In a surprising but very Japanese twist to everyday commuting, the city of Nagoya is now paying people just to stand on escalators. Yes, really — and they’re not slacking off. These hired “standers” are part of an official government effort to make public spaces safer.
Welcome to the “Nagoya Stand and Stop Corps.”
What is the Stand and Stop Corps?
Nagoya has introduced this unusual job to support a municipal ordinance that encourages people to stop walking on escalators. Why? Safety.
For decades, Japan has followed an unspoken escalator rule:
- In Tokyo and East Japan, stand on the left side, walk on the right.
- In Osaka and West Japan, it’s the reverse.
But as escalator injuries increase, some cities now believe that no one should walk at all, no matter which side. Nagoya is leading the charge by making it official — and even hiring people to stand in place as a reminder.
Why Just Stand There?
To block walkers, members of the Stand and Stop Corps stand on the right side of escalators — the side that walkers typically use — wearing big foam hands with signs that read “Nagoyaka ni STOP shite ne” (“Please stop tranquilly”).
It’s a gentle but firm way to say, “Stop walking.”
These human reminders work in teams of three at different train stations around Nagoya for six-hour shifts.
- The team leader earns 16,000 yen/day (~$100+)
- The other two members earn 6,500 yen/day (~$40+)
And the only skill required? Standing still.
Why Is Nagoya Doing This?
While walking up or down an escalator seems harmless, officials argue it can be risky — especially in crowded spaces.
Supporters of the ordinance believe that standing on both sides:
- Reduces falls and injuries
- Makes escalator use smoother overall, since both lanes are used by standers
A study even suggested that more people get to their destination faster when everyone just stands.
Still, not everyone agrees. Some argue:
- Walking isn’t the problem — running and phone distraction are
- Blocking walkers slows down people in a hurry
- It’s too “overprotective” and unnecessary
Where and How Often?
The Stand and Stop Corps have been deployed at 19 train stations so far in 2024 and are scheduled to continue in 2025. They work about four to five times a month, based on need and location.
The Nagoya government says the results are clear: More people are standing calmly on both sides, and injuries are down.
FAQs
Q1: Why doesn’t Nagoya just put up signs instead of hiring people?
A: They already tried signs — but many people ignored them. The presence of real humans standing on escalators is harder to overlook. Plus, the friendly vibe and quirky uniforms make people more receptive.
Q2: Can I apply for this job if I’m visiting Japan?
A: Not exactly. These are official part-time jobs arranged by the Nagoya city government, mostly for local residents. However, the idea of “standing jobs” is spreading in Japan, so keep an eye out for similar gigs in other cities.
Final Thoughts
In a world rushing to go faster, Nagoya is asking people to slow down — and even paying others to show them how. It might seem silly at first glance, but it’s part of a broader shift toward safe, thoughtful urban design.
Who knows — the next time you’re standing still on an escalator, you might be doing the right thing after all.
