These almost ritualistic gestures might look a bit silly but they're crucial to keeping Japan's massive train network running smoothly and they might even save lives.

Tokyo operates one of the most advanced train networks in the world, carrying upward of 13 billion passenger trips each year.

And with hundreds of trains entering and leaving stations each day, station attendants need to be vigilant.

To ensure smooth, safe rail operations, they use a technique called Shisa Kanko, also known as Pointing and Calling.

Attendants point at anything that could be a hazard,

from making sure the track is clear of debris before trains arrive to confirming timetables and making sure gauges and instruments are in order.

But does all this extra gesturing actually do anything?

How does it work?

Studies have shown that pointing to an object and verbalizing your intended action increases attention and awareness, making it harder to mess up.

A landmark study by the Japan Railway Technical Research Institute found that employing the combination of pointing and calling reduced errors by 85%.

Daito Suzuki and Yohei Sato are experts in pointing and calling, and they should be,

their company makes safety simulators, some of which are designed specifically for practicing the technique.

The ratio of mistake without confirmation method is 2.5% but applying point and calling procedure, it can reduce 0.4%.

With 140 buttons laid out on a grid, workers follow the on-screen coordinates and push the correct button.

Get it right and get a chime.

Get it wrong or take too long and (buzz).

Suzuki and Sato say these machines are necessary because a lot of people in Japan, well, don't see the point in pointing and calling.

Sato says there are three main reasons people don't like Shisa Kanko.

I am embarrassed. It's annoying. My boss doesn't do it.

And of course, people just feel like it's extra work.

They ask, "Isn't it more difficult?" "Actually, it is easier!" we tell them. And after teaching them at our training center, they realize, "Oh, it's easier, isn't it?"

Pointing and calling isn't only used in Tokyo and it's not just used on trains.

Amidst the constant frenzy of activity at Ishigaki Airport in Okinawa, workers of all stripes can be observed using Shisa Kanko.

We even caught Mr. Sato and Suzuki dutifully confirming traffic was clear with a quick point.

The practice really doesn't need to be limited to white-gloved professionals.

We've all been there.

Where are my keys?

Did I remember to lock my car?

So, the next time you leave the house, take a cue from Japan's massive rail network and give pointing and calling a try.