Inspired by the traditional Chinese timekeeping system used in the Edo period, the soundscape, featuring signals that announce the time, embraces the venue. The sound work, created by sound artist evala and composer and scientist Itsuki Doi, is played and echoed across the entire venue. Then, music pieces composed by the six artists are played, based on the concept of each area. In the final 60 seconds, elements of each music piece’s sound in one area are inserted into another area’s sounds and mixed across the sections. The music works end with E chord containing E, G#, and B. This E chord resonates across the entire venue, creating a whole new soundscape where harmony and diversity intersects.

This area, located in the center of the EXPO venue, accommodates many signature pavilions. The sound works express that lives are created here. Primarily, works by sound artist evala are played. The other six composers have also created their 210-second theme music pieces for the brief sound and light shows, with mist sprayed from the center of the park, that are performed four times an hour.

The theme of the area near the gates is “Festival.” In these music pieces, sounds of world-wide folk music instruments fade in and out over the backing track of Japanese traditional festival music and electronic sounds. This sound design suggests this place could be anywhere in the world or nowhere at all. Visitors can feel a one-of-a-kind festive mood that can only be enjoyed at the EXPO.

In the City area where many pavilions are located, sounds inspired by our daily life resonate. Audio of instruments mixed with everyday sounds express the bustle and energy of cities while making visitors feel somewhat nostalgic and at ease.The sound works here effectively feature daily rhythms that people have nurtured by connecting and mingling with other people.

In the bustling EXPO venue where many people flock from across the world, The Forest of Tranquility and its vicinity is filled with a peaceful tranquility and a relaxing atmosphere. In this area, calm sounds of instruments and pleasant electronic sounds are gently harmonized to create a deep, soothing sound to embrace visitors.

As the Water area faces Osaka Bay, it feels like this place is connected to the world through the sea. Water can change into many different forms and can be a symbol of diversity. It is also the source of life and the sea has provided trading ports and helped nurture people’s connections. These sound works help visitors expand their imagination of future landscapes as they enjoy the scenery from Yumeshima Island.

The roof of the Grand Ring offers visitors an enchanting view of a boundless sky. The sky changes its appearance over time, from morning, to an evening glow, to night. It also varies depending on the weather and the seasons. In response to its changes, the sound works of this area also shift in nuances. Like birds flapping their wings and the breeze blowing, all living things are connected with a far distant universe…. Such a sense of liberation is expressed in these sounds accentuated through the resonance of lives.

The Ground area is situated under the Grand Ring. The sound pieces here express people’s everyday lives, history, as well as the pulse of the earth, appealing to the depth of visitors’ hearts. The passage of time where lives have emerged and evolved dwells within these sound works. As you climb to the roof of the Grand Ring, you may notice the transition of the sounds from the Ground to those of the Sky. Listen carefully and enjoy the changing sounds.