Thanks Andra. Yes, the Chuo Line is very old too. I lived on that line for about 18 months between 1992 and 1993. I also wrote a few pieces on the Chuo, a few years ago, that will probably find their way in Tokyo Calling sooner or later.
Wow, what a wonderful project and a delightful introduction. I’ve lived in Tokyo more than 20 years, and almost all of that time in Kagurazaka, which I often describe as in the middle of the Yamanote circle, and I’m always fascinated by trains, engineering on such a massive level, the stations, the drastic changes in atmosphere and vibe and numbers of people from the various stations. Your project and writing too have struck a nice nerve for me. I am also going to share this with friends visiting Tokyo. Cheers.
Thanks for the article, and your subscription discount which I signed up for. I love the Yamanote line (except not so much at rush hour). Maybe you will mention this in a future post, but I like how each station has a unique musical jingle played before stopping (no need to look out the window, at the doortop sign or try to decipher the mumbling driver announcements, just learn the musical cue (probably need to be a daily rider to do it) and another for when the train is boarding. They were all composed by the former keyboard player Mukaiya Minoru from the fusion band Cassiopeia.
Many thanks for the paid subscription. Money aside, I see it as proof that I'm doing something good, so it means a lot to me.
You are right about the station jingles and Mukaiya Minoru. Along the Yamanote Line, not all the stations have an original melody, but the diversity makes it for quite a fun aural experience.
Fascinating read! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking.
Good question. According to my research, the Yamanote Line officially became associated with that kind of soft yellow-green color in 1963.
By the way, in Japanese it is called uguiso-iro (literally, Japanese Bush Warbler Green). I'll write more extensively on this subject in a future post.
I love the Japanese railway system, so I will read these articles with great interest.
Thank you!
Thanks! I'm glad to hear that. I'm really excited about my new project.
I love this! I lived near Kobe for two years in the late 70s but spent lots of time in Tokyo. This brings back wonderful memories. Thanks!
I liked your graphic renditions of the historical development of Yamanote Line. I use the Chuo Line which is quite old.
Thanks Andra. Yes, the Chuo Line is very old too. I lived on that line for about 18 months between 1992 and 1993. I also wrote a few pieces on the Chuo, a few years ago, that will probably find their way in Tokyo Calling sooner or later.
Thank you for your nice words, Katie. What were you doing in Japan?
My husband was working on a PhD and had a fellowship from Mombusho. I taught English (of course!). We had a wonderful time. Our son was born in Kobe.
Looking forward to this series -- I'm hoping to walk the Yamanote Line as part of a month-long stay in Tokyo later this year!
That's great, Debra. I hope my posts will help you enjoy your walks even more.
Wow, what a wonderful project and a delightful introduction. I’ve lived in Tokyo more than 20 years, and almost all of that time in Kagurazaka, which I often describe as in the middle of the Yamanote circle, and I’m always fascinated by trains, engineering on such a massive level, the stations, the drastic changes in atmosphere and vibe and numbers of people from the various stations. Your project and writing too have struck a nice nerve for me. I am also going to share this with friends visiting Tokyo. Cheers.
Thank you for your kind words, William, and for helping spread the word about Tokyo Calling.
I've been to Kagurazaka many times, and I like the area's vibe. Actually, the very first piece I published in Tokyo Calling was about Kagurazaka: https://giannisimone.substack.com/p/geisha-eating-croissants
Great post. Informative, as usual.
Thanks for the article, and your subscription discount which I signed up for. I love the Yamanote line (except not so much at rush hour). Maybe you will mention this in a future post, but I like how each station has a unique musical jingle played before stopping (no need to look out the window, at the doortop sign or try to decipher the mumbling driver announcements, just learn the musical cue (probably need to be a daily rider to do it) and another for when the train is boarding. They were all composed by the former keyboard player Mukaiya Minoru from the fusion band Cassiopeia.
https://youtu.be/nSG5IkRA9BE
Many thanks for the paid subscription. Money aside, I see it as proof that I'm doing something good, so it means a lot to me.
You are right about the station jingles and Mukaiya Minoru. Along the Yamanote Line, not all the stations have an original melody, but the diversity makes it for quite a fun aural experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GF_dku3Mgo&list=FLCdFpz-Ubtn8Q4-7oRAKpLg&index=80
Fascinating read! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking.
check us out:
https://thesecretingredient.substack.com
Glad you like it, Harrison. And thanks for sharing your link!
Fascinating. Has the Yamanote Line color always been green?
Good question. According to my research, the Yamanote Line officially became associated with that kind of soft yellow-green color in 1963.
By the way, in Japanese it is called uguiso-iro (literally, Japanese Bush Warbler Green). I'll write more extensively on this subject in a future post.
It's 5:00 am, this is the first thing I read today, and you already made my day.
No, I'm serious.