Why does each station play a short cheerful melody when a train is about to leave?
At many stations, a short melody unique to the station, known as a departure melody, plays just before departure instead of a monotonous buzzer.
It is a departure signal made into a pleasant melody. Some stations even have music composed especially for them.
Why — five layers
Composers and sound companies create original melodies, sometimes combining them with local music or anime. Departure melodies can also express a station's individual character.
Melodies are used as departure signals. Passengers understand that the doors are about to close, and some stations even have their own signature tunes.
International view
Many countries use a simple chime or buzzer as the departure signal. The widespread use in Japan of melodies composed for individual stations is one of the country's distinctive features.
But not always
Not every line or station uses melodies. Some rely only on simple bells or announcements, and certain systems, including some subways, do not use departure melodies.
What to do
When the melody starts, it means doors are about to close, so don't dash for that train, wait for the next one.
Sources
- Rail operator departure-signal design notes
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