The Five O'clock Chime

A chime sounds at precisely 5:00 PM every day throughout Japan. Japanese children are trained to return home promptly after the chime sounds.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Japan
• Japanese
• 5:00
• O'clock
• chime
• Tokaido
• Softypapa

[JoeCubicle]

It was usually when the street lights come on for me too growing up. That's when it was time to come in, or at least play right outside the front door or sit on the front steps.

[softypapa]

Hello JoeCubicle, For me it was when my brother and I heard our mom yelling "BOYS.......DINNER!!!!". But that only worked if we were in hearing ranged. Otherwise, all bets were off; though things were grim if we came home too late. -Kurt :-)

[TheJapanChannelDcom]

Ours is at 12 noon and 8pm :-D

[softypapa]

Hello TheJapanChannelDcom, Thank you for sharing. We also have a chime at noon (a simple one) though nothing at 8:00 PM. We also get a lot of general public announcements and serious weather alerts over the system. Thanks as always for sharing! -Kurt :-)

[edmorgan3000]

This scene put a lump in my throat. It's such a sweet tradition, and reminds me of why I love Japan and her people so much.

[AniRemi]

During the summer, the signal for me and my sister when we were kids was when the fireflies started glowing.

Also, that looks like such a nice neighborhood. ^^

[benthecoolman2]

P.s is that the same chimes that ring in the schools

[benthecoolman2]

hey how are you. i watch alot of your videos and on your othere channels to. i no here in the usa every time a chime goes off its at the top or every hour and the chimes come from a clock tower. where do the chime sound come from there in japan?

[rebeccachia]

so nice :) I love the bell sound :) but is this for elementary schools only? Does it apply to the high schools too?

[c00lb0y10]

also the 8 AM chime too! well, over where i live that is

[TiramisuHappy]

I'm simply reminiscing about my childhood memories of growing up in Japan (up until I was around seventeen years old) and reliving it vicariously through Emily and other kids in your video.

I should be the one thanking YOU!! : )

[softypapa]

Hello TiramisuHappy, As always your comments bring a depth & perspective to things which few could offer and which are appreciated by all. I love the rule of thumb you describe and appreciate the comments regarding which areas might have such chimes. As to classical music at elementary schools... The school where I work plays beautiful selections of classical music each day during lunch. I know now the impact this program may be having on many of the kids. Thanks as always for sharing! -Kurt :-)