Based on the concepts of "it continues to change," "it connects with everything," and "it lasts forever," the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project is being created by contemporary artist Tatsuo Miyajima, known for his works using digital counters, together with people living in Tohoku and those who care about Tohoku, with the desire to console the souls of the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and pass on the memory of the disaster.
The artwork, which envisions 3,000 LED gadgets counting from "9 to 1" installed in a massive pool, involves 3,000 participants, each of whom can set the counting speed of their LED number to their desired time. Miyajima has been holding workshops in various locations to meet participants and is working towards completing the artwork in 2027.
Currently, there are 1,720 participants (as of February 2023).
On March 11, 2023, a time-setting workshop will be held in Yurakucho, Tokyo. On this occasion, marking 12 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake, we would like to reintroduce this project and inform those interested in participating about the content of the workshop by sharing past report articles.
Registration for the Tokyo workshop is currently open!
Please see the latter half of this article for details.
(Header photo by Nobutada Omote)
Workshop Reports
① Online workshop with sign language interpretation
In 2021, the tenth year after the earthquake, we held five online workshops using Zoom to listen to everyone's thoughts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, it was the first time for the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project to hold a workshop with sign language interpretation.
On the day, Tatsuo Miyajima began by asking, "Where were you on March 11, ten years ago? What were you feeling then?" This led to a time of reflecting on the events of that day and looking to the future. Please read the report to learn about the stories shared.
Click here for the report article
② Weaving connections, linking to the future: Workshops across Japan
As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic gradually subsided and it became possible to hold in-person workshops with infection control measures in 2022, workshops continued in areas with which Tatsuo Miyajima has strong ties.
These included Benesse Art Site Naoshima in Kagawa Prefecture, where "Sea of Time '98," a sister work to the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project, has been exhibited for over 20 years. Next was Hara Museum ARC, where the work "Chain of Time" has been permanently exhibited for over 30 years. Then came the Jobutsu district of Kunisaki City, Oita Prefecture, where the work "Hundred Life Houses," created with local people in 2014, is permanently installed, and Beppu City, where "Counter Voice in the Earth" was created and presented during a residency in 2006.
Workshops in all these regions, regardless of their distance from Tohoku, shared rich time and stories. Many children who were not yet born at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake also participated. These workshops became an opportunity to weave the connections fostered through the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" artwork in various locations and to link thoughts about Tohoku and life to the future.
Reports on all four regional workshops are available on "Sea of Time - Tohoku" note. From these, we will introduce the workshop reports held in two regions of Oita Prefecture.
Click here for the report article
March 11, Time-Setting Workshop in Yurakucho, Tokyo
On Saturday, March 11, 2023, a "Time-Setting Workshop" will be held at YAU STUDIO in front of Yurakucho Station in Tokyo.
Since the project's inception in 2015, 17 "Time-Setting Workshops" have been held, primarily in Tohoku, and 6 online. This will be the first time it is held in Tokyo with a broad public recruitment.
We encourage residents of Tokyo and those who have not been able to participate due to access limitations to the previous venues to join us with their families and friends. Of course, individual participation is also very welcome!
Click here for workshop details
The Future of the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Project
Following workshops in various parts of Japan, workshops are again planned for Tohoku in 2023.
We will continue our activities with the aim of completing the project in 2027 and envisioning a future where the completed artwork is experienced together with local communities and visitors.
Information on future workshop dates and project progress will be shared on our website, Facebook, and Instagram, in addition to our note. Please follow us if you are interested.
