Masaaki Takano’s Shizukutachi, originally recorded in 1978 and now reissued by Art into Life, is a captivating exploration of the subtle poetry found in everyday sounds. Crafted during Takano’s early career as a sound planner, the album delicately weaves together field recordings of water droplets, birdsong, and waves, creating a meditative tapestry that celebrates the beauty of the natural world. The A side evokes the quiet promise of morning, blending gentle environmental sounds with hints of Polynesian folk, while the B side, inspired by bedtime, features shakuhachi and the soft footsteps of a forest walk. Eschewing electronics, Takano invites listeners into a world of acoustic minimalism, where each sound is rendered with clarity and care. Shizukutachi is a profound listening experience, reflecting Takano’s unique sensitivity and his enduring influence on Japanese sound art.
Remastered by Giuseppe Ielasi.
The LP jacket is made from two layers of chipboard cardboard and washi-like "shindanshi" paper that reproduces the feel of the original. The LP also comes with two postcards and a 20-page A4 booklet