Musical Road Inventor Reveals How it Works ★ ONLY in JAPAN

Рет қаралды 80,204

Күн бұрын

Japan's country roads are scenic and memorable, especially when you construct a road with grooves to play music when tires go over it at 60km/hr! Melody Roads メロディーロード (Musical Roads) were invented by Shizuo Shinoda in the 1980s and the first one constructed in East Hokkaido's Nakashibetsu Town. I traveled out there to meet him and drive his amazing invention, the Melody Road. It was a crazy idea that he made a reality as an invention to bring happiness to drivers.
There are 30 melody roads around Japan. We look at 4 of them in this episode.
Nakashibetsu, Hokkaido "Ah, Lovely Meadows" / "Shiretoko Ryujou"
Yonago Tottori "Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro" theme
Kaneyama, Fukushima "Take me Home, Country Road" (State Song of West Virginia)
00:00 Start
00:46 Driving East Hokkaido
01:37 Where is Hokkaido?
02:03 ① Melody Road
03:08 The Inventor of Melody Road
03:54 How do they make it?
04:52 Why not in Tokyo?
06:28 ② Melody Road "Country Road"
09:20 ③ Melody Road Yokai!
10:31 ④ Melody Road - Left & Right tracks!
12:04 Conclusion
More information on Melody Roads from the inventor:
melodyroad.jp (Japanese Only)
★ The ONLY in JAPAN Animated Opening was created for John by D'ART Shtajio dartshtajio.com/
◉ Media Inquiries & Questions: Please contact me through onlyinjapan.tv ONLY in JAPAN ® is a registered trademark - All rights reserved.
John Daub has been a reporter for NHK World TV since 2008 and KZfaq creator & producer of the ONLY in JAPAN ® series building a community of over 1.6M. Thanks for watching!
#onlyinjapan #howitsmade #melodyroad

Пікірлер: 386

@nkw1985 2 жыл бұрын

There's something about Japan and John's style that is both fascinating and uplifting. These videos just simply put me in a good mood.

@onlyinjapan 2 жыл бұрын

That's so nice :) the sincere comments put me in a good mood to make more! I thought this story was very inspirational not just for the lovely scenery and tunes but Shinoda-san's story of having a crazy idea, going ahead and try it. I hope to do a part 2 to this story one day. There's a lot I didn't cover.

@min2vietin Жыл бұрын

Totally agree with you nkw160. :) John and his bff Peter are both pros in what they do. They do these videos right that 's why they're interesting to watch. Both of them speak English and Japanese fluently that's why they "understand" what's really going on around them.... and them sharing their experiences and videos with us is really excellent!!! Thank you guys! Thank you John !!! Keep up the good work! You always come up with great new ideas !!!

@kellygold2815 Жыл бұрын

He's a natural.

@JamiLupold Жыл бұрын

There is a new road being built in Texas....many want it to be a musical road!

@dkydz9n 2 жыл бұрын

It would be wonderful if, countries could have their own national anthem on country roads. Here in Canada, having its national anthem play on distant roads, could be a really interesting experience. Thanks

@theuglybiker 2 жыл бұрын

Castreau would find it racist...or sexist....or somethig.

@robbaron974 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! My brother lives off of a “Country Road” in Colorado!

@onlyinjapan 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Rob! More Country Roads!! \(^_^)/

@mindfu11dr0n3 Жыл бұрын

There is one in Takayama Mura, Gunma. It plays "When You wish Upon a Star...". It took me a while to realize that it wasn't just a coincidence, lol. I think they chose that song because it was on a road that takes you to the observatory.

@sarahgleason3228 2 жыл бұрын

To be born and raised from West Virginia, it makes me very proud to have our anthem in rural Japan

@kang6155 10 ай бұрын

it also used in the Studio Ghibli film "Whisper of the Heart" as like a main theme in the movie. It's really pretty

@kezbot2 2 жыл бұрын

Ingenious! 🚗📯🎶

@jkoadventures7401 2 жыл бұрын

Shizuo-San is very clever and imaginative! Amazing! It's impressive that you were able to record the melodies so clearly. Great reporting and Excellent work! 💪🏻💞

@onlyinjapan 2 жыл бұрын

That was a challenge. I was there for 4 hours trying to record it in different ways. So - we taped a paper cup to the back, filled it with tissues and put the wireless mic in! That recorded the clearest. The last one, I only had time to record once. It was a struggle to get copyright free versions of the song too. I simply love the creativity, to take a crazy idea and make it a reality. Shinoda-san is a hero!

