This field recording took place at a Moso bamboo grove in Anan, Tokushima, Japan.
It contains seven short sequences with a total length of fifteen minutes from a 15-hour recording.
May 2025
In Kyoto there is a short trail through the forest...
Between the Philosopher's Path and the viaduct near Nanzen-ji Temple...
Where interesting voices can be heard...
Almost all the way along...
Spring!
Voices of the forest can be mysterious at night and create a very special atmosphere. These are usually voices that cannot be heard during the day. With the exception of the lesser cuckoo, called Hototogisu (不如帰, ホトトギス) in Japan, whose call sounds very unique and can also be heard here and there at night. A source of inspiration, not only for Japanese poets.
Recorded in autumn at various locations in Shikoku Island, Japan.
Japan is famous for its beautiful autumn colors, which can be seen in many different places throughout the country. But Japan also has a lot to offer acoustically in autumn. Especially in the evenings and at night, many interesting voices can be heard from the forests of Shikoku.
Recorded at dawn in May at Mt. Kotsu, Shikoku Island, Japan.
Biodiversity can be spectacular. Especially near old trees and in natural forests. Trees spend shade and provide fresh air on hot summer days. Large and old trees with lots of leaves are very good at absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere, which in turn reduces the carbon footprint. Trees provide shelter and a home for many living beings.
While some species spend their entire lives in symbiosis with a tree, others return regularly throughout the year.
Recognizing the inhabitants of trees with the naked eye is not always easy. In order to get an insight, it is necessary to look closely with all our senses.
Environmental monitoring over the course of a year could play an important role in measuring biodiversity in a given area. With the help of recording devices, various kinds of sensors or microphones, biodiversity could be measured, analyzed and made visually transparent. Only upon closer inspection does it become clear what impressive diversity is hidden from the viewer.
Environmental protection with respect for living beings, plants and microorganisms could be a part of every person's life. So that future generations can also marvel at this fascinating and enchanting interaction.
This video was inspired by the outstanding Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto, who in 2023 called for a halt to the Jingu redevelopment project and the associated felling of hundreds of trees in one of Tokyo's greenest districts.
Let's respect, protect, and preserve biodiversity!