Audio postcard from Japan. I am just back from my trip, and instead of sending conventional postcards – or as a contemporary variation – sending pictures via socials, I made audio recordings with a small Zoom device.
Here, as an alternative, I am sending audio postcards to you. As I am going to all the files I have recorded, I will update this page with new audio postcards. Listen here or on SoundCloud.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Tokyo
The famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing in Tokyo. It is like a party, people wait until there is a green light, and then they rush to the middle of the crossing to take selfies. Big tourist attraction. In the sound file, you can hear the green phase twice. Fun fact, the picture here is taken 100 meters to the right, where there is the same crossing, but no people there.
Outside of Ryoanji Temple, Tokyo
Audio postcard taken outside the famous Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto, with the fabulous stone garden with 15 rocks. I made a recording of a small water fountain, you hear in the background a car approaching, opening a gate, driving through the gate, closing the gate, and the driving away. At the end, you only hear the high-pitched cicadas and the running water.
Zen Garden in Koyasan
This is my favourite audio postcard: I had all the luck to be at the biggest stone garden, or Zen garden, in Japan when it was maintained. This is a rare moment when you can experience the worker drawing his wooden rake over the stones (or gravel) to make these straight, beautiful lines. It is hard work and in the beginning, you can hear that he stops for a moment and then goes further. The second time, he draws the whole line without stopping. As I gave him a thankful bow for his work, he answered with Arrigato (in the middle of the recording).
… more audio postcards will come, when I find the time to edit.
By the way, good to mention, I heard the term audio postcard for the first time when my friend, poet, and sound designer Dennis, tipped me on Sam’s Japan Tapes.
