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】
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Japanese convenience store food gets turned into hyper-realistic stationery you can peel open
Kumamoto earthquake may have created Japan’s newest hot spring inside flooded restaurant [Video]
Studio Ghibli releases new Kiki’s Delivery Service Jiji music box for anime fans
Are Japan’s room-temperature curry packets the boxed lunch heroes we’ve been looking for? [Taste test]
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
Tokyo is getting a branch of famous Los Angeles hot dog chain Pink’s with Japan-exclusive items
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Starbucks Japan teams up with Traveler’s Company for new stationery and goods collection
Japanese vending machine sells freshly squeezed lemon juice with a futuristic light show
Kochia calling: Right now is a great off-season season to visit this beautiful Japanese park
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
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]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】