Sometimes the best discoveries aren’t planned at all. While wandering through Wakayama City one evening, I found a place that quietly connects the city’s music, history, and everyday life in the most unexpected way.
Transcript:
Have you ever heard of a park bench that sings?
Neither had I. But one evening in Wakayama City. I found one.
I had been spending the evening exploring Wakayama City.
After walking through the lively entertainment district of Arōchi, I made my way along Naka Burakuri-cho, crossed the small bridge over the Daimon River, and started looking for a cozy café where I could relax for a while.
That’s when I noticed something unusual.
A bench. Shaped like a giant vinyl record.
As I walked a little closer. Music suddenly began to play.
For a second. I actually looked around to see where it was coming from.
Then I realized, the bench was singing.
It was playing “Wakayama Blues.”
Curious, I sat down and read the inscription beside it.
I learned that *Wakayama Blues*, performed by **Koto Kiyono**, became a beloved local hit after its release in 1968. The song celebrates Wakayama and famously mentions Burakuri-cho, the very neighborhood where I was standing.
The monument itself was built in 2004 beside the Daimon River near Saikabashi. Designed to look like a giant record, it also serves as a bench, and when someone comes close, it gently begins playing the melody of *Wakayama Blues*. It was created to celebrate the song and help preserve the spirit of Burakuri-cho for future generations.
Later that evening I found a quiet café along the riverside.
While enjoying a cup of coffee, I listened to the full song and learned even more about its history.
That’s when it really hit me. Most cities have monuments you can look at.
Wakayama created one that invites you to stop. sit down. listen, and become part of the story.
I think that’s such a beautiful idea.
It turns a simple evening walk into a musical memory that both locals and visitors can share.
I’m Tess with JRok Music.
I’ll see you in the next story.