Trouble in Japan – Train departs 25 seconds early, again!

A Japanese rail company has apologized after a train left a station 25 seconds early, the second such case in months, BBC reports.

The operator said the "great inconvenience we placed upon our customers was truly inexcusable". This is the second such case – a train last November left 20 seconds early.

According to Japanese media, the train conductor thought his train was scheduled to leave Notogawa Station at 07:11 instead of the actual scheduled time of 07:12 on Friday.

After closing the doors to the commuter train one minute early he realized his mistake and still could have averted the looming embarrassment. But as he couldn't spot any waiting passengers on the platform, he decided to go head and leave early - rolling out of the station 25 seconds ahead of time, BBC adds.

Japanese trains have a reputation for extreme punctuality, and it turned out that there were indeed still people hoping to get onboard.

Left on the platform, they complained to the rail operator and an official apology was issued shortly afterwards.

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