Ainori

Ainori (相乗り) is a Japanese word meaning "shared ride" or "carpooling." It refers to the practice of multiple people sharing a vehicle, typically a car, for transportation to the same or nearby destinations. The term can also be used more broadly to describe any form of collaborative transportation, such as sharing taxis or buses.

In the context of Japanese society, ainori is often associated with efforts to reduce traffic congestion, lower transportation costs, and promote environmentally friendly practices. It's sometimes encouraged by employers or local governments.

Beyond its literal transportation meaning, ainori has also gained popularity as the title of a long-running Japanese reality TV show (full title Ainori: African Journey and subsequent iterations) where young singles travel together to various countries, hoping to find love. In this context, the term suggests the shared experience and journey the participants undertake together, both physically and emotionally.