Based on the concepts of "it changes continuously," "it connects to everything," and "it lasts forever," the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project was initiated by artist Tatsuo Miyajima following the Great East Japan Earthquake. It aims to honor the victims of the disaster, pass down memories, and collaboratively create the future of Tohoku with those who live there and those who care about the region. The project began conceptualization in 2015, and through conversations with nearly 3,000 people, artworks have been created. On August 6, 2025, a special program titled "Tatsuo Miyajima × Tsuyoshi Tane Visit the Planned Construction Site: A Day to Carve Your Name as a 'Collaboration Artist'" was held in Tomioka Town, Fukushima Prefecture. This article reports on the special program.
Text and Photos by Emiko Nishizuka ("Sea of Time - Tohoku" Project Staff)
To the Planned Site of the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Museum (Tentative Name)
Many people from Fukushima Prefecture and across Japan participated in this special program.
On the day of the event, under a cloudy sky that softened the intense summer sun, with a pleasant breeze from the sea, and joined by media representatives, the program began in a friendly atmosphere.
First, we headed to the planned site of the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Museum (tentative name) (hereinafter, the "museum site").
Contemporary artist Tatsuo Miyajima (right), architect Tsuyoshi Tane (center), and "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Project Director Tae Kahara (left) offer greetings and an introduction to the museum site.
The sea view from the museum site on the day of the event.
Architect Tsuyoshi Tane explained the current plans for the museum architecture. He also shared his impressions when he first visited the location and his encounter with the sea view from the future museum.
Tsuyoshi Tane discussing the museum architecture at the planned site.
Participants listening intently to Mr. Tane's talk.
Afterward, participants freely explored the planned construction site. Some participants commented on the "very beautiful sea view," while others wondered, "What was this place like originally?" asking about the history of the area around the museum site.
Participants looking out at the sea from the planned museum site.
Some people spoke directly with Mr. Tane.
Tomioka's New Landscape: Tomioka Winery
Next, we headed to Tomioka Winery, which opened in May of this year. We had also visited during a tour in February and heard many stories this time as well.
Tomioka Winery
First, Mr. Hidefumi Endo, the representative, spoke about Tomioka Winery, sharing various sentiments, including how the 16,000 grapevines currently being cultivated symbolize the 16,000 residents of Tomioka Town before the Great East Japan Earthquake. Mr. Endo also said, "When the museum is completed, many people will surely visit Tomioka. We hope to work with the winery and the museum to revitalize Tomioka Town."
The "Kibo no Kura" (Storehouse of Hope), the only building in the Tomioka Station East area that withstood the tsunami. The iron bars of the storehouse windows were bent by the force of the tsunami.
Junichiro Hosokawa, the general leader of Tomioka Wine Domaine, also introduced the brewing facility that will start operation this autumn.
To make the wine delicious, the words "thank you" from countries Mr. Endo has visited are written on the fermentation tanks.
After a thorough introduction to the winery, we enjoyed a special lunch for the day at the Restaurant "L'allée" on the second floor.
Five kinds of amuse-bouche, pasta, dessert, and a wine tasting.
It was a time for participants to interact with each other.
The restaurant is at the same height as the Joban Line tracks. There were moments when people waved at the trains.
Engraving Each Person's "Seconds" - Time Setting Workshop
After lunch, we moved to the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project Tomioka Town office for an interactive time-setting workshop. Tatsuo Miyajima explained his artistic activities to date, the artwork "Sea of Time - TOHOKU," and the workshop.
Tatsuo Miyajima introducing the artwork.
After the explanation, it was time for the time setting. Participants could freely set a meaningful number of seconds between 0.2 and 120.0 seconds. They also wrote down their thoughts and anecdotes associated with their chosen number of seconds on a worksheet.
Each participant determining their number of seconds.
After completing the worksheets, participants divided into groups and shared their chosen number of seconds along with the thoughts and episodes behind them. Everyone listened intently to each person's story and their feelings.
Once again, we heard a variety of sentiments.
With the moderator at the center, participants shared their chosen seconds and the thoughts embedded within them.
There were also moments of intense listening.
Sometimes, smiles broke out.
After sharing within each group, one representative from each group shared their chosen number of seconds and the thoughts behind it. The anecdotes varied, ranging from past experiences and anniversaries to cherished memories.
Participants' Thoughts and Seconds
Here are some of the thoughts behind the chosen seconds from those who participated in the time-setting this time.
0.6 seconds
The rhythm of chest compressions (heart massage) during CPR is 0.6 seconds per compression (100 compressions/minute).
Since it's a life-sustaining rhythm, I hope it becomes one of the times etched.
(Born 1966, female)
21.5 seconds
The number signifies the address where I was born and raised, my hometown.
When I first visited the disaster-stricken area 10 years after the earthquake, many thoughts went through my mind, but the most important was my desire to cherish my family and hometown. Every time I visit Tohoku, I am reminded of what is important.
One day, it's my dream to create a project in my hometown.
(Born 1997, male)
60.0 seconds
On March 11, 2011, during the Great East Japan Earthquake, I was on the 14th floor of a building. After intense vertical shaking, the building swayed and twisted greatly, which was very frightening.
After the shaking subsided, there were frequent aftershocks, and when I got into an elevator during that time, my heart pounded and I felt suffocated.
60 seconds was the time I spent in the elevator. It felt like a very long minute. As someone working in architectural design, it was a crucial moment that made me reconsider the importance of ensuring that the buildings I design remain safe against earthquakes.
(Born 1981, female)
Tatsuo Miyajima × Tsuyoshi Tane: Discussing the Future Museum
The special program concluded with a talk between Tatsuo Miyajima and Tsuyoshi Tane, where they discussed the latest information on the museum's architecture and their feelings after repeatedly visiting Tomioka Town and the Hamadori area.
Mr. Tane presenting a rendering of the latest museum architectural design concept.
©Atelier Tsuyoshi Tane Architects
Previously, Mr. Tane had spoken about the concept of "fushin" (communal construction). In this talk, building upon that idea, he expressed his desire to create the museum architecture, which will house the artworks, through the combined efforts of many people. Rather than completing it all at once, the aim is to gradually shape it together. In this process, I felt a future where new connections would emerge.
The special program successfully concluded with the talk.
Towards a Future for "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Etched Together
This special program, encompassing a visit to the planned museum site, a tour of the winery, a time-setting workshop, and a talk session, provided diverse experiences that allowed participants to feel the "now" of the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project and Tomioka Town, Fukushima Prefecture.
And as the thoughts Tatsuo Miyajima embedded in his artwork merged with the encounter with the planned museum site, and Tsuyoshi Tane's vision for the museum's architecture intertwined with the seconds chosen by each participant, the future outline envisioned by "Sea of Time - TOHOKU" gradually began to take shape, I believe.
Thank you to all who participated.
SPECIAL THANKS
Planning and Management
Cooperation
General Incorporated Association HAMADOORI13, Tomioka Winery, Cosstar Photography Studio