@akapantsusenpai181 2 жыл бұрын

First of all, it's refreshing to see well maintained roads. That's pretty rare where I'm from. Even though the roads are always under construction, there are so many potholes that give their own soundtrack, usually to the tune of hundreds of dollars.

@elcharphe 2 жыл бұрын

When I was a child on family road trips I loved the changing sounds made by the road, especially going over bridges. If we had encountered something like this, it would have made me laugh with joy!

@Suede224 2 жыл бұрын

This is so cool, it’s crazy to think of a road producing music!!

@nagia3535 2 жыл бұрын

This is the most unique video I saw on Japan...another reason to explore places outside of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto..well done John. Hokkaido is in my list now..😍😍😍

@ebas2008 Жыл бұрын

Only the Japanese can develop something so unique and enjoy it. Here in the West people would hardly notice them due to their ears being plugged with headphones or social media madness. Thank you John for the awesome video! 👍

@__BlacklotuS__ Жыл бұрын

People here would destroy it or complain that it's offensive

@charlottesmom Жыл бұрын

@@__BlacklotuS__, Too true! we can't have nice things in the USA due to everyone being offended by EVERYTHING! 😮

@therealvbw 9 ай бұрын

@@__BlacklotuS__ Musical road, Lancaster, CA.

@EperogiLimousine 8 ай бұрын

Oh shut up with this”omg social media bad” as if Japanese don’t sit in gaming cafes for hours. Problem is when they tried this in America, it was built wrong. Japan took the idea and made it better

@EperogiLimousine 8 ай бұрын

One shut up

@FindecanorNotGmail 2 жыл бұрын

That reminds me of "audio-tactile line markings"/"rumble strips" that are in line markings on roads in many countries. The sound is supposed to alert the driver of the car being too close to the edge of the road. In some countries the bumps are really pronounced, so that you'd feel them as well as hear them. Here in Sweden they are made only with thick road paint, so you can only hear them.

@charlottesmom Жыл бұрын

We have them in our state, they really do alert you to going off the road too far.

@serena19196 Жыл бұрын

I once went on a melody road when driving in hokkaido for a holiday. It was such a lovely surprise as I wasn't expecting it. Almost couldn't believe my ears!

@enigmuuh8802 2 жыл бұрын

I've been watching your videos for about 8 years now. You helped me plan my study abroad in Tokyo + various trips to Japan, so thank you

@onlyinjapan 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching this new channel :)

@tommykay7427 2 жыл бұрын

TRULY "Only i Japan"! Thanks John for finding these hidden gems!!

@mhashimshahzad2823 Жыл бұрын

One of the most underrated Japan Videos. Wish John would put out at least 2-3 videos a month so we wouldn't forget about this beautiful channel.

@onlyinjapan Жыл бұрын

I have a new one out … tonight! 🍈😋

@kumaonrain7955 2 жыл бұрын

Newsboy hat, orange jacket, John Daub narration, ...feels like home. Great way to procrastinate just a little longer. Thanks, John

@dianamartin5030 2 жыл бұрын

This blew my mind and warmed my hearth beyond words, thank you John, your love for Japan shows in every one of your stories 🥺♥️

@Glasseyyy 2 жыл бұрын

This is so cool! I know theres one of these music roads in the states, but they arent as clear as these ones. Another reason for me to rent a car when I get to Japan!

@spacejunk2494 2 жыл бұрын

I think every country should have a melody road. This would of been so much fun as a kid. I mean, road trips would be well worth it.

@henrychew235 2 жыл бұрын

Never knew such things exist. Simple concept but not easy to execute, it does appear to be a good way to get people to be more alert and also keep the speed limit! Thanks john for bringing this to us!

@Slammer_1970 2 жыл бұрын

This was both a great and interesting video, John. Never knew that there were roads like this in Japan. Just goes to show you what amazing things that are in the amazing country.

@sujoyteslesl 2 жыл бұрын

This is such a delightful distraction in the middle of paperwork. What I love about your videos, John, is that I usually want to reach out to my Japanese friends to see if they know about the topic. Wonderful topic as always, dude. And good on you for shouting out Fukushima again.

@missshellybeach 2 жыл бұрын

On Australian highways some sections of the highway has a basic form of this to make one tone to warn you your too close to the edge of the road

@bapo224 2 жыл бұрын

In my home province (Friesland, Netherlands) they made a road which plays our local anthem when our capital was EU culture capital of the year, but they had to destroy it shortly after because it was too loud and annoying the people living nearby...

