The Sound Of A Japanese Arcade Is A Beautiful Thing

2020 is a terrible year, but it’s also a time to appreciate the things we might’ve taken for granted—like the ambient noise at a Japanese arcade.

Game center Techno World in Japan’s Iwate prefecture streamed over four hours of sound from inside its arcade as cabinets played demo scenes, waiting for coins and players who are not coming.

The result is both fascinating and beautiful, as the demo music creates an unexpectedly moving soundtrack.

The arcade intended for these sounds to be background noise, so have a listen for yourself.