Sound design in Asia in general is amazing. I remember the sound when the metro arrives in Taiwan (both Taipei and Kaohsiung)being both really fun and effective at informing you. What really impressed me is how even the garbage trucks sing a little lullaby when they pick up the garbage at night.

It is sad we don't pay as much attention to this in Europe and America and usually just go for loud beeps. Sounds can be functional and pleasant at the same time.

The Zojirushi rice cookers also play you a song after they are done making you rice.

If we could only get them to work with microwave makers (or recently inductive "portable" single heating plates) in the US/Europe. New microwaves are IMHO the worst, why does every microwave seem to have a different UX? I often end up just picking the least-button-pressing method in lieu of recommended temp/time settings to avoid diving into multiple sub-menus. Am I the only one who can't stand those beeps? The finished repeated triple-beeps are the jarring cherry on top.

My Samsung washing machine plays a little ditty when a wash cycle completes. It's actually kind of annoying! :D

Samsung is Korean.

I'd love to find these, as I'm in Japan and the only ATMs I've used angrily yell at me with a loud "ERRR ERRR ERRR" sound.

It comes off more like "Get your money and get the hell out" than a pleasant tune.

Not sure what to tell you. That’s not my (limited) experience. Certainly you’ve heard the sound design elsewhere — from trains boarding and leaving, to the sound of rice makers and dish washers letting you know they’re ready.