@1stFox657 Жыл бұрын

Not only that, people tended to drive on the wrong side of the road to play the song backwards or went with high speed to speed up the song.

@sheikhahmed4704 2 жыл бұрын

Japan is just full of so many surprises. Like Wow man. Thanks John. Look who would think a road that makes music even existed.

@ryansmith8940 2 жыл бұрын

I can never get enough of your channel John. I love going back and re-watching your old videos. They are all so informational and extremely well shot and produced. Keep up the great work!

@CollideWithTheSlope 2 жыл бұрын

We also have those nearby where i live on the highway in East Java, Indonesia, the Solo-Kertosono Highway... it plays the Happy Birthday tune 🎶 One of the things i look forward to the most whenever i drive through there, my family in the backseat are not very fond of it though, it shocks them off their deep slumber! Lol

@onlyinjapan 2 жыл бұрын

Ah, that’s a really nice tune everyone knows 🎂 probably drive it - on my birthday! Haha

@TheBoysTopSecretisOrganization 3 ай бұрын

ikr

@UFOBobTV 2 жыл бұрын

Truly something that is Only in Japan.

@w1ve190 Жыл бұрын

I’ve been watching your channel since 2016 on many different accounts, and over the years, your content never seemed to change, that’s what I love about this channel.

@alexshozo 2 жыл бұрын

Japan feels like it has an overall well thought out sound design, an odd thing to say about a country... But it's true, and this is another perfect example!

@matthewsoikot8757 Жыл бұрын

Japan still amazes and Jhon brings it to us

@awesomeadamfrom2099 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome job John

@DRC644 2 жыл бұрын

That is so cool! It's amazing what some people and create.

@rosssmith8087 2 жыл бұрын

Just when I thought there was nothing else to add to my list of things I love about Japan!! Thank you John for another great story.

@SaltyPenguin255 Жыл бұрын

That so much John for all your work. Amazing content as always. Been watching you since I was a teenager.

@ederejima3628 2 жыл бұрын

Loved this video! Thanks John for sharing these curiosities from Japan. It's amazing! God bless you!

@HibernusMortis1 Жыл бұрын

I learned something new today at the age of 59. :) I can't imagine the time and effort put in to figuring out the width and depth of the grooves to get a certain tone, and then mixing them together to form a song Great video!

@philliprandall793 Жыл бұрын

I really like the concept of the melody road. It makes you think what songs can and not work at a particular area.

@jediron169 2 жыл бұрын

So awesome to hear Country Roads all the way in a Japanese Road.

@TimParker 2 жыл бұрын

Experiencing a melody road in Gunma and not being prepared for it was a truly delightful experience!

@onlyinjapan 2 жыл бұрын

If you don’t know what to expect, it’s a nice surprise! They’re well maintained so the sound is pretty good 👍 Gunma might have the most!

@AlanOnBass65 Жыл бұрын

Wow! Yes, the world needs more melody roads! Amazing! 12:46

@_Username__ 2 жыл бұрын

Top-notch montage quality, very very few individuals left on YT who does it like this with ultra quality and professionalism, thanks John

@noahlittle1219 2 жыл бұрын

John, thank you very much for another great video. My wife and I love both of your channels and the topics that you choose to share with the world. There are many nights after I get home from work that I sit down in my recliner to relax and unwind with one of your excellent videos or live streams. Thank you for all that you do!

@Karthig1987 Жыл бұрын

Cool af. Also a combination of technique, engineering and passion. Beautiful.

@innerworldsotherworldsjour9744 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! So cool I feel like saying “only in Japan” will they think about doing such a thing! Thanks for sharing John, I appreciate all the work you put into it to share with us! Best wishes from North Carolina!

@marissayamashiro7409 2 жыл бұрын

I love that this style of video is back! Only in Japan - John Daub I am looking forward to your upcoming YT content in this format! Yes! You were the 1st YT that I followed to find my way through Japan

@valentinkohler2017 Жыл бұрын

This episode was again great😁 Its fantasic how creative Japan is I definetly want to drive along these Roads

@yeevita 2 жыл бұрын

Wow. That is amazing. I loved it! Music on the road. What a great concept!

@jmm8564 2 жыл бұрын

Quite unique and interesting, thanks for sharing. By the way, I like this format much better (a bit like the former YT channel): 10 to 15 minutes long, educational and fun, with good video editing.

