Based on the concepts of "it continues to change," "it connects with everything," and "it lasts forever," contemporary artist Tatsuo Miyajima, known for his works using digital counters, launched the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project to commemorate the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and to pass on its memory. He creates this project with the people living in Tohoku and those who care about the region.
The artwork, which is envisioned to have 3,000 LED gadgets counting from "9 to 1" installed in a massive pool, involves 3,000 people, each setting the counting speed of their LED number to their desired time. Miyajima conducts workshops in various locations, meeting participants, and aims to complete the artwork by 2027.
Last year, 2023, was the year with the most workshops held since the launch of "Sea of Time - Tohoku." Thanks to the support of people from various regions, mainly along the Tohoku coast, from Fukuoka Prefecture in the south to Aomori Prefecture in the north, we were able to welcome a total of 2,517 participants by the end of December 2023.
We are deeply grateful to all the participants from various regions and to all the stakeholders who provided immense cooperation. We extend our heartfelt thanks once again.
2023 Time Setting Workshop Locations
- January: Yotsuba Nursery School, Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture
- March: Yurakucho Art Urbanism (YAU), Tokyo
- May: Joshibi University of Art and Design High School, Tokyo
- May: Gunma Prefectural Women's University, Gunma Prefecture
- June: Odaka Ukifune Fureai Hiroba, Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture
- July: Manabi no Mori Culture Exchange Center, Tomioka Town, Fukushima Prefecture
- July: Kamaishi Civic Hall TETTO, Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture
- July: Hachinohe City Museum of Art, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture
- September: Yanagawa Municipal Kamachi Elementary School, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- September: Yanagawa Civic Cultural Hall Suito Yanagawa, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- September: Minamisanriku 311 Memorial, Minamisanriku Town, Miyagi Prefecture
- September: Ukedo Fishing Port, Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture
- October: Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, Futaba Town, Fukushima Prefecture
- November: Akio Nagasawa Gallery Ginza, Tokyo
Last year, on March 11th, we were able to hold our first workshop in Tokyo. A report on it is compiled below, so please take a look.
Furthermore, last year, we had the opportunity to update our workshop methods.
In this article, we will report on the activities of the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project in 2023, focusing on the newly introduced "participant-dialogue" workshop format and the thoughts of participants from various regions.
Writing & Editing
Tae Kahara | Project Director, "Sea of Time - Tohoku"
All photos without credit are by the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Project Executive Committee Secretariat.
Having time for participants to converse with each other
"We want to talk and listen to the people who gathered with their thoughts, and we also want to have this opportunity to talk and listen. Can we not have a time for participants to converse with each other during the workshop?"
This was a suggestion we received from a member of the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Support Community in Tomioka Town, our co-hosting partner, during a meeting to prepare for the workshop in Tomioka Town, Fukushima Prefecture.
In previous workshops, Miyajima would converse with each participant, listen attentively to their stories, and receive their thoughts. Then, with their permission, he would read aloud the set time and their thoughts to share with other participants.
Flow of previous "Time Setting" workshops
Indeed, the time for participants to speak, listen to each other, and share their thoughts could cultivate the individual thoughts and empathy for others that "Sea of Time - Tohoku" values. With such expectations, the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project undertook its first "participant-dialogue" time-setting workshop.
(Tomioka Town workshop photos by Yuki Iwanami)
At the Tomioka Town workshop, participants formed groups of 4-5 people, with one staff member acting as a moderator. First, they carefully observed the demonstration artwork, allowing them to experience the work through their own senses and then freely explore various imaginations. It was striking to see both children and adults quietly and intently engrossed in the blue numbers blinking in the dark.
Participants intently watching the demonstration artwork
Afterward, they returned to their respective groups and freely discussed their impressions of the artwork. Then, Miyajima explained the background of the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project and the artist's thoughts.
And now, it's time for the time setting workshop.
First, each person writes their chosen time and thoughts on a worksheet in their favorite spot.
Once they had finished writing, they returned to their groups and engaged in dialogue about the time they had chosen and the thoughts they had put into it. Of course, for those who preferred not to share their thoughts during the workshop, their wishes were respected.
Some groups burst into joyful chatter, while others intently listened to the participants' thoughts. Miyajima joined each conversation circle, spending time engaging with their individual thoughts.
At the end of the workshop, one representative from each group shared their chosen time and the thoughts behind it.
By chance, the participants happened to be at this place on this day. The invaluable thoughts received from others and the time spent in dialogue, will surely be recalled when they stand before the completed artwork. The time for dialogue was so warm and rich that it felt like it would.
After the Tomioka Town workshop, we felt the effectiveness of the dialogue-based workshop. While adjusting the scale and operational structure, we expanded our workshops using two methods: "dialogue with Miyajima and reading aloud/sharing participants' thoughts" and "participant-dialogue." Subsequently, in workshops in Hachinohe City, Minamisanriku Town, and Futaba Town, with the cooperation of local operational support teams, we also held workshops using the participant-dialogue method.
Workshop in Minamisanriku Town
People of various generations, meeting old friends or new acquaintances, talked about their feelings embedded in the numbers, and listened to each other's stories. This scene was a reminder that each person cultivates, carries, and cherishes their own unique story.
Photo: Hachinohe City Museum of Art
Workshop in Futaba Town
What are the thoughts embedded in the numbers?
Here, we introduce some of the participants' thoughts from the workshops held in various locations in 2023.
※ Some parts may be excerpted or edited if the original text is long.
※ While respecting the original expressions, typos and similar errors have been corrected.
