{
  "id": 18027851,
  "title": "Japan's roads come alive with the sound of music",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/japans-roads-come-alive-with-the-sound-of-music",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T22:00:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20261102/p2g/00m/0et/033000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Japan's roads are becoming musical attractions, with melodious tunes playing as vehicles drive over specially designed stretches of asphalt. Originally conceived to promote road safety by prompting drivers to adhere to speed limits, these musical roads have evolved into a means of attracting tourists and showcasing local culture. Approximately 50 such roads can currently be found throughout the country, many of which were installed by the construction company Suehiro Sangyo Co., based in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, which pioneered the technology.\n\nSuehiro Sangyo Co. CEO Kunihiro Adachi, 69, explained that each road has a unique story and aims to evoke memories and the character of its region. The installation process involves carving shallow grooves at varying intervals into the road surface. As cars pass over these grooves, the sound of their tires reverberates through them, generating musical notes. The depth of the grooves determines the pitch, with closely spaced grooves producing higher tones and wider gaps creating lower notes. The design ensures that the melody sounds most pleasing when motorists maintain the speed limit, encouraging safe driving habits.\n\nSuehiro Sangyo filed a patent for the technology in 1988, and the first musical road was installed in 2007 in Numata, Gunma Prefecture, at the behest of the local government. The road played \"Natsu no Omoide,\" a children's song about Oze, a popular tourist spot. However, the installation was eventually removed due to deterioration of the road surface and the disappearance of the grooves. Undeterred, the concept gained traction, leading to the proliferation of musical roads through local tourism initiatives and collaborations with railway companies.\n\nGunma Prefecture, in particular, boasts a higher concentration of musical roads, with 11 currently in operation. Local authorities often commission the installations, selecting songs based on discussions with Suehiro Sangyo Co. or suggestions from the company. The melodies frequently reflect regional pride and a whimsical approach to enticing visitors. Examples include \"Kusatsubushi,\" a traditional folk song in the hot spring town of Kusatsu, and \"Monkey Magic\" by Japanese band Godaigo in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, inspired by the famed three wise monkeys at Nikko Toshogu Shrine. In Ikata, Ehime Prefecture, known for its citrus production, motorists enjoy the sounds of \"Mikan no Hana Saku Oka,\" a children's song about mandarin orange blossoms.\n\nThe latest addition to the network is a musical road in Nagashima, Kagoshima Prefecture, featuring \"Happiness\" by singer AI, a native of the prefecture. The town officials invited residents to suggest songs, receiving 100 proposals encompassing 73 titles from both within and outside the prefecture. AI's song emerged as the most popular choice, leading to its selection. The road has garnered attention on social media, with officials hoping it will entice people to visit Nagashima for a scenic drive.\n\nHowever, not every road is suitable for musical installations. The process necessitates relatively straight stretches of pavement and adequate distance from residential areas to minimize noise. Some installations have been dismantled following resident complaints. Adachi expressed his desire to expand the network while enhancing the sound quality, hoping that the melodies will inspire people to reflect on the history and culture of the places they traverse.",
  "summary": "MAEBASHI(Kyodo) -- From traditional folk songs to modern pop hits, Japan is turning stretches of ordinary road into unlikely tourist attractions, with",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}