@MeThorvald 2 жыл бұрын

The view on Fukushima's landscape is truly stunning! And the music choice they've made was spot on too :D "The middle of nowhere is actually somewhere." - Giggled at this phrase because it reminded me of the famous "The missile knows where it is at all times. It knows this because it knows where it isn't." :)

@samlovatt6966 2 жыл бұрын

7:04 That just reminds me of the actually song Country road from Studio Ghibli Whisper of the hart, brilliant film

@minghueileong 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, it's a working version of the one in Lancaster, California.

@c0o1 2 жыл бұрын

This is the kind of things your love for Japan brings to us.

@paulcrist7285 Жыл бұрын

Excellent show and subject,my mother is from West Virginia so it was very special,and now that one of my favorite bands is BAND-MAID I would love to hear that two tire stereo effect,but what song, I'm gonna go with "Thrill"...❣️🕊️🎀🎶🎵

@min2vietin Жыл бұрын

**** Totally agree with you nkw160. :) John and his bff Peter are both pros in what they do. They do these videos right that 's why they're interesting to watch. Both of them speak English and Japanese fluently that's why they "understand" what's really going on around them.... and them sharing their experiences and videos with us is really excellent!!! Thank you guys! Thank you John !!! Keep up the good work! You always come up with great new ideas !!!

@joc912 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you thank you for making this video! You've resolved a mini life mystery for me. It's been on my mind for 4 years now. I was driving in Fujikawaguchiko at night trying to find a local restaurant. I must have taken a wrong turn somewhere and was driving down this long dark road. I heard music playing and wasn't sure what it was as it was too late for the 5pm? song to tell children to go home. Until now I wasn't sure if I was imagining things 😅 Thank you!!

@onlyinjapan 2 жыл бұрын

Oh wow! Yes, that was real :) I wish I’d had time to cover that one. I can imagine if you didn’t know, driving at night you’d miss that weird sign 🎼 and hear a mysterious hum .. 😂

@wilsonx1999 Жыл бұрын

Country Road was a very important part of the Ghibli classic, Whisper of the Heart, which made it really popular with the japanese public, so that might have a good reason why it was used.

@wendylaya 2 жыл бұрын

This is amazing and it just makes me love Japan even more than I already do! Awesome video, John!

@ArnoldPranks 2 жыл бұрын

Japanese ingenuity and creativity, I've always been fascinated by it. Great way to get tourists in your area as well!

@kevineu6098 Жыл бұрын

Just to share that another melody road can be found on the way up to Mount Fuji on the Subaru Line 5th Station. Was there a few weeks ago the tour bus drove over the road and the music filled the entire bus. The tour guide commented that Mount Fuji was greeting us. 😅

@LittleMissyWing 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for always bringing us such original content John, I know it's what you strive to do. I've spent a lot of time in Japan and watching videos to do with Japan but have never heard of this! 😊❤️

@andiedance8263 2 жыл бұрын

thank you Shizuo San. We all need more inspirational people like Shizuo Shinoda. Yes, it would certainly put a smile on my face. 'Country Road'... John Denver. we learn something new everyday, thank you John

@onewillow8511 Жыл бұрын

Tremendous! Such a beautiful cultural varieties in the places you'd never expect. Thank you! Greetings from Croatia 🖐

@HexagonPirate 2 жыл бұрын

Another great video John! I feel like a point that was overlooked was the fact that these kind of roads need to be well maintained and if it was in a place like Tokyo I am certain that it would be very costly to keep a road with specific grooves in it from wearing down from constant use. Also I thought it was funny that the truck driving through the "Country Roads" was clearly speeding because you could hear how much faster the song was.

@onlyinjapan 2 жыл бұрын

I thought I had access to a new one being built to explain THAT process but it fell through. It’s possible I do a follow up to this.

@heartoflotus Жыл бұрын

Thank you, John. Shizuo Shinoda is brilliant! What a great and fun idea!

@jarihult 2 жыл бұрын

Quite interesting concept , that one i can say 🙂Unique for sure , cool 😎Thank you for sharing 👍!!!

@gorviv529 2 жыл бұрын

Hi John, really interesting topic. Enjoyed it. You always come up with unique topics for life and history in Japan. Keep up the great work.

@srooij 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you John for another epic video. All the best to you, your wife and kiddo! Keep it up!

@marynamurray9385 2 жыл бұрын

This was hysterical, but very imaginative and you recorded it perfectly John!

@Casperace13 2 жыл бұрын

As a musician I find these roads so fascinating & I really love learning about them? Did you know they have roads like this in the US?

@Bakapooru 2 жыл бұрын

Where, please?

