Fun in Japan: The Long and Winding “Melody Road”

Although I have not yet been to Japan, I have the impression that the country and its people are deeply mysterious, humorous, inventive and bizarre. Maybe that’s based on zany innovations like this and even wackier security measures like this. In any case, I do intend to go East one day and see it for myself. Until then, I have videos like this one to watch that will prepare me for a giant leap into a foreign culture full of surprisesl.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHhGzfsqKH0[/youtube]

Apparently, “Melody Road” is a musical highway created by surface ridges embedded on the blacktop that, when driven over, transfer into audible sound. The ideal speed for accurate sound reproduction is a leisurely 28 mph. When a car drives faster than 28 mph, the pitch of the notes rise in accordance with higher speed. Drive slower and 28 and you’ll hear even lower-pitched tones. Melody Road is part of the infrastructure in selected areas of Hokaido, Wakayama and Gunma.

I suppose Melody Road offers drivers a musical reward for gliding down the lane while observing the safest speed limit. How much of a reward it is indeed, you’ll have to judge for yourself.

[via Gizmodo]

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