Kansai Studies is a research program that explores the Kansai region. The program invites artists to engage in fieldwork to illuminate the history, culture, and values of the local region, creating a foundation for future experiments in art. For its 2025 edition, the program welcomes sound concierge Takuro Oshima as a researcher.

Oshima, who performs with instruments converted from everyday tools, aims to use music as a humorous means of tenderly deconstructing (in the artist’s words, “massaging”) society. In this project, he turns his attention to the contradictory resonances of the term “noise music,” examining the nature of humanity, itself entangled with “noise.” He refers to the city of Kyoto perceived by animals and artificial objects as Super Other Side Kyoto (SOS Kyoto), using a self-made sound device to access their perspectives. Through field recordings of ultrasound and electromagnetic waves, he collects sounds that seem to seep through the seams between our world and theirs.

The fieldwork process is continuously shared online, and an exhibition and event will be held at Kyoto Art Center during the festival period to present the outcomes of this research.