Cities And Memory

This field recording was made on the embankment of the Yamato River. You can hear the soft flow of the river, distant cars passing by, and the 6:00 p.m. evening chime. In many parts of Japan, melodies like this chime are played every evening through outdoor speakers. Originally part of disaster warning systems, they’ve become a daily signal for children to head home and a calming ritual for the community. Often nostalgic songs like Yuyake Koyake and Furusato are used, blending public technology with cultural tradition in a uniquely Japanese way. This particular moment was recorded in 2024, just before I was about to move away from the town. I felt a little sentimental, so I rode my bike to this spot to capture the sounds I’ve always loved. The recording holds the peaceful and nostalgic atmosphere of a Japanese evening—something simple, yet deeply emotional. Recoded by UIRO.