Pointing and Calling: Japan’s Railway Safety Technique

A station worker uses pointing and calling to confirm conditions on the platform for the Shinkansen. (© East Japan Railway Company)

The author pointing and calling in the driver’s position of the Chōshi Electric Railway in Chiba in 2024. (© Nishiue Itsuki)

A train conductor uses pointing and calling to confirm door opening and closing. (© East Japan Railway Company)

A maintenance worker uses pointing and calling to check equipment. (© East Japan Railway Company)