Does this mean there could be an Otamatone section next to the violins in the orchestra soon?
Let me be honest with you: Otamatones are a little weird. Or perhaps unusual would be a better word to use. They are music note-shaped instruments that were created by a toy company and are said to sound similar to a theremin.
▼ Otamatone Deluxe
Perhaps the best way to understand what an Otamatone is, though, is to listen to what someone who has the time, talent, and ability can do with one.
Twitter user Hiyama recently uploaded a video onto his Twitter feed of an arrangement he made of the Chrono Cross opening for the violin and the Otamatone. It’s already been re-tweeted almost 10,000 times and has over 8,000 likes.
オタマトーンとバイオリンでクロノクロスより時の傷痕をアレンジして撮ってみました。オタマとバイオリン以外は打ち込みです pic.twitter.com/F9c0IPzMEq
— h i y a m a (@hvmevln) July 16, 2016
There is something eerie about the Otamatone’s wail; it’s almost as if the human voice has been turned into a violin. Still, the violin being played beside it magnifies just how different the two instruments are.
Check out this video from Video Games Orchestra to see how Hiyama’s arrangement of the Chrono Cross opening stacks up:
So the Otamatone isn’t the only instrument up Hiyama has up his sleeve. According to his website, he also plays the electric keyboard and a little bit of guitar. A self-described salaryman who loves donburi, noodles, and curry, Hiyama is also clearly a man who has some amazing musical chops. If you liked this Chrono Cross arrangement, I promise you that the tracks on his SoundCloud page are definitely worth checking out. I’ve definitely become a huge fan.
And if you’d like to know more about the Otamatone, this introductory video is shows its various features. But we’ve set it to start around 2:45, where the rocking really begins!
What did you think of the Otamatone version of “The Scars of Time?” What song would you like to see Hiyama take on next? Let us know below!
Sources: Net Lab, Twitter/hvmevln, Otamatone, Web Hiyama
Featured Image: Twitter/hvmevln


Olympics opening ceremony plays music from Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, Sonic and more【Videos】
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Starbucks Japan unveils new peach milk pudding drink that’s like a decadent dessert
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Japan’s popular curry chain Cocoichi has an elusive delivery-only noodle menu
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa