
I am a paper-tape music box that plays “Winter Journey’s Tale” in steady plinks so you can revisit that snowy vista.
Throwback Japanese role-playing game, I am Setsuna (Ikenie to Yuki no Setsuna in Japanese), was released earlier this year to an English-speaking audience with great anticipation. While it wasn’t the perfect game that lived up to everyone’s expectations (does anything ever?) fans of the genre were generally quite happy with the moving visuals, heartbreaking story, familiar combat system and beautiful soundtrack.
Created by Tokyo RPG Factory, a new studio started by famed RPG makers Square Enix, I am Setsuna brought gamers back to a time when pixel art was the norm, combat was turn-based and music and story took center stage. The soundtrack for the game was unique because rather than using a full orchestra, there is only one instrument that can be heard, the humble piano. Composed by Tomoki Hiyoshi, whose other works include Soul Calibur V and Steins;Gate, the score is an emotional trip touching on the game’s themes of sadness and sacrifice.
Fans of the game now have a unique opportunity to listen to one of the game’s main themes in a special paper-tape music box produced in conjunction with Tokyo Otaku Mode as part of their TOM Projects platform.
This gorgeous hand-cranked music box uses paper sheet music to produce the notes from “Winter Journey’s Tale”. Each music box will come with five music postcards, a hole punch and the original sheet music for the theme. All of this, including an instruction manual in English, will be packaged in a Super Famicom-style game box.
▼ Take a look at the music box in action!
Created by Paper Tunes, the five music postcards can actually be punched with different notes so you can create your own personal musical scores.
Pre-order sales of this paper-tape music box began on August 29, 2016 and will go until 7:59 a.m. (PDT) on October 7. Fans can order one of 100 limited-edition music boxes with its corresponding serial number etched into it, or the normal edition from the Tokyo Otaku Mode website for US$95 with international shipping included. If I am Setsuna was the JRPG you have been waiting years for, you won’t have to wait much longer to crank out the theme as quickly or as slowly as your heartstrings allow.
Source & images: Tokyo Otaku Mode







What?!? You can play the Super Mario theme by writing three numbers on a piece of paper?【Vid】
You can now sing the Super Mario Bros. theme at karaoke boxes in Japan
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Why you shouldn’t call this food “Hiroshimayaki” if you’re talking to people from Hiroshima
Japan’s Shinkansen trains are getting a Super Mario makeover【Pics】
Japanese man who didn’t know how banks work defrauded out of 21 million yen
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Japanese boy band shakes up the music world as all nine members kiss each other in new video clip
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Leave a Reply