You know, Japan is not as packed, but it still got pretty close and personal sometimes on the trains. I lived there for almost half a year and the huge difference is, people will always make room for those that need to leave the train and there is no pushing. There's actual etiquette when it comes to being on the train such as not talking on the phone, and wearing your backpack on your front while on the train. When the train stops, those boarding get to either side of the door to first let people off that need to.

So yeah, I spent more than a few nights going home sandwiched between a bunch of Japanese people, but at least they were nice about it lol