Penelope Wilson
Penelope Wilson
August 14, 2023 ·  1 min read

Japan constructed the World’s Most Magnificent Sound Garden

Have you ever been on a hike and just stopped to appreciate the sounds of nature? The sound of the wind, rain dripping through leaves, and birds chirping all combine to make an amazing wild orchestra.

In 2012, Morihiro Harano and his team worked with carpenter Mitsuo Tsuda, and sound engineer Kenjiro Matsuo, to create a giant xylophone elevated throughout the forest.

They made the xylophone in one long straight line and then place a small rubber ball at the top. They let it freely fall down, slowly plunking throughout the natural scenery.

As the xylophone bels out the notes, you might notice the tune being played. Bach’s famous Cantana 147, with tempos and instrumental subtleties included.

The wooden symphony pierces through the natural silence of the forest. There wasn’t much room for mistakes on this project. One incorrectly placed note could distort the entire performance.

Surprisingly enough, the same day the video was filmed a monster earthquake struck Japan. Afterwards, the xylophone’s melody brought about a calming experience for the entire nation.

Nowadays, the forest xylophone has found another home at the Daisetsu Mori-no Garden, Japan’s famous Hokkaido Garden Show.

If you visit the forest you can buy your own rubber ball from a vending machine and send it down the xylophone. Due to the fact the boards can rot, they have to close on rainy days.

Enjoy watching Morihiro Harano’s rubber ball perform Bach’s Cantana 147 below!

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Shared with permission from our friends at Higher Perspective.