Featuring recordings made all across Okinawa’s main island, our sound portrait blends many different aspects of this richly diverse, sub-tropical sonic landscape: from the cries of Okinawan birds such as the rail and the ryukyu robin, to the hidden underwater, percussively clicking delights of the coral reef, and much more in-between. The work represents a cycle of activity during 24 hours across Okinawa, underpinned by the calmly rising and falling ocean sounds of Seragaki Island.  

The creative process was informed by our initial research into sound and well-being, and is rooted in the idea that reconnecting with nature’s cycles and rhythms through sound can ground us and instil a sense of peace.

The composition also features the unique and evocative sound of a delicately drifting sanshin - the signature instrument of Okinawa - performed by Mutsumi Aragaki. 

The soundscape is complemented with a series of beautiful sketches by renowned Okinawa-based artist Ichiro Kikuta, which gently appear and fade out to mirror the unfolding sounds.

We invite you to relax and enjoy this very Okinawan experience, designed to enhance a sense of calm.

— Nick Luscombe, Artistic director, OIST Sonic Lab

Visit the Sonic Lab website for information about the venue, research, art, artists, and sponsors and supporters.

[Image credit: Ichiro Kikuta]