
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
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]
How to cook shiitake mushrooms like a Japanese manga character
7-Eleven Japan releases chocolate cookies that taste like freshly baked melon bread
Udon pudding is about to shake up the noodle scene in Japan
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
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
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]