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unsung heroes of japan (1)



The Man Under The Platform


While walking along the platform of your local train station, have you ever wondered what's going on beneath your feet?

No, neither have I.

However, I recently discovered that there is a man down there performing a very important role.



For it is his job to ensure that the wheels of incoming trains are perfectly aligned with the tracks on which they come in on.

The slightest discrepancy or irregularity will be immediately addressed by the man under the platform, thereby guaranteeing the smooth continuation of an impeccable nationwide service.

During the rush hour, they usually work in pairs....


Two men under a platform waiting for the 7.57 bound for Tokyo.


Rarely spoken of and seldom seen, the man under the platform does not seek the limelight, nor recognition.

Instead, he simply goes about his duty responsibly and diligently, with the sole aim of ensuring that those using the train service can do so secure in the knowledge that the width of the track will be precisely the same as the distance between the wheels of the train on which they are travelling. No wider. No narrower.


A bullet train arriving perfectly as the man under the platform looks on.
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On Monday, 08 February, 2010, Blogger Katie said:

That is service! I hope the wheels don't have the same ungodly screech as NYC subway trains, or else deafness would be listed as a job health risk.

Maybe they can get leaf watchers in the UK so that trainlines can function equally well in autumn as in spring. Damn leaves.  



On Monday, 08 February, 2010, Anonymous Anonymous said:

Thanks god the platform men are there, otherwise we would have more of this:
Messed up train  



On Tuesday, 09 February, 2010, Blogger owenandbenjamin said:

I for one thank those unsung heroes.  



On Tuesday, 09 February, 2010, Anonymous Invader_Stu said:

Where do I sign up?  



On Tuesday, 09 February, 2010, Anonymous Thomas said:

That´s a great job even if the rain is coming :-) Lovely Pictures  



On Sunday, 14 February, 2010, Blogger Harp said:

But surely having a post devoted entirely to them on this august blog means the man under the platform is now very well sung indeed!?  



On Wednesday, 17 February, 2010, Anonymous adrian said:

i had NO IDEA such a job existed, or that men actually hang out under the tracks all day doing that! thanks for posting, it's really interesting  



On Sunday, 21 February, 2010, Blogger Call me A.S for AkiraSabine said:

Very noble job.
No automatic real-time system monitoring or such even in high tech country Japan?  



On Sunday, 28 February, 2010, Blogger ~ A grassland girl~ said:

Interesting posts! My best friends is living in Osaka:) Good luck there!

Cheers.  



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