Edo Furin (glass wind chimes) (Shinohara Furin Honpo, Shinohara Maruyoshi Fuurin)

The bronze wind bell used as tools for divination in ancient China was introduced to Japan, where it was hung from the eaves of temples to ward off evil. When glassware was introduced to Japan during the Edo period, glass wind chimes (Edo Furin) began to be made and the custom of cooling oneself down by the sound they make spread. Edo Furin are the oldest type of wind chimes whose manufacturing process is known. Currently, only two factories follow the manufacturing methods of the Edo period, and pass on the techniques and sounds. The Acoustical Society of Japan recognizes that Edo Furin has high value as Acoustic Heritage due to their historical background and acoustical aspects.

No Unauthorized Use

The oldest piano in Japan given by Siebold (Kumaya Art Museum)

This is the piano that Philipp Franz Balthasar von Siebold (1796-1866) brought to Japan in 1823, when he was a physician in the Dutch military. It is a square piano made by William Rolfe & Sons of London and is the oldest piano in Japan, which was given by Siebold in 1828 when he left Japan, to Kumaya Goemon Yoshikazu, who was a purveyor of the Choshu Domain and acquainted with Siebold for a long time. In 2023, a concert was held at the Kumaya family residence, which is a designated National Important Cultural Property, using this piano during the 200th anniversary year of Siebold’s arrival in Japan. Its restoration was done in 2009 by the Japan Piano Technicians Association and the Ono Piano Workshop. It has been well restored and maintained and is still playable, adding even more historical significance. Because of this historical background and acoustic point of view, the Acoustical Society of Japan recognizes it as an Acoustic Heritage.

No Unauthorized Use

The Sound of Slurping Noodles: A Culture of Eating by Slurping

In Japan, it is generally deemed proper etiquette to abstain from making any noise while dining. However, when it comes to noodles, particularly Japanese soba, it is commonplace to consume them with a slurping sound. While foreigners may find it somewhat disconcerting to consume food noisily, cuisine, including the manner in which it is consumed, forms an integral part of a country’s culture, and the preservation of such traditions is of significant importance. As a culture where food and sound are intertwined, this sound is hereby recognized as an Acoustic Heritage by the Acoustical Society of Japan.

No Unauthorized Use

Edison Tinfoil
(RE・CORD MUSEUM, Niikappu Town, Hokkaido)

First Japanese-made telephone set
(NTT History Center of Technologies)

No Unauthorized Use

No Unauthorized Use

Rayleigh disk and quartz fiber
(Kobayasi Institute of Physical Research)

No Unauthorized Use

Sogakudo of the Former Tokyo Music School
(Art & Culture Foundation of Taito)

Suikinkutsu（Zuiganzan Enkouji Temple）

No Unauthorized Use

No Unauthorized Use

No Unauthorized Use

The first hearing instrument to be mass produced in Japan (Owned by Rion Co. Ltd)

No Unauthorized Use

No Unauthorized Use