People in corners of rail cars?

I�fve observed other riders on the commuter trains and subways who stand in the corner and stare into the corner. Is there a hidden meaning to this or a particular reason for it? Train has plenty of room available. I�fm curious about it.

It's probably where he/she feels most comfortable and it became an habit. When I was a student commuting to school everyday through Shinjuku, I had my favorite spot, too. Even now 30+ years later, if there is no vacant seat, I try to settle into my old favorite spot.

Many Japanese do not like making eye contact with strangers, so in crowded places like trains, elevators, etc. they just stare at the walls (or their shoes).

I've never been "aware" of a passenger standing in the corner and staring at that corner when the train is not even crowded. If your description is accurate, it would seem very weird to me as a local rider and former city commuter.

But I can think of a few reasons. 1) They are not staring at the corner, but looking at an ad or sign on the wall. 2) They are not staring at the corner, but observing some passengers across the carriage. 3) They are not staring at the corner, but staring out the light window or their own figure that is mirrored on the dark window. 4) They are not staring at the corner, but staring at a smartphone cleverly hidden inside their hands.

But I often do find that there is too much information inside trains, and that makes me very tired. Maybe I'll try staring at an empty corner next time. Or maybe I've been already doing that unconsciously.....

Perhaps only place to space out or deep in thinking while traveling point A to B? Everywhere outside is people and people and more people and loud speakers or car/motorcycle noise everywhere but on the train is just periodic and soothing mechanical noise from the rail connection or train motor and other equipment running. Often people take a cat nap, too, if sitting down.

I think the OP is asking why the people (s)he sees are facing the corner and not having their backs against the corner, when there aren't even many people around.