If you're running late for work or school due to a train delay, you are expected to present a ????? Chien Shomeisho (literally, certificate of lateness), shortened to chiensho. The eki-in (??), station employee, at the ticket gates hand these over to those who need to produce them as proof in order to avoid a late ...

In Japan, the rail system operates with such legendary precision that even a minor delay triggers a formal series of events. If a train is delayed by as little as five minutes, the railway company will issue a "delay certificate" (chien shōmei sho). These are small paper slips handed out by station staff or made available digitally on the company's website. They serve as official "tardy slips" for employees and students, who can present them to their bosses or teachers as a valid excuse for being late. Conductors will also make repeated, deeply apologetic announcements over the PA system. If a delay exceeds an hour, it often becomes national news. In 2026, many operators have streamlined this by using GPS-verified electronic chits on mobile apps. For passengers, a significant delay on a Shinkansen (bullet train) may entitle them to a partial or full refund of the express fare if the train arrives more than two hours late. Because many commuters rely on perfectly timed transfers (sometimes just 2-3 minutes apart), even a five-minute delay can derail an entire morning's schedule.