here's nhk world's takamura with some tips. >> reporter: they are some of the busiest trains in the world. every day, people in tokyo pack the cars to and from work. standing shoulder to shoulder without giving it a second thought. but that was before the coronavirus changed everything. >> translator: i try to avoid the morning rush. i put off my departure by an hour and a half. >> reporter: i look for a place near a window. >> translator: i keep my distance. i leave an empty seat between myself and others on the train. if i can't, i stand. >> reporter: ridership numbers dropped after the government declared a state o of emergency for tokyo. now, that lifted, and rail companies say rails are getting busiest. the largest rail procidsidvider it saw 35% more riders in the first work week in june compared to the week before. the cars are getting more crowded. it may be impossible to get an empty seat. we asked our expert what to do instead. >> translator: many people touch handles and straps on trains, so they are likely contaminated by the virus, but it is dangerous to stand on a train witho