A Japanese train company has apologised to passengers after a train departed 20 seconds too early.

While late-running services are a constant gripe for National Rail users, Tokyo commuters have to worry about the opposite in a country renowned for its punctual transport.

It was scheduled to leave Minami-Nagareyama Station at 9:44:40 local time on November 14, but it actually departed at 9:44:20.

The company’s management team issued a statement apologising for the early departure on the Tsukuba Express line.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused,” the company said.

“The crew did not sufficiently check the departure time and performed the departure operation.”