“Manner Mode” in Japan is the functional equivalent to silent mode elsewhere. Whether you’re about to grab a seat at a movie, hop on a train or bus, or settle down for an exam, it’s common to hear reminders requesting patrons to switch their mobiles to “manner mode.”

Navigating Manner Mode

Activating manner mode is straightforward – it involves just a few keypresses. This function could set your phone to vibrate, or, if you prefer, complete silence. Personally, I find “manner mode” to be a more appealing term than “silent mode,” as it underscores the joie de vivre of demonstrating good manners in public.

In many countries, the presence of a ringtone or notification alerts in public spaces is commonplace and largely accepted. Yet, in Japan, the use of mobile sounds in public areas is infrequent.

Manner Mode as a Norm in Japan

In Japan, activating manner mode extends beyond traditional settings such as offices, schools, or cinemas. It is often used when out and about in public, minimizing disturbances to others due to unexpected mobile alerts. I make it a point to activate “manner mode” when stepping out; receiving a call or notification without it being engaged invokes unwelcome attention.

But what if you have your earphones plugged in? You can still hear notification sounds if your phone is connected, despite the “manner mode” being on.

Ending One-Sided Public Phone Conversations

Few experiences are more irritating than being a captive audience to someone’s single-sided phone conversation in an enclosed space. Annoyingly, such situations aren’t uncommon while waiting for a flight, or traveling by bus or train, except in Japan.

Here, public phone conversations are more the exception than the rule, usually by foreign tourists unfamiliar with the local custom of “Manner Mode”. Today’s commuting scene in Japan is predominantly silent with everyone maintaining their mobiles in “manner mode.”

“Manner Mode”: A Solution to a Commuting Migraine

This simple feature brings an end to one of the major irritants of commuting life. While explicit phone usage on trains or buses is frowned upon for various reasons in Japan, switching to “manner mode” solves the issue.

In conclusion, I’m of the firm belief that culturally adopting the “manner mode” idea worldwide would be a considerable step forward. It not only sounds better than “silent mode” but also strongly emphasizes the significance of observing civic manners in public.