Japan...where the traffic lights sing

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