A Soundscape of Sea Waves and Collaborative Action Research: The Case of the Nami-kozo Folktale of the Enshu-nada Sea, Japan

　This study examined rumbling emitted by the Enshu-nada Sea, with a focus on region-specific listening culture. Sea rumbling propagates over long distances in this area, where locals used its direction to predict the weather. Moreover, the connection between people and the sea is symbolized through a regionally transmitted folktale. We clarified the physical and sociocultural characteristics of sea rumbling through collaborative action research, thus demonstrating the significance of this approach in preserving and/or recovering local knowledge

The Influence of Socio-cultural Context on the Perception of Student Noise in the City of Groningen:A Qualitative Analysis

In this article, we examine the relationship between people's response to their soundscape and the social and cultural contexts within which soundscapes are experienced. Our research draws upon qualitative analyses of interviews with 40 residents of Groningen, the Netherlands. Because students comprise 25 percent of Groningen's population, residents conceive of this city as a student city. In this social context, many informants perceived the noise made by students as typical for the soundscape of Groningen. The interviewees' attitudes showed a considerable acceptance, and sometimes even fondness of student noises. Their explanations supporting the acceptance of noisy students included the social context of the city as a historically established student city in combination with their personal backgrounds and connections to the university. The observation that local socio-cultural contexts can affect people's responses to local soundscapes may be used to improve the evaluation and management of sonic environments

The Influence of Socio-cultural Context on the Perception of Student Noise in the City of Groningen: A Qualitative Analysis

In this article, we examine the relationship between people's response to their soundscape and the social and cultural contexts within which soundscapes are experienced. Our research draws upon qualitative analyses of interviews with 40 residents of Groningen, the Netherlands. Because students comprise 25 percent of Groningen's population, residents conceive of this city as a student city. In this social context, many informants perceived the noise made by students as typical for the soundscape of Groningen. The interviewees' attitudes showed a considerable acceptance, and sometimes even fondness of student noises. Their explanations supporting the acceptance of noisy students included the social context of the city as a historically established student city in combination with their personal backgrounds and connections to the university. The observation that local socio-cultural contexts can affect people's responses to local soundscapes may be used to improve the evaluation and management of sonic environments

Damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami - A quick report

Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Damage, Tsunami prevention measures, Nuclear power plant accident, Recovery and reconstruction,