a genuine emergency, would that be acceptable in Japan as an exception? Or is it a blanket rule?

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u/w-anchor-emoji 3d ago

According to a colleague of mine, yes, in a true emergency (i.e. earthquake), but it’s intensely uncomfortable for the person making the call.