Simon James French

Hey, I’m Simon James French (SJF).

I moved to Kyoto from London in 2025 because I wanted to see if I could find a different rhythm to life. I’ve spent the last two decades as a sound artist and composer, recording the world—from neon streets in Tokyo to the back alleys of Seoul—but I’ve always felt that Kyoto is a city that is kind to people who slow down and listen.

On this channel, I share a few different facets of my work:

→ Letters from Kyoto 
Short video essays and reflections on a life lived in the ancient capital of Japan.

→ The Kyoto, in Sound Podcast 
I ask residents of this beautiful city to share their favourite sound. Then, I head out with my microphones to record it and tell the story of why it matters to them. It’s an attempt to hear the city through the ears of the people who know it best.

If you’re coming to Kyoto and want to join me for a sound walk through the city’s quieter corners, you can find all the details at www.kyotoinsound.com.