Backpacks, as the word suggests, are designed to be carried on people's backs. But there are a growing number of people in Japan who hold these bags in front, especially on trains and buses.

For several years railways have been urging passengers to place their backpacks on baggage racks or carry them on their front when on crowded trains to prevent the bags getting in the way of people standing behind them, as the holders are often unaware of what is happening outside their view.

The calls have become part of their promotional activities to discourage bad manners while riding on trains and other forms of transportation in densely populated regions.