Asakusa and Sumida: Fukunaga's sonic portrayal of the neighborhood

Atsushi Fukunaga was selected for the second "Open Square Project," an open call exhibition launched last year by Asahi Art Square to support emerging contemporary artists. The "Open Square Project" provides artists with the opportunity to create works that utilize the expansive space at Art Square—approximately 6 meters high and 260 square meters in area—a scale rarely encountered in typical artistic practice.

Born in 1980, Fukunaga has focused on creating works involving sound and onomatopoeia. He has presented pieces that dynamically, and at times delicately, transform onomatopoeic expressions like "wan wan" (barking) or eyes going "guru guru" (spinning) into objects and visuals.

For this exhibition, Fukunaga turned his attention to Sumida and Asakusa, iconic areas of Tokyo's downtown. He captured the distinctive sounds of the neighborhood—from the Sumida River's murmur to the bustle of tourist spots, the hum of local factories, and the taiko drums from the Kokugikan sumo arena—heard during his extensive walks from morning till night. These sounds are transformed into a "soundscape," akin to a chorus, filling the space at Asahi Art Square.


In conjunction with the exhibition, related events will also be held. On Sunday, January 13th, a children's workshop titled "Zawa-meki Tai: Let's Draw the Sounds of the Streets!!" will be led by Fukunaga himself. Additionally, cross-talk sessions where Fukunaga discusses the exhibition with guests will take place.

"What is a 'soundscape'? It is something expressed in words, and as such, it tells of an individual's personality, their cultivated culture, and their experiences. If we replace these with components of the 'city,' it can become a catalyst for understanding who we are and where we are located," says Atsushi Fukunaga. We invite you to experience this "soundscape" of diverse cultures, where regionality and sometimes the spirit of the times intermingle, filling the vast art space.

Atsushi Fukunaga Harry Barry Chorus – The Symphony of the Streets, Sumida and Asakusa

Dates: Saturday, January 12th – Sunday, February 3rd (Closed Tuesdays and Sunday, January 27th)

Hours: 11:00 – 19:00

Venue: Asahi Art Square

1-23-1 Azumabashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Super Dry Hall 4F

Tel. 090-9118-5171

Admission: 500 yen; free for high school students and younger, and those under 18