Escalator girls › Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

PHOTO BY TARO FUJIMOTO

Wednesday 22nd October, 12:08 PM JST

“Escalator Girls” pose at Odakyu department store in Shinjuku, as part of its renewal opening ceremony on Wednesday morning. Escalator girls used to be very popular attendants for customers at department stores in the 1960s. The escalator girls will greet customers between 12 noon and 8 p.m. through Sunday.

Latest 15 of 58 Total Comments Show All

Spider at 09:35 PM JST - 22nd October

I believe I'll be swinging by Odakyu Deppato more often, just to say hello to the nice Escalator Girls

Indeed. Just makes the day that bit more pleasant.
blvtzpk at 10:21 PM JST - 22nd October

I notice that the photographer has put the - erm - 'less beauty-enhanced' gals as far in the back as possible.
Lieutenant at 10:41 PM JST - 22nd October

So, if one is greeted by an escalator girl, how does one respond?

If you want to be more Japanese, I suggest you ignore them completely. You're better than them.
Farmboy at 10:53 PM JST - 22nd October

Lieutenant, Thank you for your kind teaching. Actually I saw an escalator girl in training once. She stood at the top of the escalator and did full, deep bows at nobody in particular at the top of the escalator. I have no idea if this is part of an overall training program or not...maybe it teaches people to bow formally. You would get plenty of practice, I imagine.
Lieutenant at 10:59 PM JST - 22nd October

Lieutenant, Thank you for your kind teaching

Yeah no problem. It's why I go shopping, so I can be a big man and treat the staff like the dirt they are. There's no need to talk let alone acknowledge them at all. However upon leaving the store, make sure that your bag is acknowledged by complete strangers.
OhioDonna at 12:53 AM JST - 23rd October

Great idea! I love the uniforms.
SiouxGirl at 02:12 AM JST - 23rd October

I have an idea, farmboy: "I've never ridden an elevator before, how do I ..." Followed by a scream as the noob is taken under. ThonTaddeo has it right, "Folks, if you ened to be instructed on how to stand on a walkway without even moving, maybe the adult world is too much for you." Seriously, just say hi to them, wish them a nice day and be thankful you have a regular job.
Blue_Tiger at 03:16 AM JST - 23rd October

They should lose the hats, and let their hair flow freely...
ThonTaddeo at 06:02 AM JST - 23rd October

Black Flag, I like the idea given that there's either going to be human beings or a recording telling people how to use the escalator.

Humans at least can be interacted with, and you can actually inform them that you know where the handrails are, etc., and that peace and quiet would suit you just fine. Try doing that with the ubiquitous talking escalators and elevators that are in every Japanese building and station.
OgieDoggie at 06:18 AM JST - 23rd October

I agree with Blue_Tiger...these girls need to loose the hats (looks like something from the late 1950's) and let the hair flow freely.

Am also sure that they are good at giving directions too. I just hope their not there to push/stuff people unto the Escalator like those guys do at the train stations.
Farmboy at 07:28 AM JST - 23rd October

Siouxgirl,

Complicated devices, escalators...we'd better watch our steps. Yes, it wouldn't be one of my career choices. Of course, I wouldn't make it through the first screening either...not a job I can aspire to....
wargalley20011 at 01:03 PM JST - 24th October

I don't really care for thier fashion. It might be designed to turn guys off to keep from chatting with the ladies. I have seen nicer uniforms like Evergreen airline stewardess, in my opinion. As for whether people need them. There has been alot of people getting thier toes caught in the stairs. Some poeple still need to be reminded of safty.
TokyoXtreme at 07:46 PM JST - 24th October

PLEASE PLEASE HOLD ON TO THE HANDRAIL WHILE YOU ARE USING THE ESCALATOR. PLEASE HOLD ON TO THE HANDRAIL WHILE YOU ARE USING THE ESCALATOR. HOLD ON TO THE HANDRAIL WHILE YOU ARE USING THE ESCALATOR. AHHH!!! Someone kill me and make these voices stop.
tokyofun1 at 09:21 PM JST - 25th October

again....waste of money...cant the japanese do anything for themselves??? why do they need someone to tell you when to go...what is one the floor while riding an elevator...coming out of a parking lot...TRAVELING christ!!!!!
tokyofun1 at 09:23 PM JST - 25th October

With airline attendants it's "Chicken or pork?" With these girls, it's just "Up or Down!"

or TOP OR BTTM hahahaha