Soundscape of River Canal in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture

Abstract

In this study, I examined the soundscape perceived by local residents in Nagamachi district, Kanazawa City, Japan. I performed a quantitative analysis by measuring sound pressure levels, and audible spatial range of river canal sound. In areas close to the barges, I identified loud sounds that exceeded the regulations set by the Ministry of the Environment. In addition, I found the following: (1) the extent of the sound transmission depended on the shape of the listeners' area such as streets and structures, and (2) it changed seasonally as the water flow fluctuated. I also conducted a survey with questionnaires and group interviews to clarify the local residents' consciousness and evaluation of keynote sounds in their daily lives. Local residents were not conscious of the water flow sound from the river canals, but they subliminally evaluated the sound as a context of their daily lives. This suggests that the water flow sound is a keynote sound perceived by local residents.