These are soundscape recordings from a small island called Jōgashima. Jōgashima is situated off the southernmost and western tip of Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The island is diamond-shaped and stretches 1.8 km east to west and 0.6 km north to south and is connected to the peninsula by a bridge. From the end of the Edo period (1603-1868) when Perry and his famous black ship sailed into Tokyo Bay, the island functioned as a strategic point for coastal defence. During the Meiji period (1868-1912) until the end of World War II, the peninsula, including the island, was a fort. After the war, especially from the 60
s until mid 70s, the island attracted many tourists. From the mid 70s the number of tourists has been declining.
Misaki harbour, on the north coast of the island, is home to cargo boats, fishing boats and small ferries. The harbour also includes houses, souvenir shops, restaurants and hotels. Jōgashima lighthouse stands on the western edge of the north coast. The south coast of the island faces the Pacific Ocean and is more natural. Jōgashima park covers the eastern half of the south coast. Through the park threading east, you can get to Awazaki. To the west, you can get to Akabanezaki (a promontory) with a small beach. Cliffs stand between Awazaki and the beach. At Akabanazaki there is a natural rock arch called Umanosedoumon.
Recording period: from November 2011 to January 2013
All recordings and photos by
Hiroki Sasajima and
Eisuke Yanagisawa
