This artwork is created to help us revisit "that time." "That time" refers to March 11, 2011. On that day, our values and worldview were deeply shaken.
Naturally, there is a sense of mourning for those who lost their lives, and sympathy for those who were affected. Yet, a multitude of complex thoughts also drifted through the minds of those who survived.
"Back then"—the despair, the helplessness, the emptiness, the anger, and the awe of nature we felt.
"Back then"—the kindness, the bonds, and the connections we experienced.
"Back then"—the friendship, the hope, the human heart, and its resilience we believed in.
"Back then"—the reflection, the resolve, and the promises we made.
Yet, "that time" is slowly slipping away from our memories.
That is why, through this work, we go back to reconnect with "that time" and "that person."
We go back to find "our own heart" as it was back then.
We go back to touch "someone else's thoughts" from that very time.
"Back then"—the kindness, the bonds, and the connections we experienced.
"Back then"—the friendship, the hope, the human heart, and its resilience we believed in.
"Back then"—the reflection, the resolve, and the promises we made.
Yet, "that time" is slowly slipping away from our memories.
That is why, through this work, we go back to reconnect with "that time" and "that person."
We go back to find "our own heart" as it was back then.
We go back to touch "someone else's thoughts" from that very time.
That is the kind of place we aim to create. So that people can reunite with their loved ones. So that they can revisit the feelings they had back then. At "Sea of Time - TOHOKU," we hope to create such works by standing with those who have been affected, and by collaborating with many people who share our empathy and support.
Contemporary artist Tatsuo Miyajima
Artist’s Impression of Sea of Time - TOHOKU
Within a 22.5m x 40m water basin (a shallow water-filled facility), 3,000 LED counter gadgets, each representing the hopes and dreams of 3,000 people, together shine brightly.
The scene will likely evoke images of the gently lapping waves of the Tohoku (Northeastern) Sea.
Currently, preparations are underway to construct a museum in Tomioka Town, Fukushima Prefecture, overlooking the sea, for the permanent installation of the artwork, "Sea of Time - TOHOKU."
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Miyajima Tatsuo | "Sea of Time - TOHOKU" Idea Drawing | 2015 -
Tatsuo Miyajima | "Sea of Time - TOHOKU" Concept Drawing | 2024 -
Layout diagram | 2023 -
Layout Diagram | 2016 -
LED counter gadget -
Sea of Time - TOHOKU (Partial)｜2020｜Partial display at Mori Art Museum
Profile
Tatsuo Miyajima
Contemporary artist
Born in 1957. In 1988, he was invited to the Newcomers' Section of the Venice Biennale, where his works using digital numbers garnered international attention. Since then, he has held numerous exhibitions both in Japan and abroad, showcasing his works in over 250 locations across 30 countries worldwide. In 1990, he resided in New York at the invitation of ACC. In 1993, he resided in Paris at the invitation of the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain.
His representative works include "Mega Death" (1999 / 2016), "Counter Void" (2003, TV Asahi Collection), and "Sea of Time '98" (1998). He also promotes the "Revive Time: Kaki Tree Project" (1995-), in which children around the world raise second-generation柿 (persimmon) trees from those exposed to the atomic bomb. In 1998, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the Arts London.
From 2006-2016, he served as Vice President of Tohoku University of Art and Design. From 2012-2016, he served as Vice President of Kyoto University of Art and Design. In 2020, he received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award for Fine Arts.
Tatsuo Miyajima Official Website｜https://tatsuomiyajima.com/
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Mega Death | 1999/2016 -
Time Waterfall｜2016｜photo: MCH Messe Schweiz (Basel) AG
About "Time Setting"
Each of the 3,000 numerical LEDs in "Sea of Time - TOHOKU" counts at a different speed.
Through the "Time Setting" workshop, where participants set the time at which the numbers 9, 8, 7, 6 ... change (from 0.2 to 120.0 seconds) and share their thoughts and feelings about that time, we have had 2,922 participants to date (as of June 1, 2026).*
In the "Sea of Time - TOHOKU" project, each participant is positioned as a "collaboration artist," and a "certificate of participation" is issued as proof of being one of the artists.
*As of the end of March 2026, participation registration for time settings has been closed.
Participants' Messages
Voices from the workshop with messages of affection for Tohoku and the stories behind the chosen seconds.
58 seconds
May 8, 2012 – 5/8. That was the day my second life began, when I returned to Kamaishi from Tokyo because of the earthquake. My family home was gone, and I had to find a job. All I felt was anxiety. The sight of Kamaishi being destroyed, a place I had left for the city because I disliked the countryside, broke my heart. I made the decision to return after seeing my mother's joyful smile when I told her, "I'm coming back."
Born in 1958, female
60 seconds
I wanted to confront the earthquake through art.
Born 1979, Male
Past Activities
Beginning with research in 2015, we have conducted time-setting workshops and exhibitions for about 10 years.
We have held a total of 49 workshops across 39 locations in 9 prefectures, including online sessions. As of June 1, 2026, 2,922 participants have attended.
Current Participants :
2,922people
As of June 1, 2026
