It’s a hot trend in China – and a nuisance in Japan. As the Chinese New Year sees more tourists coming to Japan to enjoy a well-earned vacation, Japanese airport officials are asking visitors to watch their suitcase manners. Particularly when it comes to suitcases of the mobile variety.
As I’ve written before, complaints over tourist luggage are becoming increasingly common in Japan. Multiple viral social media posts have groused about luggage on regular and Shinkansen trains blocking aisles and taking up space intended for passengers.
But another unique annoyance is plaguing airports like Narita and Haneda.
Electric suitcases act as miniature people-movers, preventing people from having to walk from point A to point B in sprawling locations like airports. With a speed of 10 to 13kph, they’ve proven especially popular among tourists from China.
They’re also somewhat dangerous. On top of the danger of running into other passengers, people can lose their balance and take nasty spills.
"Noah [at Unseen Japan] put together an itinerary that didn’t lock us in and we could travel at our own pace. In Tokyo, he guided us personally on a walking tour. Overall, he made our Japan trip an experience not to forget." - Kate and Simon S., Australia
The devices have proven a nuisance outside of airports, too. Last year, police in Osaka charged a woman for riding an electric suitcase on a sidewalk. Riding the device violates Japan’s motor vehicle laws, as it’s not legally classified as an e-scooter. It also violates the law around motorized vehicles on the sidewalk, which are only allowed for certain devices that restrict their top speed to 6kph.
The devices are such an annoyance, says ANN, that Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and Kansai International Airport have both banned their use within terminals.
Neither Haneda nor Narita outright ban the devices. However, both are asking passengers not to use them within the terminals.
Despite this, NTV spotted multiple travelers riding the devices around Haneda. Maybe a ban – and a fine – are in order.
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