Tokyo-Yokohama Information Source

I have seen quite a bit of the world but no where else have I seen train staff undertaking as much action as I have seen here in Japan. I understand they do all these "silly" things for safety reasons - to make sure they are alert and haven't fallen asleep. But it is still very amusing to see all the things they do such as wave, bow, salute, speak to themselves, etc. I understand being a train driver is a difficult job in Japan and making mistakes involves punishment such as having to do garden work for days or cleaning. Considering the responsibility they have of transporting millions of people across Japan everyday I am glad they endure the "silly" things they have to, although I don't see many other drivers around the world doing so. I suppose it is the Japanese pride.