Sounds abound in Tokyo, from the blaring advertisements in busy shopping areas like Shinjuku to the stream of announcements on trains.

They annoy people like Takafumi Fujita, who said his ears and nerves are assaulted every time he goes out.

"It's amazing how much sound is being forced on us that no one appreciates or even pays attention to," said Fujita, 33, who formed the group Noise Fighters five years ago with the aim of reducing the din in public places.