Shoulder Sleepers

While riding the train in Tokyo, it was quite common to see passengers fall asleep while sitting upright. Often times, the sleeper would slip over to one side, even resting upon their neighbor's shoulder. So it seemed that sleeping in public places is not only common, but perfectly acceptable. This also appears to be common in business meetings as well. On our last day in Tokyo, some of the dignitaries joined us, and it surprised me to see several "catnapping" during the presentations. Some said that they were actually listening, and closing their eyes meant that they were listening very intently. Even when visiting the Superintendent of Schools, one of the Principals was snoozing away, or should I saw "listening intently". Call it what you will, but here in America--it's sleeping! And even more surprising, it seemed that this was no big deal and implied that they must be working hard to fall asleep in such working environments. At least in meetings you aren't bobbing your head side to side like on the train, drooling on your chin and neighbor. Sleeping while standing on the train is an art (I had a hard enough time just standing, much less snoozing as well). I saw one guy make a little "pillow" with his head, resting his head against his arm while grabbing on to the dangling handles above him. Maybe sleeping is just a way to avoid talking to anyone as no one makes eye contact or even acknowledges one another. I'll search my photo archive for a pic of a train sleeper....but for now, excuse me, I think it's time for some zzzzzzz's....