Train approaching melodies

[Densha]

What is the intention of these kind of melodies you can hear at Japanese trains when a train is arriving or passing through and sometimes even when it leaves the station?

 

Example of the approaching melodies of Okayama station:

(off-topic, but JR West's diversity in liveries still appeals to me)

 

Shinkansen departure melodies:

I especially like the Kyushu melodies, they sound like an adventure video game which makes you feel as if you're about to go on a long (Shinkansen) journey:

[bill937ca]

Some information on Wikipedia.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Train_melody

 

These melodies have been released on CDs before.

 

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=36778826&postcount=61

[Mudkip Orange]

Some information on Wikipedia.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Train_melody

 

"one author has also claimed that their use is symptomatic of a paternalistic, bureaucratic attitude towards passengers from the railway authorities"

 

tumblr. not even once.

 

 

On topic, I was watching Kintetsu videos the other day and it seems like the Osaka line might have different chimes depending on how fast the train is going.

 

So for instance, on this video, the first train has a 6-7 note chime that starts on a high b-flat. But then if you scroll forward to about 4:40, it's the same chime, but the first two notes have been dropped off, so it starts on a lower e-sharp instead.

 

[westfalen]

I had the Okayama melodies as ring tones on my phone until I lost them somewhere during a software upgrade.

[JR 500系]

Nice! 

 

I recognise the few West Japan Sanyo line melodies immediately, as they will always sound when someone calls me or message me... I have almost all of the Sanyo line shinksansen melodies as ringtones, except for the Kyushu ones which are really very interesting! Despite the fact the ringtones sound so nice when my phone rings, no one here seems to know what they are which is sad... Of course i do get a few comments when i'm with my Japanese clients and they love the way i love their trains ~~

 

Nice melodies! 

[Densha]

Good idea to use them as a ringtone, will definitely try to figure that out soon!