Listen to my podcast remix of the ubiquitous sound of Japan----musical pedestrian crossings--in this case near Kyoto station. (streaming or MP3 format, 2.2MB, 1 minute 34 seconds)

Most larger crossings in Japan play this electronic tune, called Toryanse (通りゃんせ ) when it's safe to cross. Ahh, Japan...where the
traffic lights sing.

The children's song Toryanse literally means "Please Let Me Pass" in Japanese. However, it's really just plainkimoi/creepy in its melancholic minor key--- especially so when you think about the words:
Going is easy / Coming back is fearful / Although I feel fearful, please let me pass / Please let me pass

For the full lyrics and more info, go to: "Toryanse" in Wikipedia.

For good laugh, watch the video of language-study dorks in the States doing the Japanese kindergarten song and dance of Toryanse.
(In the Quicktime .mov format, 40 seconds approx.)

Technorati Profile