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2024-12-31
The Soothing Natural Sound of “Joya no Kane” (New Year’s Eve Bells)
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Today is the last day of 2024, New Year’s Eve.
Here, fireworks are commonly associated with New Year’s celebrations, but I deeply miss the resonating sound of the joya no kane (New Year’s Eve bells) in Japan.
It seems that recently, the ringing of these joya no kane bells has been labeled as “noise,” leading to calls for their cessation. I wonder how many Japanese people genuinely perceive the sound of joya no kane as unpleasant noise. If there are people who feel this way, I believe it may reflect a state of mind that is unable to resonate with the sound of the bells.
Birdsong, the murmuring of streams, the chirping of insects heralding the change of seasons, the patter of rain—all these natural sounds are an integral part of our lives.
Natural sounds are soothing, comforting, and help relax both body and mind, bringing healing and peace.
In that sense, the bells of joya no kane and church bells overseas could be considered forms of natural sounds, couldn’t they?
I began to miss the sound of joya no kane, so I searched for audio recordings of it. Yesterday, while doing the year-end cleaning, I listened to the sound of these bells. It felt as if I was being cleansed both physically and spiritually, and it made the cleaning process much more productive.
Is the tradition of doing a thorough house cleaning at the end of the year unique to Japan? Tidying up the entire home and welcoming the New Year with a fresh start is such a wonderful custom.
The ringing of joya no kane to dispel 108 worldly desires
Joya no kane is rung 108 times from late on New Year’s Eve into the New Year. As you may know, the number 108 has its roots in Buddhism.
In Buddhism, it is said that there are 108 worldly desires (bonnō). The word bonnō is composed of characters meaning “trouble” and “worry,” so it likely refers to the mental states that distress and agitate us.
While I don’t fully grasp the intricacies, if the 108 worldly desires are symbolically dispelled to prepare for a fresh start in the New Year, then the ringing of joya no kane carries profound significance.
The sound of joya no kane resonates deeply and comfortingly. If it truly purifies and removes our desires, then there is no greater blessing.
Interestingly, the number 108 holds sacred significance not only in Buddhism but also in Indian yoga and other traditions. Intuitively, 108 can be reduced to 1 + 0 + 8 = 9. For instance, 432Hz can also be reduced to 4 + 3 + 2 = 9, which seems to carry a certain significance.
Additionally, there is a theory that 1 represents the individual, 0 represents all beings, and 8 represents eternity. Among the many interpretations, I am most drawn to this one.
1 symbolizes the individual, as the number itself suggests.
0 represents all beings because the invisible truth lies within the unseen, and everything exists within that unseen realm. This doesn’t just mean all people but all that is visible.
And everything unseen is eternal. The number 8, with its ♾️ shape, hints at infinity.
Although we live as visible individuals, the number 108 might be teaching us that we are actually living within the eternal universe.
Happiness for the New Year through the sound of joya no kane
Thinking along these lines, the 108 worries and troubles—so numerous they seem impossible to count—suddenly feel trivial.
Personally, this year was particularly marked by constant worries and preoccupations.
I found myself repeatedly revisiting unpleasant memories or fretting over future uncertainties. Why do humans cling so stubbornly to past memories and conjure fears about the future?
Today, I aim to leave my worldly desires behind and focus my attention in more positive directions in the coming year.
Yesterday, while listening to joya no kane recordings during my cleaning, I suddenly decided to tune my violin to 432Hz.
The piano here, made in England about 120 years ago, is tuned to 440Hz. Since it’s seldom used, the low and high registers often detune quickly, which makes me wonder if it was originally 432Hz. Until now, I’ve practiced the violin in 440Hz to match the piano.
The sound of a violin tuned to 432Hz
This was my first time playing the violin tuned to 432Hz, and it felt incredibly soothing! While it initially felt strange due to the different pitch, I quickly grew accustomed to it.
I became so absorbed in practicing that I lost track of time. Knowing this, I wish I had switched to 432Hz earlier.
The renowned violin masterpieces are exemplified by Stradivarius. Antonio Stradivari (1644–1731), a craftsman from Cremona, Italy, who created the Stradivarius, is said to have designed violins to produce the most effective resonance at 432 Hz.
A new 432Hz grand piano arrived at my home in Japan on September 20 of this year. Three months later, a tuner visited to adjust it.
“The new strings will take about six months to settle, but it’s maturing nicely. I’m relieved. It seems ready for various activities starting next year!”
With this encouraging message, I am truly looking forward to the coming year.
At “Wano Mori Yamakita,” we aim to create a space where performances featuring 432Hz piano, violin, and other easily tuned instruments, as well as collaborations with traditional Japanese instruments, can be enjoyed.
I’ve already reached out to a world-class pianist and a singer whose voice is instantly recognizable to anyone of my generation.
“Wano Mori Yamakita” focuses on harmony with nature through music, art, architecture, and gardens. We are planning to create a space for people who share this vision and pursue beauty to gather and enjoy themselves.
I believe our existence on Earth is to express “truth, goodness, and beauty.” Since we are alive, why not strive for beautiful expressions?
This will be a space for the lavish enjoyment of beauty. By spring, I hope to begin hosting events. If you’re interested, please consider joining us.
May you have a wonderful New Year!
