Unfortunately you just can't do that in Japan, it is pretty universal (though Kansai stands on the right, and Kanto stands on the left). In extremely congested

Unfortunately you just can't do that in Japan, it is pretty universal (though Kansai stands on the right, and Kanto stands on the left). In extremely congested areas people will stand on both sides, but the convention is to stand on one side and have a "fast lane" on the other side. I realize it has less throughput, and puts more strain on the escalators, but that's not changing any time soon. The point is, escalators and perhaps train boarding are the only two times where people will be mostly self aware of their position. Walking on the sidewalks is not one of those times, everyone is staring at their phones, or walking in groups of 2-3 across.