Train Melodies are small melodies that are played when a train is arriving or departing from a station. In Japan, there are various melodies played at each station; they serve to alert and wake the sleepy, as well as to bring a sense of relief from the departure and arrival of the train.
The melodies of train stations in Japan, known as “hassha merodii” (発車メロディー), play a significant role in the passenger experience, signaling departures and arrivals in a harmonious manner. These compositions not only assist in organizing the platforms but also reflect the local culture and history.
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The Origin of Train Melodies
The first train melody was introduced in 1971 by the Keihan Electric Railway. Before that, stations used bells or simple jingles to alert passengers about the approaching trains. With the advancement of technology, especially in the 1980s, the melodies evolved into more elaborate compositions, including pieces of classical music and original themes.
The main objective of these melodies is twofold: to alert passengers without causing anxiety and to create a unique sound identity for each station. Instead of a shrill sound that rushes people, as occurs in many places around the world, Japan adopted a system that makes everyday life more pleasant.
Famous Station Melodies and Their Composers
Each station has its own melody or theme, often inspired by cultural or historical elements of the region. Here are some of the most iconic:
1. “Seseragi” – Yamanote Line
Composed by Minoru Mukaiya, one of the leading composers of train melodies, “Seseragi” is a classic that plays at several stations on the Yamanote Line. Mukaiya, who is also the keyboardist for the jazz band Casiopea, is known for his captivating compositions that evoke tranquility.
2. “It’s a Small World” – Maihama Station
Maihama Station, near the Tokyo Disneyland theme park, plays the famous Disney song, “It’s a Small World.” The choice creates a magical atmosphere for visitors, connecting the train experience to the magic of Disney.
3. Astro Boy Theme – Takadanobaba Station
At Takadanobaba Station, passengers are greeted with the opening theme of the classic anime 1, created by Osamu Tezuka. This choice is a tribute to the area’s historical connection with otaku culture.
3. “Kōjō no Tsuki” (The Moon over the Ruined Castle) – Bungotaketa Station
Composed in 1901 by Rentarō Taki, “Kōjō no Tsuki” is a classic Japanese piece played at Bungotaketa Station, in Ōita Prefecture. Taki spent part of his youth in the city of Taketa and wrote the piece inspired by the ruins of Oka Castle. The melody was adopted by the station in 1951, becoming one of the first to use music to signal departures.
5. Compositions by Minoru Mukaiya
Minoru Mukaiya, former keyboardist of the jazz fusion band Casiopea, is responsible for over 200 melodies in more than 110 stations in Japan. His passion for trains and music led to the creation of unique jingles that reflect the atmosphere of each station. For example, the melody of Ebisu Station is inspired by Yebisu beer commercials, connecting the music to the local history.
Do You Feel Nostalgia?
There are so many melodies that I get lost and don’t know which ones to mention. Some are classical music, but most are played in MIDI composed with 8-bit sounds. Reminiscent of the sounds of the Nintendo or even simpler. Some stations like Shin-Okubo and Ueno play a simple telephone sound. Watch the video below and follow all the melodies of the Yamanote line.
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