Sounding Out Japan: A Sensory Ethnographic Tour

This book explores the many ways sounds seep into everyday experiences in Japan, employing a critical ear to engage with a range of sonically enriched encounters. It uses various analytic frames to understand the communicative and symbolic aspects of sounds and the layers of historical meaning, embodied action, and affect associated with sonic environments.

Format: Hardback
Length: 98 pages
Publication date: 27 November 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book takes readers on an immersive sensory ethnographic journey through Japan, unveiling the intricate ways in which sounds permeate and enrich everyday experiences. While numerous ethnographies have delved into the visual and verbal aspects of local worlds, they often overlook the broader sonic environments that play a vital role in shaping and enhancing our daily lives. By foregrounding sounds, both real and imagined, the volume employs a critical ear to engage with a diverse range of sonically enriched encounters. These include the enchanting melodies of crosswalk music in bustling streetscapes, the informative announcements and jingles at train stations, the soothing sounds of water features in tranquil gardens, the delicate dosimeters used in nuclear affected zones, the resonant sounds of training in music and martial arts halls, and the festive celebrations under the blooming cherry trees.

The authors employ a variety of analytic frames to delve into the communicative and symbolic dimensions of sounds, unraveling the layers of historical significance, embodied actions, and emotional impacts associated with sonic environments. Through their meticulous exploration, they shed light on how sounds convey messages, create social connections, and shape cultural identities. This book offers a profound appreciation for the multifaceted role of sounds in our lives, challenging us to reimagine our perception and understanding of the world around us. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of soundscapes and their profound impact on human experiences.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 159 x 241 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350090590