@BagoPorkRinds Жыл бұрын

Yes there are musical roads in the U.S. The well known one is off of 14 freeway on Avenue G between 30tha and 40th streets in Lancaster, California. This was the second road. The original was done on Avenue K for a Honda TV commercial that aired in 2008 but residents complained about the constant noise. So it was paved over and another current location was constructed. Unfortunately the grooves carved were space too far apart so the song, Han's Zimmer's Finale #10 (aka the theme for The Lone Ranger) is out of tune. Another musical road was installed on Route 66 outside of Alburqurqe, New Mexico but it has worn out and the state has no plans to fix it. Auburn University in Alabama has one on South Donahue Dr. has a musical road.

@nadinegel 2 жыл бұрын

Wow 😮 Japan is so unique in everyway‼️You’ll never know what you will find 👍 Melody road is like a big guitar 🎸 thank you 😊 John and to Ongaku sensei domo arigato🛣🎼🎸🎧🚘

@Goku95a 2 жыл бұрын

Woa that's awesome, what a cool idea and even in stereo! 😁 Thanks for sharing this with us John 👌

@nekochan2656 2 жыл бұрын

Another unique, creative and fun totally Japanese invention! I love it!!

@yaniem.422 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you John !Once again you bring us something so unique and bring us to places that’s so .. …Only In Japan ..! Great reporting !

@bobfranklin2572 2 жыл бұрын

Reminiscent of your old roadtrip days! These videos make my day 😊

@jasleenco8058 Жыл бұрын

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR CONTENTS! I always love knowing more about Japan, especially these kind of things! So wonderful! I discovered you today thru Facebook, thank you! Your videos are very well directed and produced. It's like an actual show or documentaries showed in television. Maybe it really is hehe 👏🏻✨

@aasc8120 2 жыл бұрын

If there is any country in the world to have that idea, it had to be Japan. Truly Only in Japan 🤗

@defunctchannel942 2 жыл бұрын

These are so cool! I hope I can come hear/drive one of those soon! Cant wait for the next video

@MegaRad666 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely did not expect country roads. Teardrop in my eye.

@jeffkennedy4889 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely loved this video John and the road songs are awesome.

@violetdreams1799 Жыл бұрын

absolutely awesome 😃 that's so cool! wonderful idea 👍 thanks John! had a great time watching this video, had a smile on the whole time 😊

@tomas6179 2 жыл бұрын

New episode! Awesome!

@brucewayne2773 2 жыл бұрын

I love all of your videos, the narration and video work to the education of your audience is so well done. I appreciate all of your commitment to hard work ethic.

@davidjackson5128 2 жыл бұрын

Great job John! Enjoyable video.

@zakkwylde72 2 жыл бұрын

Cool video John! over 12 mins long but I can see all the hard work and dedication plus the travel distances to get this done! well done!

@jason_from_canada 2 жыл бұрын

These roads are great for when your stereo or radio isn't working 😂🎶🚗 Road song suggestions The Beatles The Long and Winding Road, Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Elton John. Enjoyed this John! 👍

@UFOBobTV 2 жыл бұрын

Lol 😂. Great idea for for future road melody 🎵 roads.

@andriealinsangao613 Жыл бұрын

Genius!

@Radience808 2 жыл бұрын

I never knew this! Thank you so much for educating us! I really enjoyed this video, great job John!

@wondertraveller9928 2 жыл бұрын

Really loved this one ❤

@chrishardman586 Жыл бұрын

Your content is so interesting and your style is so positive. I’m so glad to find your channel.

@heroino89 2 жыл бұрын

This is such a great idea! Thank you for shining a light on the more obscure wonders of this country.

@heroino89 Жыл бұрын

@@selangor3535 I like it :)

@heroino89 Жыл бұрын

@@selangor3535 Or how about you let people enjoy things?

@astroboy3507 2 жыл бұрын

That’s fantastic!!! wish we had a shizuo shinoda here in Sydney oz too!!!! So creative and a more fun way to drive on them long road trips with the family!!!! 🚗🎵🎶🎵🎵🎶 P.s we know when a vids getting serious when that orange jackets on John!!!!🟠👍🏻

@onlyinjapan 2 жыл бұрын

Orange jacket, things get serious 🥸

@astroboy3507 2 жыл бұрын

@@onlyinjapan 😎

@uxb1112 2 жыл бұрын

I would love to have this done on motorways playing Beethoven's 5th or the magic flute. Even flight of the Valkyries would be great on a long journey!

@onlyinjapan 2 жыл бұрын

Oh yes!! If they could do it right, the Valkyries would be so funny 🤣 an endless scene from Apocalypse Now.