Shibuya Station's Mysterious Mosquito Buzz: Explained
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Shibuya Station's Mysterious Mosquito Buzz: Explained

JP
By The Japanist Team
Source: SoraNews24

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Experiencing a strange high-pitched noise at Shibuya Station? You're not alone. Ongoing construction and potential pest deterrents are contributing to a 'mosquito buzz' affecting visitors, especially younger travelers.

Shibuya Station, already a challenging spot due to ongoing redevelopment until 2031, now has another layer of irritation: a high-frequency 'mosquito noise'. This sound, more audible to younger people, is reportedly strongest around Miyashita Park and the Seibu Shibuya department store.

Testing confirmed the existence of frequencies around 17-18 kHz, with the loudest point near Seibu Shibuya. While the cause isn't definitively known, theories include sound reflection from buildings and the use of high-frequency pest deterrents, common in areas with rodent issues.

If you find yourself unusually annoyed in Shibuya, this noise could be the culprit. Consider using earbuds to mitigate the effect, especially if you are sensitive to high-pitched sounds. The noise seems to dissipate closer to Harajuku.

Original source:SoraNews24