Have you heard train station melodies and jingles while traveling through Japan’s railway system? These tunes, known as Hassha Melodies (発車メロディー), are not just pleasant sounds–they help passengers navigate the hectic pace of railways efficiently.
A Functionality of Station Melodies
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Unlike the annoying buzzing alarms, Japan usually uses station melodies during departures. They are just small, pleasant, gentle sounds indicating the train is departing. Moreover, they encourage passengers not to rush, especially in busy, overcrowded stations like Shibuya and Shinjuku.
The choice of melody is not random. Studies in sound psychology have shown that short, calming melodies reduce anxiety and stress and create a sense of order in busy environments. Such musical impact on humans is significant in big cities like Tokyo, which has a population of over 13 million people.
Unique Train Departure Melodies
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The departure melodies are different: some use standard electronic chimes, while others have custom music or adapt famous songs. The creation of these jingles depends on regions’ historical or natural uniqueness. You can hear some special station melodies on different JR (Japan Railway) stations.
- Musashi-Koganei Station. It uses the song called “Sakura Sakura” because it is popular with a special cherry blossom (sakura) spot located in Koganei Park.
- Hasuda Station. This station plays the song “Garakudani no Mori—Hasuda’s Takara” as the theme song for the “Garakudani Forest Festival” that is held in November in the Hasuda region.
- Kaihin Makuhari Station. The song “We Love Marines” is used because the Chiba Marine Stadium is near this station. It is the home of the Chiba Lotte Marines, a professional baseball league team.
- Takadanobaba Station. Plays the “Astro Boy” theme song because the author of the manga for which the song was recorded had a nearby studio.
- Ikebukuro station. This station has a special “Bic Camera” departure melody due to a Bic Camera store located nearby, which is a popular place for tourists and local people.
These melodies provide practical departure signals and enhance the commuting experience by connecting stations with their local culture and history.
Unique Train Approaching Melodies
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A melody that informs passengers that the train is coming is known as Sekkin Melody (接近メロディー). It is softer and more relaxing than departing melodies. Arrival melodies welcome new passengers by creating a comforting and soothing atmosphere.
- Uraga Station. Plays the song “Godzilla’s Theme,” because Tatara Beach in Kannonzaki, which is located near the station, was featured in the Godzilla film.
- Fuchu Station. It uses local folk songs from Fuchu City called “Fuchu Kouta.”
- Hatsudai Station. It has three jingles to use in different time periods. Usually, this station plays “Garland Waltz” from the ballet show Sleeping Beauty and “Triumph March” from the opera Aida because it is the nearest station to the New National Theater, a theater of opera and ballet. However, in the Christmas season, it plays “March” from the ballet show Nutcracker.
Sometimes, by hearing a station’s music, you can understand its history and natural features without any efforts.
Author of Station Melodies in Tokyo
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In Tokyo, the biggest city and the capital of Japan, there are hundreds of interconnected railway stations. The majority of them use station melodies to indicate the departure and arrival of different trains. For example, Tokyo Metro, which controls nine lines in Tokyo, has sounds in 114 stations out of 179. But who composes all these sounds?
One of the most influential figures behind these melodies is Minoru Mukaiya. He is a Japanese composer who created over 111 station jingles. For instance, his discography includes jingles for Kyushu Shinkansen, Keihan Electric Railways, Seibu Railway, and more. Thanks to him, traveling through Tokyo by train is comforting and calming.
The Role of Station Melodies in Japan
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Japanese station melodies are cute anthems and crucial in improving the railway experience. These songs assist passengers through the confusing rail system and create a calming atmosphere. Also, they act as signaling devices for departure and arrival and bring passengers in touch with the station’s history. So the next time you hear a station melody, think of what has been put into it.
Related Articles:
- Where to Go If You Miss The Last Train Home
- How to Ride the Train in Japan
- Psychological Meanings Behind Japan’s Train System: Do You Know All 5?
Psychological Meanings Behind Japan’s Train System: Do You know All 5?
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