A train company in Japan has apologized after one of its trains departed 20 seconds early.

On weekday mornings a northbound train leaves Minami Nagareyama Station at precisely 9:44 AM. However, on November 14, the train left at 9:43:40. Before the day was over, the Tsukuba Express management issued an official apology, posted to the company's website.

'On November 14, at approximately 9:44 a.m., a northbound Metropolitan Intercity Railway Company train left Minami Nagareyama Station roughly 20 seconds earlier than the time indicated on the timetable. We deeply apologize for the severe inconvenience imposed upon our customers.'

It added that no customers had complained about the early departure.