I’ve lived in Japan for a while and thought I would elaborate on the train pushers. While I do not live and work in the busiest districts I do get out some and have never seen anyone I would define as a train pusher. Though it does happen. What they’ve got is regular uniformed men (no one looks like sumo wrestlers in Japan except sumo wrestlers) who announce coming trains, give people information, signal when the doors are cleared for the train to leave, and occasionally give a big push when the passengers don’t cram themselves on fast enough. But being that the busiest trains have four doors per car (never once seen two) and as many as 15 cars, everybody getting push assistance never happens. Most just push themselves. Worst case experience. I was so crammed on a train once it impaired my breathing. -M.Copple
I believe we are talking about this link
Well, at least the second question in that column (The Meaning of Life…) has been more satisfactorily answered since Cecil’s feeble attempt 
R.I.P. Douglas Adams 