An investigation on the methods of noise countermeasures for safeguarding intangible cultural property.- Attempt of noise compatibility planning rooted in the local community-

Abstract

In the Ogino area of Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Wadaiko(Japanese drums) is practiced and passed down to generations for performance at festivals and other events. However, nearby residents would sometimes make noise complaints to the government about the sound generated. Therefore, in Atsugi City, the use of city facilities is prohibited when the main purpose is to practice Wadaiko, creating a situation in which practices are restricted to only some locations. Physical noise control for membranophone instruments such as Wadaiko is difficult from the architectural perspective, as well as the cost perspective if it were to be carried out by the local government. Therefore, the final goal of this study is to find a solution to the noise problem through social measures so that traditional musical instruments whose physical noise control is difficult, such as Wadaiko, will continue to be passed down to generations. First, we uncovered the appearance of the acoustic characteristics of Wadaiko through acoustic measurements. Additionally, by working with the locals, we obtained a clear picture of the current noise complaints and situations. Next, as part of the Noise Compatibility Planning attempt, we set up a website and constructed an operational system to collect feedback from the locals regarding the Wadaiko sounds in order to cater to all lifestyles and circumstances. This paper covers a part of the initial stage of the project. In consideration of people who are easily affected by noise, such as examinees, sick patients, those who are hypersensitive to hearing, and those of specific lifestyles, the community association and the university collaborated to build a website accessible to all residents in the area. Using the website, they schedule practice days and times and create and operate a noise map by monitoring environmental noise regularly. Although not everyone can escape from the Wadaiko noise, we have focused on noise control measures that considered the characteristics of every individual, which is possible only in a small community.