Tokyo tinkle

For the commuter who simply can’t get enough of being pushed and prodded onto a busy train, help is finally at hand — or at least at the foot of the futon. This awfully geeky alarm clock adding a little rattle and roll to weekday awakenings.

Yet as impressive to look at as this miniature recreation of Tokyo’s Yamanote loop line is, it’s nothing compared to the clock’s chipper chimes. Based on several stations mindless squeeze-in-everybody-the doors-are-about-to-close music, it includes such classic compositions as Shinjuku’s timeless ‘Twilight’, and Ikebukuro’s sumptuous ‘Spring Box’. Melodies so memorable they’ll have even the most brow-beaten salary man bursting out of bed and whistling his way to work. A selection of samples stored on this site give a good idea of some of the delightful ditties on offer.

Such gems make the clock something of a steal at 7,980 yen (38 pound); and for an extra 300 yen it can be delivered to the station of your choice — elevating the experience even further.

Perhaps.