
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







Studio Ghibli’s No Face twirls to sound of Spirited Away’s theme song in beautiful accessory box
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
12-year-old foreign tourist missing in Japan, police asking for help finding her [Video]
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Google’s first Google Store outside the U.S. is now open in Tokyo
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
Ride a tram that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on a new limited-time history tour
Delta Airlines adds first nonstop flight between Japan’s Narita Airport and U.S. in seven years
Watch a sumo bout inside Tokyo Tower, at a new restaurant endorsed by two yokozuna
Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video]
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
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
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
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】