300 sha-ko-seki light-reflecting stones echo fukushima's pre-disaster coastal landscape

SHA-KO-SEKI in Futaba: A Journey of Healing

SHA-KO-SEKI in Futaba, a town deeply affected by the Fukushima Daiichi disaster, is an art installation featuring 300 sea-themed pieces by Kazutaka Shioi. The initiative is part of the ‘Messenger in Residence’ program and aims to bring hope and healing to a community marked by a decade of displacement.

The installation comprises 300 SHA-KO-SEKI light-reflecting stones, each inspired by the sea, echoing the coastal identity of Futaba-machi in Fukushima Prefecture. Created in Shioi’s atelier after his visit to the site in February 2023, the pieces symbolize emotional support for the displaced residents. Futaba has been designated a difficult-to-return zone for nearly 11 years following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident.

The artwork will be installed in a facility within the town, inviting both former residents and visitors to engage with it. Through written exchanges, participants can share their memories of Futaba, fostering a connection to the town’s past and future.

all images courtesy of Kazutaka Shioi

Kazutaka Shioi’s artwork blends Art and Memory

Futaba Town, once lively, became deserted following the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent nuclear accident in March 2011. Kazutaka Shioi’s project aims to address this loss, creating a poignant reminder of the town’s history and the resilience of its people.

Shioi’s visit to Koriyama Beach, near Futaba Station, revealed a once-vibrant shore now marked by a somber atmosphere. The beach, previously a hub for family activities and daily walks, now stands as a symbol of the abrupt displacement experienced by the townsfolk. This experience inspired the artist to capture the scenery and create an artwork that offers solace and remembrance.

The SHA-KO-SEKI pieces are installed in the old Futaba Station building. Visitors can take home one of the artworks in exchange for a letter detailing their memories of Futaba. These letters will be collected and may be included in a public collection of Shioi’s work. For more information on the program, contact the Hiraku Futaba Secretariat here.

300 sha-ko-seki sea-themed pieces represent healing and resilience

sha-ko-seki stones reflect the coastal identity of Futaba-machi, Fukushima

visitors can take home an artwork in exchange for a letter about Futaba

written exchanges allow participants to share their memories of Futaba

the installation invites residents and visitors to engage with Futaba’s past and future

Koriyama Beach, near Futaba Station, now marked by somberness, inspired Shioi’s work

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research: Futaba Town, Fukushima, Japan

research: Futaba Town, Fukushima, Japan

research: Futaba Town, Fukushima, Japan

research: Futaba Town, Fukushima, Japan

project info:

name: SHA-KO-SEKI in Futaba
artist: Kazutaka Shioi | @kazutaka_shioi

location: former Futaba Station building, Futaba, Fukushima, Japan

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom