A new initiative, “Sound Trip of SHIMA,” has launched on the Tokyo island tourism platform DESTINATION TOKYO ISLANDS, aiming to highlight the unique appeal of 11 of Tokyo’s remote islands—Ōshima, Toshima, Niijima, Shikinejima, Kozushima, Miyakejima, Mikurajima, Hachijōjima, Aogashima, Chichijima, and Hahajima—through sound.
The project centers on the concept of soundscapes, inviting listeners to embark on a journey that opens their ears to experiences beyond everyday life. By engaging with music inspired by the islands, the initiative hopes to spark interest in Tokyo’s remote islands. For its first edition, 11 artists created playlists reflecting the atmosphere and character of islands they personally visited, translating their experiences into immersive “island soundscapes.”
Participating artists include tabla player U-zhaan, who performed at the 2024 Art Site Kozushima; MIZ, the Hachijōjima-born duo of Shuhei Tamaki and Naruyuki Kato from MONO NO AWARE; singer-songwriter Ichiko Aoba, known for producing music on remote islands and her radio segment on “soundscapes of words and sound”; and Emma Maeda, a model, radio personality, and writer who has visited Miyakejima. Each artist’s selections draw on their musical backgrounds, personal memories, and island experiences, spanning genres such as pop, jazz, ambient, gagaku, folk, and traditional songs.
The project’s second phase will see the creation of original tracks incorporating sounds captured directly from the islands, further expanding the musical exploration of Tokyo’s remote regions.
■ Curating Artists and Comments
Hiroki Saito – Trip to Oshima
“A calm, sometimes dramatic journey alongside the beautiful landscapes of the island and sea.”
Playlist: Spotify
Connection to Oshima: Held a “Soundscape Tour” in 2012. Also, the island is where his father lived for several years.
Yoshinori Aoki – Trip to Toshima
“Did anyone else feel like it looked like a sweet muffin, something you’d want to hold in your palm?”
Playlist: Spotify
Connection to Toshima: Filmed the music video for his song “Fuyu no Dai-Rokkakukei” on Oshima in 2019; visited Toshima in June for this project.
no.9 – Trip to Niijima
“The sound of the guitar as I watched the sinking sunset—everything bathed in orange at that moment.”
Playlist: Spotify
Connection to Niijima: Participated in the 2017 “Niijima WAX” event and contributed music to its documentary film.
Taisei Miyagawa – Trip to Shikinejima
“A playlist made up of songs I’ve listened to, grown with, and that have gently accompanied me—my life in music.”
Playlist: Spotify
Connection to Shikinejima: Born on Shikinejima. First photo book ISLAND was also shot there.
U-zhaan – Trip to Kozushima
“I walked alone at night, excited to try things like moray eel, alfonsino, and kusaya.”
Playlist: Spotify
Connection to Kozushima: Performed at Art Site Kozushima in 2024.
Emma Maeda – Trip to Miyakejima
“Overwhelmed by the volcanic island’s power and grand nature, yet soothed by the whispers of birds and the sound of waves.”
Playlist: Spotify
Connection to Miyakejima: Visited in 2019 for a web media article project.
Ichiko Aoba – Trip to Mikurajima
“Imagined the communication of marine life and the island’s memories intersecting across time and space.”
Playlist: Spotify
Connection to Mikurajima: Inspired by the island’s dolphins and prior stay for creative work.
MIZ – Trip to Hachijojima
“The guitar riff at the start of ‘Parade’ was born while feeling lonely at home and playing guitar.”
Playlist: Spotify
Connection to Hachijojima: Native of Hachijojima; performed live and shot music videos there with MONO NO AWARE.
Kota Arai – Trip to Aogashima
“Waves, wind, and landscapes change at astonishing speed, showing the beauty and harshness of life’s joy and sorrow.”
Playlist: Spotify
Connection to Aogashima: Born on Aogashima; familiar with traditional island drums and songs, influencing his performance.
UYUNI – Trip to Chichijima
“As the ship departed, receiving a grand send-off from the islanders created a unified groove aboard.”
Playlist: Spotify
Connection to Chichijima: Became fascinated with the island after visiting due to interest in World Heritage sites.
Motoharu – Trip to Hahajima
“Overwhelmed by human warmth, I soaked in the power of nature and the strength of the animals with my whole body.”
Playlist: Spotify
Connection to Hahajima: Performed multiple times on the Ogasawara Islands at events such as OGASAWARA ISLAND JAZZ and BONIN ISLAND JAZZ.
