The 25 porcelain bells are a gift from the former German Democratic Republic (East Germany) to the town of Arita. They were made by the National Porcelain Manufactory Meissen in Meissen City, a sister-city of Arita. The musical instrument was designed in Japan utilizing the Japanese mechatronics technology, making this is the first glockenspiel (carillon) jointly created by the two countries. The selection of music that is played on the bells is a mixture of songs related to both countries. We hope these bells make the local citizens and visitors to Arita feel the deep friendship with Meissen City and Germany.

Completed on May 10, 1986 (Showa 61).

Performance Schedule

9:00
10:00
11:00
12:00
13:00
14:00
15:00
16:00
17:00

Program of the Bells of Meissen (16 Songs in Total)

1.Arita Ondo (Local song used in an Arita folk dance)
2.Yuyake Koyake (The sky is glowing with the setting sun)
3.Sakura Sakura (Cherry blossoms)
4.Umi (Sea)
5.Akatonbo (Red dragonfly)
6.Fuyunoyoru (Winter night)
7.Utsukushiki Tennen (Beautiful nature)
8.Wohl mir, dass ich Jesum habe (Blest am I that I have Jesus)
9.Für Elise (For Elise)
10.Piano Sonata no. 11 in A Major (Lullaby) by Mozart
11.Der Lindenbaum (The Linden Tree)
12.Träumerei (Dreaming)
13.Heidenröslein (Rose on the Heath)
14.Kimigayo (Japanese National Anthem)
15.German National Anthem
16.Westminster Chimes

*For each performance, four songs are selected from the above.