Tenmabashi subway station - bird chirping

Cities and Memory - remixing the world

"Silence is often more than just quiet. In this Sounds of Silence module, I attempt to capture the silence within the noise – those moments of silence that are in constant battle with the noisy world, embarking on their own adventures.
"The recording location for 'Tenmabashi Subway Station - Bird Chirping' is from Tenmabashi Subway Station in Tokyo, Japan. As I exited the train, I heard the echoing sounds of birds within the subway station. Later, I discovered that there was a small speaker installed at each staircase exit, and each speaker played different bird calls. Whenever a train arrived at the station, these bird calls would resonate throughout. These overlapping speakers created a surround-sound experience, making it feel as though real birds were flying back and forth within the subway station.
"According to information, these bird calls are intended to assist visually impaired individuals in identifying directions and exits. However, for me, hearing pleasant birds chirping in such a noisy environment filled with the clatter of steel was a momentary respite, allowing me to briefly forget the weariness of the journey and enjoy a brief mental retreat."
Recorded by Zion Bai.