Elevators
For Japanese people, a simple act of using an elevator is an opportunity to kiwotsukau ( to prioritize other’s needs above your own).
The first person to enter the elevator automatically becomes the elevator operator. The responsibilities include holding the doors open until all people waiting have entered, pressing the floors requested by other passengers, and closing the elevator in a timely manner. Here, note that the open button has to be pressed while performing operator duties, as it will automatically close after a certain period of time. Even if the elevator operator was the first one onto the elevator, they are usually the last person to leave because they hold the doors open.
In business settings, the youngest person within a company becomes the operator. Generally, the youngest employee or a newcomer will let others in first, and take on the operator role. Even if someone is already operating the elevator when a younger staff enters, that younger staff will most likely offer to take over the role. Here, note that the act of offering is what is important rather than actually taking over the operator role. To show appreciation, people will lightly bow to the operator when they get off. For business meetings between companies, the host of the meeting becomes the elevator operator.
Escalators
Rules for using the escalators are more straightforward, and for a busy city like Tokyo, it is important to follow the rules for maximum efficiency.
People who wish to stand will position themselves on the left side of the escalator, leaving the left side available for people in a hurry to walk up/down the escalator. However, in the Kansai region, the rules flip. People stand on the right side and walk through the left side.
Japanese people tend to be strict about these rules so make sure to be aware of the escalator etiquettes in your region!