Cutting in Line Is Illegal
Cutting in line is universally frowned upon, and it’s not an activity encouraged anywhere in the world. In Japan, however, this behavior can actually lead to legal consequences, possibly resulting in jail time. Of course, casually maneuvering to secure a better spot in line for ramen won’t likely land you in the slammer.
Nevertheless, according to Japanese law, individuals who disrupt lines with significantly rude or violent behavior may face penalties of up to 30 days in jail or fines as high as $95.