Journaling in Japan

Co-founder of Mayfly Sound, Barney Heywood recently took a trip to Japan to attend the The International Academic Forum (iafor) in Kobe. He delivered a workshop with Dr Ruth Farrar, from Bath Spa University, called Utilising Technology to Unlock the Past.

The aim of the workshop was to explore how digital technologies can be shaped to change our perceptions of the past. Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and image recognition technology was discussed to demonstrate innovative new platforms available to storytellers, historians and media makers.

Case studies covered in the workshop included sharing immigrant stories for a sound art commission for the Austrian Cultural Forum in New York; an interactive storytelling app to commemorate Carnegie Hall’s 125th anniversary in New York and an exhibition at the Barbican for the Royal Shakespeare Company bringing theatrical props to life in London.

During a practical exercise, workshop participants got the opportunity to curate their own mini exhibitions. Each participant chose an object that they were carrying with them, e.g. their watch, a photo, jewellery, and then used the Mayfly Sound App to record its story. Mayfly Sound Stickers, mounted on exhibition labels, were then used to display the objects, allowing people to trigger the stories with image recognition.  

After the event, Barney explored the sights and sounds of Japan and he captured his trip in his Mayfly Sound Journal.

The pages became filled with notes, sounds and diary entries, the pockets filled with tickets, leaflets and photos.

The Mayfly Sound journal was the perfect companion for this incredible trip.