Tsuyoshi Tane and Tatsuo Miyajima Collaborate on Sea of Time – TOHOKU in Fukushima
The art and architecture initiative known as Sea of Time – TOHOKU is being developed in Tomioka, Fukushima Prefecture, under the direction of architect Tsuyoshi Tane and artist Tatsuo Miyajima. This project, crafted by Atelier Tsuyoshi Tane Architects, is set to unfold from 2024 to 2027, aiming for a spring 2028 launch. Perched on a cliff with views of the Pacific Ocean, the design reflects the memories of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Central to the concept is a circular basin of 200 square meters, featuring 3,000 LED counters that cycle numbers from 1 to 9 based on participant-defined intervals. Locally sourced stone emphasizes its regional ties, while community workshops since 2015 have integrated personal stories into its development.
Key facts
- Sea of Time – TOHOKU is located in Tomioka, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.
- The project is designed by Tsuyoshi Tane in collaboration with Tatsuo Miyajima.
- Development runs from 2024 to 2027, with opening in spring 2028.
- The site is on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, shaped by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
- The building is a circular structure partially embedded in the ground with a large sheltering roof.
- A 200-square-meter circular basin at the center houses 3,000 LED counters.
- LED counters cycle numbers from 1 to 9 at intervals defined by participants.
- The project uses locally sourced stone and follows the 'Archaeology of the Future' approach.
- Workshops and collaborative initiatives have been ongoing since 2015.
- The project is conceived as a participatory and evolving collective process.
Entities
Artists
- Tsuyoshi Tane
- Tatsuo Miyajima
Institutions
- Atelier Tsuyoshi Tane Architects
- V&A East Museum
- O'Donnell + Tuomey
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art
- David Geffen Galleries
- Peter Zumthor
- Centre Pompidou
- Hanwha Foundation of Culture
- Renzo Piano
- Richard Rogers
Locations
- Tomioka
- Fukushima Prefecture
- Japan
- Pacific Ocean
- Tōhoku
- South Korea
- Paris