＜INSPIRATION: Background＞ 
When standing in Yokosuka, one becomes aware of the knotty contested exchange that characterized Japan’s modernization and its forced entrance into the international system. In 1853, Admiral Perry's fleet arrived in Yokosuka and introduced the telegraph, a cutting-edge communication device of the time; turning Yokosuka into a historic inflection point in Japan's diplomatic and communication history. In the intervening years, the city transformed into a major port town and continues to be a contact zone where the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. military bases coexist.

During a recent site visit to Yokosuka, I was most struck by the complex interplay between local culture and the evolution of information networks. Historical monuments like the battleship Mikasa and the Kannonzaki Lighthouse memorialize this interplay and continue to "communicate" to the present in ways that exceed their original uses.

Among my experiences from the site visit, it was my curiosity and interest in international signal flags and semaphore signals that became the starting point for this work. I continued to explore the history and practical use of these signals and the role of flags in daily life, leading me to untangle the ambiguity and uncertainty inherent in these classical communication methods. Through conversations with former members of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, I learned that “Tebata Shingo” (flag signals) are not merely about military instructions but also convey human emotions in certain contexts. The fact that they "interact with people" and that there are moments when short poems or "human-like words" are exchanged between ships during brief encounters was particularly striking to me.

Reflecting on these experiences, I contemplated how to express the "invisible emotions" and "feelings that are not conveyed through words" in flag signals. This led me to further explore the simple communication tool of the tin can telephone (in Japanese, we call string telephone; also known as “lovers’ phone). Discovered by Robert Hooke in 1667, the tin can telephone relies on the tension of the string and distance to affect sound quality, making it a unique communication tool with varied personal experiences. While now known primarily as a children’s toy, this simple device cleverly utilizes the relationship between sound wave propagation and human hearing.

What connects these two methods is their "imperfectness" and "room for interpretation." Unlike digital communication's precision, both flag signals and string telephones involve active creative engagement (ingenuity, effort, cooperation) from both sender and receiver, incorporating misunderstandings and ambiguity. These sensory experiences and uncertain elements may, in fact, be key to unlocking the potential for rich dialogue. This contemplation also led me to question the nature of modern digital communication. While today’s technology enables instantaneous and accurate information transmission, there may be a loss of the inherent ambiguity, playfulness, and empathy that characterize human dialogue.

This exploration is deeply connected to the Zen philosophy and Eastern thought. The attitude of accepting duality and uncertainty is reflected in Japanese aesthetic concepts. For example, "wabi-sabi" finds beauty in imperfection and transience, while "mono no aware" expresses a sensitive awareness of the fleeting nature of things. Furthermore, "yūgen" captures a sense of profound and mysterious beauty. These concepts challenge us not to seek perfect understanding but rather to embrace the importance of interpretive diversity.

At the same time, as digitalization has made our conversations faster and more precise, the nuances and context of language have become more easily lost. This "gap in words" often causes anxiety and loneliness among people, giving rise to new mental health issues. Misunderstandings in communication on social media, as well as emotional disconnects in text-based conversations, have become urgent problems in contemporary society. However, the concepts of "wabi-sabi," "mono no aware," and "yūgen" offer an approach that values the "space" and "margin" created by allowing interpretive diversity, rather than pursuing perfect understanding or accuracy. This approach might hold the key to creating a sense of safety and peace of mind in the digital age. At least, we, as Japanese, should not take it for granted. 

This stance is not merely an aesthetic notion but a metaphysical inquiry. Instead of eliminating uncertainty and ambiguity, embracing them and finding new meaning and value within them raises fundamental questions about the way we communicate today.

This is also a metaphysical inquiry and aligns with contemporary linguistic and psychological insights. Linguist Noam Chomsky has noted that the polysemy of language demonstrates the flexibility of human cognition. Psychologist Dan Sperber’s "Relevance Theory" emphasizes the importance of context-dependent interpretation. These theoretical backgrounds offer new perspectives on the nature of modern dialogue.

Yokosuka's history symbolizes the challenges and richness of intercultural communication. From the language barriers faced during Perry’s arrival to the tensions of being a naval port city and the international cooperation frameworks of the present day, this place has continually confronted the vexations and opportunity of communication.