Preserving the Changing Memories of Forests and Towns in Nagareyama for the Future: Composer Mio Adachi Launches Project to Release Sound Source and Create Archive Book for the 3D Sound Installation 'OTOBA ~Memory of the Forest Closest to the City Center'

Mio Adachi, a composer and sound designer based in Tokyo, will undertake a project to release the sound source and create an archive book compiling research records of her 3D sound installation work 'OTOBA ~Memory of the Forest Closest to the City Center', which was exhibited at Starts Otakanomori Hall (Nagareyama City, Chiba Prefecture) in 2023. Accordingly, she will implement a project to seek support for production costs on the crowdfunding site 'MotionGallery' from Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

*With the release of this work, she will newly add the title 'Sound Artist' to her activities.

Background of the Project / Recording the Once-in-a-Lifetime 'Soundscape of Nagareyama'

Nagareyama City in Chiba Prefecture, while preserving rich nature as the 'town with the forest closest to the city center', is also attracting attention as a town for raising children and undergoing urban development. In 2023, Mio Adachi conducted field recordings in forests and towns across Nagareyama for a total of over 30 hours over 8 days, and exhibited 'OTOBA ~Memory of the Forest Closest to the City Center', consisting of two sound installation works that allow experiencing the soundscape amidst this change through a 3D sound system.

In the spring of 2026, two and a half years after the exhibition, Adachi visited Nagareyama again to conduct research and field recordings. This project is an attempt to create a 'sound record of the changing landscape of the land' by combining the 2023 exhibition sound sources and live recordings of performances with new recordings from 2026.

*What is 'OTOBA'?

An art project that creates a 'place for listening to sound', developed at Starts Otakanomori Hall (Nagareyama City, Chiba Prefecture) in 2023.

As an attempt to utilize public halls on weekdays and leverage the characteristics of the space, it proposes a new concept called 'sound forest bathing (sound bath)', which creates a deep sense of immersion without letting sound resonate in the foyer connected to public spaces. The installation work 'OTOBA ~Memory of the Forest Closest to the City Center' by Mio Adachi being released this time is a practice in this event format, and aims to develop as a series that enriches and utilizes various environments and spaces in society, not limited to halls.

Challenge to Archiving 3D Sound Works

In this project, the sound source will be released in two formats: '8ch Cube (multi-channel)' data that reproduces the realism and immersion of the original exhibition, and the 3D sound standard 'HPL (binaural, 2ch)' that allows anyone to experience an immersive feeling as if a landscape spreads before their eyes using their own headphones or earphones. This attempts to preserve and distribute multi-channel 3D sound works, for which archiving methods have not yet been established.

At the same time, it will be published as an 'archive book' of over 60 pages containing landscape photos taken by Adachi herself while walking the recording sites and research documents. This allows for a re-experience of the landscape from both sound and visual perspectives.

Crowdfunding Aiming for Sustainable Artist Activities

In the current music and art industry, there are many economic challenges for artists to continue experimental activities. Therefore, a crowdfunding campaign will be conducted to solicit support prior to general sales. By covering production costs in advance, the aim is to provide the work at a reasonable price that as many people as possible can access during general release, contributing to the recording of regional culture and the dissemination of 3D sound.

■ Release Contents

★Three Types of Sound Sources (HPL + 8ch Cube)

(1) 'Forest of Sound - Adjacent, Separate, Intersect'

Four pieces of music for 'listening to the sounds of forests and towns', constructed by adding musical elements to field recordings in Nagareyama. The 16ch exhibition sound source has been remixed into an 8ch cube.

(2) 'And Become a Tree, a Bird, a River, a Town' Field Recording

An installation where field recordings at three foyer locations gradually transition throughout the exhibition day. Over 30 tracks have been carefully selected from the exhibition sound source and newly recorded sounds from spring 2026, which will be released for the first time.

(3) 'Music for Talking to the Forest' / 'Operating the Forest With/In/On'

Live recordings of performances held within the installation 'And Become a Tree, a Bird, a River, a Town'.

Performers: Kazumi Omachi (Piano) 'Music for Talking to the Forest' / Yumiko Kiyota (Ryuteki flute, Myōjin hibashi fire tongs, Gagaku biwa)

★OTOBA ~Memory of the Forest Closest to the City Center Archive Book 2023-2026

Contains landscape photos of field recording locations taken by Mio Adachi and research documents. Includes newly written documentation from her revisit to Nagareyama in 2026.

General release will begin sequentially from August 2026 on major streaming services (for 'Forest of Sound - Adjacent, Separate, Intersect' only) and other sites.

■ Crowdfunding Project Overview

Project Name: I want to release the sound source and archive book of a 3D sound work that records the changing landscape of the land

Platform: MotionGallery

Period: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Target Amount: 350,000 yen (mainly allocated to archive book design and printing costs)

Project URL: https://motion-gallery.net/projects/otoba-book

Main Rewards: Scheduled sound sources (3 types), archive book, supporter-only articles, supporter name listing in the archive book, etc.

■ Advance Experience Event Information / Exhibition at 'OTOTEN2026', Japan's Largest Audio and Home Theater Festival

During the crowdfunding period, you can experience the 3D sound of this work in a special version ahead of time.

Event Name: OTOTEN2026

Date & Time: Friday, June 19, 2026 - Sunday, June 21, 2026

Venue: Tokyo International Forum (3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)

Booth: Acoustic Field Co., Ltd.

Exhibited Work: 'Forest of Sound - Adjacent, Separate, Intersect' (OTOTEN2026 Special Version)

Pre-registration & Details (OTOTEN2026 Official Site): https://www.jas-audio.or.jp/audiofair/

'OTOBA ~Memory of the Forest Closest to the City Center' Sound Collection & Archive Book 2023-2026 Credits (Scheduled, as of June 10, 2026)

Music & Field Recording: Mio Adachi

Field Recording: Jiro Kubo (Acoustic Field Co., Ltd.)

Piano Recording & Field Recording Assistant: Kinya Takayanagi

Ryuteki Flute, Kakko Drum, Myōjin Hibashi Fire Tongs, Gagaku Biwa: Yumi Kiyota