Taking the train everywhere in Tokyo can be pretty tasking if you're not used to being in a commuter mosh pit, but the Yamanote Line's soothing platform music definitely takes the edge off. Each stop has its own signature tune so you know what station you're at even if you're blind, lost, or just confused. This Yamanote Line piggy bank that I found at Tokyu Hands plays a medley of platform music—each time you drop in a coin, the headlights go on, the music starts playing and all of a sudden you feel like you're on your way somewhere in Tokyo. And once the piggy bank is full, maybe you'll have enough cash saved up to take a real vacation.
Now, whenever I get nostalgic for the Yamanote Line, I can just play this YouTube video.
Or you could watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC6AIwNgjKE
I'm surprised how many I recognize ><;;;
Posted by: Jeshii | November 13, 2008 at 03:47 PM
That's pretty awesome. Is that available anywhere online?
Posted by: Andrew | November 13, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Must have! I don't feel like I'm really in Japan until I hear the JR platform music. This definitely makes me feel nostalgic.
Posted by: Jeff | November 13, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Awesome. I got a bunch of keychains from a gachapon machine earlier this year that played different platform music too. I love the Tetsuwan Atom tune :)
Posted by: Nobita | November 14, 2008 at 10:27 AM
found it on Ebay! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120328757250
only 3 left (there were 4 but I just couldnt resist!)
Posted by: seanalyn | November 17, 2008 at 04:43 PM