Collaboration between SixTONES and Tohoku Shinkansen
As part of the collaboration, it was announced that the arranged melody of “Shine with U” was scheduled to be used as the departure melody on the Shinkansen platforms at Tokyo, Ueno, and Omiya Stations until March 31 next year, but was cancelled only nine days after its start. Safety concerns arose when it became noticeable that people were attempting to make recordings using “sound-collecting microphones with long handles” on the platform. High-voltage current is used in the operation of the Shinkansen, and there is a risk of electric shock just by approaching the overhead wires without touching them, as well as inconvenience to surrounding passengers. We have taken measures such as broadcasting an advisory and patrolling the area, but we have decided to cancel the use of the departure melody with the tie-up song and return to the original departure bells, considering safety as our top priority. The use of long-handled sound-collecting microphones on the platform for recording is very dangerous. The trains use high-voltage electric currents, and there is a risk of electric shock just by getting close to the overhead wires. Please do not do so, as it may cause inconvenience to other passengers. Please cooperate with us,” was announced, and similar announcements were also made on the station platforms, but the nuisance behavior did not seem to stop. Not only SixTONES fans who were looking forward to the campaign, but also railroad fans voiced their complaints. From the iron geek’s point of view, it’s the “OTETSU” (railroad fans who enjoy recording sound)’s annoying behavior, but from the fans’ point of view, it’s the “TETSU-otaku”‘s annoying behavior. The fact that this has happened because of a few sound recorders who can’t keep their manners is a situation that can’t be overlooked. Some people have suggested that it was an act of SixTONES fans who do not know railway manners, but judging from a photo posted on X on October 1 of a group of men using a long sound-collecting microphone taken at what appeared to be the Joetsu Shinkansen platform, it seems more likely to be the act of railroad fans. The photo posted on X was taken by a group of men who appeared to be in their teens. The photo posted on X was of a group of men who appeared to be in their teens, so perhaps some “Ototetsu” who did not understand the manners of station users got out of control. We hope that both photographers and sound recorders will enjoy themselves with good manners.