Hierarchy inside the car

[Bright]

One of my tutor told me most of Japanese business men in Japan have drivers for their own. And usually the business man would choose to sit the, I can't remember which exactly it is, Left hand on rear seats or right hand.
Is that true? Why?
Will the driver feel lonely in the front seat? If there is three business men with a driver in a 4-seats wagon, will there be a certain ranking about who sit where. The poorest one must be put beside the driver! Isn't it?

 

[GaijinPunch]

Japanese are particular about their seats. In a business situation, the most senior person always sits furthest from the door. I assume the big guy is sitting in the back in the car scenario.

 

[jeisan]

arent there doors on either side though...

 

[Mandylion]

I've been told the highest chap sits directly behind the driver and the lowest up front - don't quote me on that...

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

Seating order in a taxi

http://dmail.foo.ne.jp/manners/b3_4.html



It is the seat of honor from 窶｡窶 1 sequentially

 

[Bright]

This is cool. We should paste this "Seating order map" on every taxi in Japan.
Japanese try to build a no-class society and actually they do, the income gap between Richest and poorest is not as big as in US. But the hierarchy things is so vivid. Strange.

 

[epigene]

This is cool. We should paste this "Seating order map" on every taxi in Japan.
Japanese try to build a no-class society and actually they do, the income gap between Richest and poorest is not as big as in US. But the hierarchy things is so vivid. Strange.

It stems from Japan's Confucian tradition (respect for elders). This is a variation that derives from traditional seating arrangement inside a room, with the eldest or highest-ranking person seated closest to the "tokonoma," etc. You can see this also in seating arrangements at weddings.

Korea has its own, too, because the two countries share the same tradition. (I don't know whether it still is observed in China, where Confucianism originated--maybe lost with the Communist regime??)

BTW, it isn't so strictly observed now, especially when a female is involved. I usually got the No. 1 spot in a taxi, even in the company of higher-ranking persons. Family seating order is not observed in daily life either, except in very official functions.

 

[Bright]

Just a question about the Seating order in a taxi map:
Why is there not a strict sequence from the top dog to the third person? But the No 3 sitting between 1 and 2 in the rear seats.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Just a question about the Seating order in a taxi map:
Why is there not a strict sequence from the top dog to the third person? But the No 3 sitting between 1 and 2 in the rear seats.

I noticed that too, maybe its because 3 and 4 are the most likely to go flying out of the front window if the car crashs while 1 and 2 are tucked nicely behind a protective seat ? Heh, ok that was a silly and potentially insulting comment i confess but it probably has somthing to do with Japan's Confucian tradition like epigene said :115: .

 

[epigene]

Just a question about the Seating order in a taxi map:
Why is there not a strict sequence from the top dog to the third person? But the No 3 sitting between 1 and 2 in the rear seats.

I think it's obvious if you were to get into a taxi. No. 1 can get in first and take a seat comfortably by the window. No. 2 is also by the window but on the curb side, requiring that the person be the last of the 3 to get in and first to get out. No. 3 is cramped between two big shots.
No. 4 takes a comfortable seat but is considered just a leg up (correct phrase?) from the driver/chauffeur.

 

[Carlson]

well in the Air Force Regs.. the ranking individual last to enter the car so he is first to exit.

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

well in the Air Force Regs.. the ranking individual last to enter the car so he is first to exit.

Is that so he's the first to get shot if there should be any trouble?

EDIT: Sorry, I misunderstood that quote. But it made sense to me to think that the senior official would stay the longest in the relative safety of the car in the military.

 

[Carlson]

it not only for safety but just common courtesy

 

[chen-zhang]

The siting rule in Japan is much the same in china, I had thought it is right eveywhere, Now i'm very curious about how people deal with such things in western countries?

 

[Katrean Shard]

I didn't know this!
I am used to thinking that the front seat, next to the driver, is the best seat in a car, because you get the best view, and plenty of leg room. So I shall be happy to be the lowest ranking person!

well in the Air Force Regs.. the ranking individual last to enter the car so he is first to exit.

I didn't know this, either. When I consider, it makes sense. He is supposed to set the example of the first person to risk the danger, is that correct? (Or maybe that is my imagination...!)

 

[JerseyBoy]

Do Japanese taxis have decent leg room for the back seats? If it is the size of USA version of Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, the leg rooms are less than ideal. I consider the shot gun (the front passenger seat) as the best seat in the car (unless you are in the some war zones).

What's up with #3 guy on that taxi seating map? In US, we call it a ***** seat (sorry for a coarse choice of word). That seat is very uncomfortable. If I have to take #3 seat, I will demote myself to #4 to set in a shot gun. Of course, after the ride, I will request my boss to put me in my original ranking.

 

[トラちゃん1]

This is interesting, never heard of this before.

 

[KYOTO ROSE]

The siting rule in Japan is much the same in china, I had thought it is right eveywhere, Now i'm very curious about how people deal with such things in western countries?

This response is from the United States...
In a taxi situation (especially in New York City) you would get into the car as quickly as possible without thinking of rank/age at all. The last person into the taxi might be the one helping children or elders that need help only.
If you are two to three adults traveling--the one who knows where to direct the driver might not want to sit behind the driver because it would be easier to communicate from the middle or opposite seat.
It is similar, to the East, with sitting next to the driver in the front--but for a different reason; there is always a slight underlying "fear" of strangers! Only if a large group were traveling by taxi and by no possible means could all fit in the rear seats would the unluckiest or slowest person be forced to sit up front next to the driver!
If traveling by private car with a friend/relative as the driver--the seat next to them is the most coveted for comfort and unofficial rank. People are sometimes known to "fight" for the seat next to the driver and sometimes engage in a "game" of calling out who gets that seat as the group approaches the car. The first person to yell "shotgun" wins the seat! I'm not sure of the exact historical reference to the term "sitting shotgun" but I think it has to do with military and/or Western tradition/philosophy that your shotgun should always be by your side. This is my best guess!
As you can see--it has been a long time since the majority of us lived with respect to rank or age in this country--it is no longer "natural" or habit to think or live our daily lives that way. It's kind of sad to me. Don't lose your traditional "unwritten laws" of respect--they are beautiful!