[Event Report] Asian Sound Cultures 3: Art Meets Science, Performance Meets Technology
Sep.08.2026
From Tuesday, September 1, to Thursday, September 3, 2026, the international conference “Asian Sound Cultures 3” was held over three days. Hosted by the Asian Sound Cultures Project, led by Associate Professor Iris Haukamp of the Center for Integrated Japanese Studies (CIJS), Tohoku University, this event was the third in a series previously held at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and the University of Sheffield. CIJS fully supported the management and operation of the conference as a co-organizer.
Under the theme “Art Meets Science, Performance Meets Technology,” the conference brought together lively discussions across two venues on the Katahira Campus: TOKYO ELECTRON House of Creativity and Sakura Hall. Over the three days, nearly 200 participants in total—including researchers, artists, and performers from over 13 countries worldwide—joined the event both in person and online.
The presentation topics spanned a remarkably wide range, including media history (such as the history of phonographs, radio, and cinema), urban soundscapes, representations of sound in literature, acoustic design in digital games, voice identities in Vocaloid and anime, and the relationship between sound and well-being. Discussions actively bridged the boundaries between the humanities and STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), perfectly embodying the core theme of the conference. Furthermore, several full-time faculty members from CIJS, including Executive Committee Chair Associate Professor Haukamp, served as moderators for panel sessions, facilitating dynamic exchanges of ideas among participants.
On the evening of the second day, a reception was held at Sakura Hall. Attendees enjoyed live performances of traditional Japanese music on the koto and shamisen, featuring pieces such as "Sode-kōro" and "Kōjō no Tsuki". Listening to Japan's rich musical tradition, participants engaged in fruitful networking across various academic disciplines and career stages.
Following the final day's roundtable discussion, the three-day conference concluded on a high note. During the closing session, it was announced that the next conference will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2028.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the conference, as well as to all parties involved for their invaluable support and cooperation.
Following the final day's roundtable discussion, the three-day conference concluded on a high note. During the closing session, it was announced that the next conference will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2028.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the conference, as well as to all parties involved for their invaluable support and cooperation.
■ Event Overview
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Conference Title: Asian Sound Cultures 3: Art Meets Science, Performance Meets Technology
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Dates: Tuesday, September 1 – Thursday, September 3, 2026
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Venues: Katahira Hall (TOHOKU Forum for Creativity) and Sakura Hall, Katahira Campus, Tohoku University
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Organized by: Asian Sound Cultures Project
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Co-organized by:
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Center for Integrated Japanese Studies (CIJS), Tohoku University
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Graduate School of Arts and Letters, Tohoku University
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Organization for Advanced Studies / TOHOKU Forum for Creativity, Tohoku University
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Event Details: https://cijs.oii.tohoku.ac.jp/en/news/detail---id-150.html