0.7 seconds
When I experienced the earthquake, I felt like it was the Earth's heartbeat, and I realized how powerless humans are. At that time, I remember struggling with what I could do, but my priority was to protect the life and heart of my daughter, who I couldn't leave. I decided to align the smallness and transience of my own life with the Earth's heartbeat, so I set it to my heart rate this morning.
(Born 1963, female)
0.5 seconds
The number of rice balls we could eat the night of the earthquake. Two of us shared one rice ball (0.5). While we no longer struggle for food, I set this number so I wouldn't forget the gratitude and blessing of being able to eat.
I was a high school student at the time, at club activities. I stayed at school. Because there were so many students, I only got half a rice ball.
(Born 1994, male)
101.4 seconds
The number I chose is the date I experienced the workshop. I felt that what I experienced today could only be felt today, so I chose this number. I was born and raised in Tohoku, and I hope it remains a region where I want to continue living.
(Born 1974, male)
Yanagawa City workshop | Photo: Keika Kai
81 seconds
The sum of all my family members' birthdays (month and day).
My family is more important to me than anything, so I didn't just count myself
I added my family's birthdays too. With the thought, "I am always with my family" and "I am who I am because of my family."
(Born 2001, female)
11 seconds
Because I was 11 years old during the earthquake. I don't remember much from when I was 11, but the moment of the earthquake, and the images I saw on TV afterward and their impact, are still vivid in my memory.
I want to cherish those memories as I work towards the reconstruction of Tohoku.
(Born 1999, male)
58 seconds
The day my second life began after returning to Kamaishi from Tokyo due to the earthquake, May 8, 2012 = 58.
My family home was gone, and I had to find a job. I was full of anxiety. The sight of Kamaishi being destroyed, which I, who disliked the countryside and lived in the city, saw, broke my heart. I decided when I saw my mother's happy smile when I said, "I'm coming back."
(Born 1958, female)
Workshop in Odaka district, Minamisoma City | Photo: Hiroshi Suzuki
119.8 seconds
I actually thought about making it 120 seconds. This is because I think the time flow from the earthquake, including decommissioning and "reconstruction," is very long, exceeding my lifetime and the time I can know. However, with the desire to move forward, even a little, I made it 0.2 seconds earlier.
(Born 1985, female)
29.7 seconds
The time I spent with my deceased mother (from my birth until her death)
The time with my son, also meaning to cherish every second.
(Born 1993, male)
11 seconds
The number is simple, but it's common for March 11, 2011, my birthday February 11, and my age at the time, 31. I chose it so I could remember myself at that time. I hope to feel like I can remember and start anew, as this day is a new beginning in my life.
(Born 1980, female)
Workshop in Kamaishi City
Workshop in Namie Town
The "Sea of Time - Tohoku" time setting mechanism, in addition to workshops held in various locations, also allowed for participation via the Web. Thanks to this, the total number of participants approached the goal of 3,000, and therefore, Web participation ended on December 25th of last year.
Here are some of the thoughts of those who supported the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project and participated via the Web.
20.5 seconds
The house number of the address where I lived from birth until the day of the earthquake, a memorable 205.
(Born 1952, male)
10.4 seconds
The scenery 100 years from now that I cannot see. I want to see the scenery of Tomioka Town 100 years from now. Even if I can't see it, I want to create its beginning, together.
(Born 1961, male)
49.1 seconds
The thoughts about Tohoku, where my deceased father (born January, 1929) was born and raised, and where my deceased mother (born January, 1934) was evacuated as a school child, continue to live in my heart.
(Born 1957, male)
6 seconds
The intensity and duration of the earthquake at the time.
I was an elementary school student then, and I didn't realize the gravity of the situation. Now, as an adult, it's sad that it's fading from both society's memory and my own. I don't want to dismiss it as just "disaster victims," but I truly believe that those who suffered the disaster went through immense pain. And to those who supported us then, those who are still fighting, and those aiming for recovery. I will live each day with gratitude for such people, and from now on, I will also strive to give back to Fukushima and never forget that event. Ganbappe Fukushima.
(Born 2000, male)
16.2 seconds
It's part of the address where I have precious family memories.
Tohoku was hurt by the earthquake, but it's my beloved hometown, and I want to live there forever.
(Born 1967, female)
Towards 2024 activities
As of 2024, two new developments have occurred.
[1] Official Website Renewal
First, on March 11th of this year, marking the 13th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, we renewed the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project website.
With this renewal, we have added a new section titled "Vision: What 'Sea of Time - Tohoku' Aims For," outlining the achievements of our workshops and exhibitions over the past eight years, as well as our future activity policies.
Additionally, we have created a new page to allow visitors to experience the "thoughts of participants" who have submitted their "time settings." The individual thoughts of participants, which "Sea of Time - Tohoku" values, will be updated and published irregularly in the future.
Furthermore, on the "Support Us" page, we have clarified the participation method for "Support Artists" who endorse the activities of "Sea of Time - Tohoku" and provide financial support.
[2] Opening of the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Project Office
In April this year, Tatsuo Miyajima Office Co., Ltd. opened an office in Tomioka Town, Fukushima Prefecture.
As a new activity base for the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project, we plan to utilize this location for workshops and new projects.
And from this base, we will disseminate information on the activities of the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project to people throughout the Tohoku region and across Japan.
Five months have already passed in 2024. For the remaining participant slots in the time setting, we are planning workshops this year, mainly along the Tohoku coast, primarily for members of the communities where the artwork will be purchased and installed.
