Portfolio
Hiroshi Yasuda
Portfolio SARF 2025
Hiroshi Yasuda/Blue Carbon Sound Artist
Artwork # 1
Title
Hourglass, Listening to the Time
About
This hourglass contains fine black glass particles made from nutrient-infused glass designed to dissolve in water over 10 years, supporting seagrass restoration. The resonant sound of the falling particles symbolizes the intersection of climate change and ecosystem recovery. The hourglass was crafted by Tokyo artisan Mr. Kaneko, commissioned to bring the design to life using special glass developed by TOYO GLASS CO., LTD.
Artwork # 2 Data Sonification
Title
Listening the Blue Carbon (2024)
Type
Sound Recording Extracted from Data Sonification: numerical data of sea-level rise
About
This sound artwork transforms sea-level rise data into a sensory experience using the resonant tones of blue carbon material—kelp. Played with a fishing line, the kelp’s unique sounds reflect the connection between rising seas and the critical role of blue carbon ecosystems, while a rising pitch and increasing repetition create tension, symbolizing the urgency of climate change. Conceptual design and kelp sound sampling by Hiroshi Yasuda, with technical support by Sam Wells and data from the Smithsonian Institute GCREW, brought this work to life.
Artwork # 3
Title
Blue Carbon Trilogy (2024)
Type
Assemblage
About
This artwork symbolizes the trilogy of Blue Carbon ecosystems—salt marshes, mangroves, and seagrasses—through three braided strands of dried kelp, representing their interconnected role in storing carbon. The choice of kelp reflects Japan’s emphasis on seaweed as a key element in Blue Carbon strategies, while abstracted from its traditional functional context and presented as an art piece rooted in contemporary art philosophy. By intertwining scientific concepts, emotional resonance, and actionable ideas, this work offers a fresh perspective on the importance of Blue Carbon ecosystems in combating climate change.
Artwork # 4
Title
The Kelp Frog and the Sand of seaweed bed restoration
Type
Installation
About
This installation features an hourglass filled with fine black glass particles, symbolizing the sands of restoration for seagrass meadows. Observing and listening to the amplified falling sands is a kelp-crafted origami frog, embodying both Japan’s cultural symbolism and the concept of blue carbon. The frog, inspired by the boiling frog fable, warns of humanity’s slow response to climate change, as rising temperatures threaten the sea where it was born. This artwork uses the interplay of sound, form, and narrative to provoke reflection on the urgency of restoring marine ecosystems before it’s too late.
Artwork # 5 Catalogue
Title
List of Original Handmade Instruments
About
This collection features a variety of handmade instruments that produce diverse sounds through different sound production techniques, such as striking, shaking, scraping, and plucking. It includes a wooden bow for scraping and plucking seaweed, shakers with metal rings, and percussive instruments made from kelp.
These instruments are not only used for musical performances but also serve as installation pieces that symbolize the connection between sound and blue carbon ecosystems. Some of the kelp pieces used in this collection are cultivated Japanese farmed kelp specifically grown for blue carbon purposes.
Additionally, a specially designed hourglass that amplifies the sound of falling particles is included, representing the passage of time in the context of environmental change. For usage examples, refer to Artwork #6 VIDEO.
Artwork # 6 VIDEO
About
This short music video highlights the importance of photosynthesis in seaweed-based blue carbon, contrasting two distinct sound styles: digital and analog. In the first half, it features sounds derived from Japanese seagrass meadow area measurement data through digital sonification. The second half presents analog sounds produced using original handmade seaweed instruments showcased in the Artwork #5 catalog, offering an auditory experience that connects blue carbon with climate change.
Artwork # 7
Title
Too darn HOT (Frog leaping through Time)
About
The kelp origami frog, symbolizing the “boiling frog” fable, is crafted from kelp, a key Japanese blue carbon organism, using traditional Japanese origami techniques. Since 2022, this frog has traveled the world, observing human activities and responses to environmental challenges. Along its journey, it has visited Japan’s longest mist cooling systems in the nation and the atomic bomb survivor piano concerts, listening to various aspects of human life. In 2024, Japan’s special report to the United Nations on the blue carbon effects of seaweed further underscored the meaningful significance of this frog, elevating its value as a symbol of environmental sustainability. The kelp frog continues to weave stories of environmental sustainability and human harmony.
Artwork # 8 Early Works. Video
Title
Seaweed Redemption presents The Resolution Song
Format
Video archive
About
This video was created for The Resolution Song project, an open call for art addressing climate change, featuring an original Japanese translation of the song’s lyrics. It compiles archival footage of early activities, such as striking large pieces of kelp to produce sound, showcasing the project’s humble beginnings. Workshops with the Dajyare Music Community Band eventually led to a historic milestone: resonating the sound of kelp strikes as part of a performance at Suntory Hall, one of Japan’s premier classical music venues.
Credit:
Original song copyright: planetresolution