The live event “World Listening Day 2025” will be held on July 21 at the rest facility “Zou-no-Hana Terrace” (1 Kaigandori, Naka-ku, Yokohama). The event is organized by the “Yokohama Soundscape Project,” which collects and shares urban sounds.
The event coincides with the international observance “World Listening Day,” established in 2010 by the U.S.-based acoustic art organization “World Listening Project” to raise awareness about sound environments. Related events take place worldwide every year on July 18. In Yokohama, it aligns with Marine Day.
The event will feature a “soundwalk,” where participants focus on listening to their surroundings, and a “soundscape live” performance, layering recordings of waves, station announcements, and other sounds. Nick Luscombe will stream live soundscapes from Finland’s countryside via the internet. The live performance will include soundscape compositions by the Tokyo Phonographers Union in the first half, followed by contrabassist Hayami Mizobe and Masao Naito playing antique instruments in the second half.
“We’re excited to see what sounds will emerge. After listening to the harbor’s sounds on Marine Day—creaking bridge noises, shifting waves as boats pass, fish splashing, and people’s voices—visitors can enjoy a moment immersed in global soundscapes with a drink at Zou-no-Hana Terrace,” said a representative. “The soundwalk starting at 7 p.m. is free to join, so feel welcome to participate.”
The event runs from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Admission for the live performance is ¥2,500 with advance reservation and ¥3,000 on the day.
Yokohama Soundscape Project
The **Yokohama Soundscape Project** is an innovative urban initiative launched in the 1980s to enhance the city’s acoustic environment by preserving and creating meaningful sounds, such as bells, water features, and natural soundscapes. Inspired by composer Toru Takemitsu and soundscape researcher R. Murray Schafer, the project aimed to counteract noise pollution and foster a more harmonious auditory experience in public spaces. Today, it remains a pioneering example of how cities can integrate sound design into urban planning for cultural and environmental well-being.
Zou-no-Hana Terrace
Zou-no-Hana Terrace is a scenic waterfront promenade in Yokohama, Japan, located at the historic port area where Commodore Matthew Perry first landed in 1854, marking the opening of Japan to the West. The terrace offers panoramic views of Yokohama Bay and serves as a cultural hub with outdoor events, art installations, and cafes. Its name, meaning “Elephant’s Nose,” references the area’s shape and its role in Japan’s modernization during the Meiji era.
World Listening Day
World Listening Day, observed annually on July 18, was established in 2010 by the World Listening Project to celebrate the practice of listening and raise awareness about the importance of soundscapes in our environment. The date honors the birthday of Canadian composer and environmentalist R. Murray Schafer, a pioneer in acoustic ecology. The day encourages people to engage with their sonic surroundings through activities like field recordings, soundwalks, and discussions on noise pollution and biodiversity.
World Listening Project
The **World Listening Project (WLP)** is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008 that explores the cultural and ecological significance of sound and listening. Inspired by the principles of acoustic ecology, it promotes field recording, soundscape research, and educational initiatives to deepen public awareness of environmental and social soundscapes. Through workshops, collaborations, and World Listening Day (July 18), the WLP fosters global engagement with auditory environments and their preservation.
Tokyo Phonographers Union
The Tokyo Phonographers Union is a collective of sound artists and field recordists dedicated to capturing and sharing the acoustic environment of Tokyo and beyond. Founded in the early 2000s, the group explores the art of phonography—recording natural and urban sounds as a form of creative expression. Their work often highlights the unnoticed sonic landscapes of daily life, blending documentary and artistic approaches.
Hayami Mizobe
Hayami Mizobe is a Japanese ceramic artist known for her contemporary pottery, often characterized by delicate forms and subtle glazes. While not a specific cultural site, her work reflects traditional Japanese aesthetics blended with modern artistry, contributing to the preservation and evolution of ceramic arts in Japan. Mizobe’s pieces are exhibited in galleries and collections worldwide, showcasing her unique interpretation of Japan’s rich ceramic heritage.
Masao Naito
Masao Naito is not widely recognized as a specific cultural site or place in available historical records. It may refer to a person’s name rather than a location. If you have additional context or details, please provide them for a more accurate summary.
Marine Day
Marine Day (海の日, *Umi no Hi*) is a Japanese national holiday celebrated on the third Monday of July, dedicated to appreciating the ocean’s importance and blessings. Established in 1995, it originated from *Marine Memorial Day*, created in 1941 to honor Emperor Meiji’s 1876 voyage on a steamship. The holiday encourages gratitude for the sea, promotes maritime industries, and marks the start of summer vacation for many Japanese people.
