The book Designing with Sound: Why Does the Emergency Earthquake Alert Sound Create Tension? by environmental musician and sound designer Takashi Kokubo was featured in the book review section of The Asahi Shimbun.

The book focuses on the “sounds of society” that people hear unconsciously in daily life—such as the emergency earthquake alert sound, electronic payment tones, and urban sound logos—explaining their mechanisms and the thinking behind their design. Even sounds lasting only a few seconds can influence human emotions and behavior, helping people detect danger and respond with heightened awareness.

The article also refers to Kokubo’s long-standing work in environmental music and sound design, presenting the perspective that sound functions within society as a medium that guides human psychology and behavior.

Sound, the article suggests, is not merely decorative but an important design element within social systems. The book is introduced as a work that encourages readers to reconsider the sounds surrounding them from a new perspective.

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