Based on the concepts of "it continues to change," "it connects with everything," and "it lasts forever," the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project was initiated by contemporary artist Tatsuo Miyajima following the Great East Japan Earthquake. This project aims to commemorate the victims of the disaster, preserve its memories, and collaboratively build the future of Tohoku with the people living there and those who care about the region. The project began in 2015, and through dialogues with nearly 3,000 people, the artwork "Sea of Time - TOHOKU" was created.
Currently, efforts continue in collaboration with the local community in Tomioka Town, Fukushima Prefecture, to construct the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Museum (provisional name) for the permanent installation of the artwork.
On August 5, 2025, to enjoy the summer with those who have always supported us, we held a "Yusuzumi" (evening cool) event at the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Project's Tomioka Town office. This article provides a photo report of the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Project's Yusuzumi.
Text by Tae Yoshihara ("Sea of Time - Tohoku" Project Director)
Photos by Emiko Nishizuka ("Sea of Time - Tohoku" Project Staff)
Table of Contents
- Relaxing in the Summer Twilight
- Project Sharing from Tatsuo Miyajima and Tsuyoshi Tane
- Layering New Landscapes Together in Tomioka Town
- Seeking Support Artists
- "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Museum Support Group | Members Wanted!
Relaxing in the Summer Twilight
Even after the press conference announcing the plan for the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Museum (provisional name) on February 3rd this year, we have continued our activities, fostering exchanges with people from Tomioka Town and the Hamadori region of Fukushima Prefecture, where the museum is planned, as well as with members of the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Museum Support Group (hereinafter referred to as the Support Group). Reports on the Support Group's activities are also available on our Note magazine. Please take a look.
This summer, on Tuesday, August 5th, we held the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Project's Yusuzumi, an exchange event and stakeholder gathering for the Support Group members and other individuals who have supported this project!
Furthermore, to support and liven up the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Project, members of TRAIL HEADS came all the way from Tokyo with their "Listening Bar"!
The Listening Bar arrives in front of the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Project office!
The "Listening Bar" is a renovated camper trailer with a sound-engineered interior by Komatsu Onkyo Kenkyujo, allowing guests to enjoy high-quality sound produced by vacuum tube amplifiers.
Stepping inside the trailer changes the perception of sound, enveloping you in rich audio.
Inside the Listening Bar
TRAIL HEADS is a field-design company that advocates for the vision of "BACK TO NATURE," expanding "ways of working" and solving issues related to "workplaces." The company's attitude of "living seamlessly, enjoying work, life, and play" is encapsulated in this "Listening Bar."
On the day, they even brought a limited quantity of their new original beer, "BACK TO RIVER"!
The new "BACK TO RIVER Echo" is crisp and refreshing, perfect for a summer night!
(photo: Tae Yoshihara)
(photo: Tae Yoshihara)
As the sun began to set, more and more people gathered, leisurely listening to music inside the trailer house or chatting animatedly while enjoying delicious beer around it, as a relaxed atmosphere permeated the air.
Project Sharing from Tatsuo Miyajima and Tsuyoshi Tane
Tsuyoshi Tane (Atelier Tsuyoshi Tane Architects), who is designing the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Museum (provisional name), and Tatsuo Miyajima also participated in this Yusuzumi event, taking the time to share the latest project progress with all attendees.
The talk began with an introduction from Mr. Tane himself, followed by his reflections on his first visit to Tomioka Town and seeing the planned museum site, as well as a presentation on the latest museum architectural plans. Questions from participants and lively discussions continued in a friendly atmosphere between Mr. Tane, Mr. Miyajima, and the attendees.
Architect Tsuyoshi Tane
Everyone listened intently to the talk by Mr. Tane and Mr. Miyajima.
Left: Tsuyoshi Tane, Center: Tatsuo Miyajima, Right: Tae Yoshihara
For the latest architectural plans for the museum, please see the report on the special program held on August 6.
Layering New Landscapes Together in Tomioka Town
As I watched people chatting and spending time enjoying pleasant music and delicious drinks in a corner of the town on a completely dark night, I imagined the future landscape of Tomioka Town that will emerge. It was a wonderful sight that strongly made me feel that I want to continue layering such warm landscapes with the people of Tomioka Town and the Hamadori region of Fukushima Prefecture, and with everyone who cares about Fukushima and Tohoku.
After the talk, we continued to enjoy a relaxed and pleasant time. (photo: Tae Yoshihara)
(photo: Tae Yoshihara)
After cleaning up, a commemorative photo at the end! Thank you all very much!!
Once again, we sincerely thank everyone who came to the Yusuzumi and those who supported the planning and operation. Thank you very much indeed!!
May we continue to create and layer heartwarming landscapes together.
SPECIAL THANKS
Cooperation: TRAIL HEADS Inc., NPO Invisible, CosSta Photography Studio, apollostation Tomioka SS / Tanaka (name), and the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Museum Support Group members
Seeking Support Artists
The "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Project designates those who provide financial support as "Support Artists," and their names will be permanently preserved in the completed artwork in the future.
Furthermore, project progress is regularly updated on social media and through newsletters. Please follow us on social media!
"Sea of Time - Tohoku" Museum Support Group | Members Wanted!
The "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Museum Support Group operates monthly in Tomioka Town, Fukushima Prefecture. Activities are planned to be multifaceted, including weeding and tree planting at the planned museum site, strategy meetings, and event planning for gatherings.
We are still looking for members who wish to participate in the "process" of creating the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Museum (provisional name), regardless of their place of residence (in or outside Tomioka Town)!
Whether it's "what you want to do," "what you can do," or "what you'd like to help with a little bit," any form is welcome.
If you are interested, please join our LINE group via the link below.
We look forward to your participation!
📮 "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Museum Support Group LINE Group
*Participation from the link may be difficult depending on your device. In that case, please join using the QR code below.
We would appreciate your continued support for the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Project.
