Lean on me: The Universal Bench

A mysterious evolution in benches appeared earlier this year during a facelift of stations along Keio's Inokashira Line. Newly installed high-backed benches have almost no seat and a pair of large grips -- like those of a pommel horse turned on its side. Interesting, interesting. Now how in the world do you use it?

Turns out the benches are but one of three types in Keio's grandly named Universal Bench System. Produced in a trio of sizes -- "normal," "medium" and "high," the latter being our peculiarly high-backed friends -- the arrangement is designed so that there's a seat for everyone regardless of size, shape or handicap. And to earn even more goodwill, Keio made the benches almost entirely out of recycled Pasmo commuter cards.

This is all fine, but how do the benches feel to actually sit on? We conducted the good-old "two-cheek test." Maneuvering carefully onto the contraption, this intrepid reporter discovered that the effect is less a "sit" than a weakly supported "lean." Indeed, it's perfect for those unable to easily propel themselves up from a full sit: the elderly, the pregnant, the terminally lazy, etc.

Everyone else, however, may find little comfort. But here's a plus: the half-benches give even the fleet of foot a several millisecond head start on dashing into the train ahead of those sloths who loll about on full-sized benches. And when it comes to boarding trains in Tokyo, experienced riders know that every little advantage helps.