As Japan embraces the year-end holiday season, a record number of 5.24 million seats have been reserved on JR (Japan Railways) trains. This upward trend in the traditionally busy travel period hints at how individuals are gravitating towards land-based transportation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It also signifies the public's trust in the efficiency and safety of Japan's railway system.

New Year's is an important holiday in Japan, often involving family gatherings and visiting one's hometown. Hence, demand for intercity travel peaks and the congestion on JR trains are seen as a barometer of the observed travel pattern. People care about these statistics since they reflect the country's sentiments towards traveling, considering the ongoing pandemic.

In the US, the tendency is to travel by car or air for long distances due to less developed intercity rail network. Though Amtrak does see increases in travel during the holidays, the numbers are far less significant compared to Japan due to differences in travel culture and geographic layout.