Failure and postmodernist aesthetics in Japan’s noise music of the 80’s and 90’s

This audio paper explores the theories and aesthetics surrounding the Japanese noise music scene of the 80’s and 90’s – sometimes referred to as Japanoise, specifically looking predominantly at Paul Hegarty’s writing on failure and using them as a basis to draw comparisons to Postmodernist fine art. As well as thorough reading and research into the subject, I used personal experience and practice-based research as a noise maker myself. I also did a sonic ethnography of a noise gig I attended as well as conducting interviews with key practitioners. I have discovered what makes Japanese noise music so unique in terms of the broad scope of influences it brings together and the abstract theories it stems. What it means for the relationship between noise and music.

Bio

Lucas Yoshimura Wood, born in London and half Japanese, thinks about and makes noise. They perform playing with no input and feedback techniques as well as creating installations exploring the relationship between noise and moving image. They use improvisation and lo-fi recording in their work to evoke themes centred around time, memory, light and dreams.

Bibliography

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Hegarty, P. (2025). Interview with Paul Hegarty. Interviewed by L. Yoshimura Wood, 18 February.

Hegarty, P. (2021) Annihilating Noise. New York: Bloomsbury.

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Incapacitants (2024) [Café OTO: Dalston, London. 7 September].

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Tate Art terms: simulacrum. Accessed: 11 March 2025.

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Yoshihide, O. (2024). Interview with Otomo Yoshihide. Interviewed by L. Yoshimura Wood, 28 October.

Recordings

Incacitants (1995) As Loud As Possible. Downloaded: 12 March 2024.

Hijokaidan (1985) King Of Noise. Downloaded: 12 March 2024.

Kurt Schwitters (1932) Ursonate. Downloaded: 12 March 2024.

Otomo Yoshihide (2004) Turntables Solo Live at Brighton. Downloaded: 12 March 2024.

Merzbow (1986) Antimonument. Downloaded: 12 March 2024.

Derek and the Ruins (1995) Saisoro. Downloaded: 12 March 2024.

Derek Bailey (1978) New Sights, Old Sounds Solo Live. Downloaded: 12 March 2024.