It’s been 11 years since a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan’s Tohoku region, but the nation is still reeling from the lives lost and struggling to fix the environmental repercussions of March 11 2011. To remember the victims of the tragedy and to help protect people from natural disasters in the future, the coastal town of Minamisanriku in Miyagi prefecture, which was heavily affected by the tsunami, is opening a dedicated 3-11 museum .
Set to open in October 2022, the Minamisanriku 311 Memorial is a 1,4000 sqm facility designed by Japanese starchitect Kengo Kuma. The famed architect is supervising the reconstruction of the adjacent Minami Sanriku Shopping Village, too. He has also designed the new Nakahashi Bridge that will connect the peace park to the museum across the river.
Exhibits in the memorial will include lost objects and remnants of the disaster as well as collections of photographs taken in the aftermath. There will also be an art installation by French sculptor Christian Boltanski.
With a capacity to host individual groups of up to 100 people at a time, Minamisanriku Tourism Association hopes that the facility can encourage schools and companies to partake in workshops aimed at teaching people emergency life-saving skills.
More from Time Out
Vote now: Time Out Love Local Awards 2022 shortlist is live
In photos: must-see highlights at teamLab's sensational digital art forest in Kyushu
Watch: this drone video takes you flying through Japan's top cherry blossom destinations
This cute Tokyo Station kiosk sells Japan-exclusive Disney treats
Here’s how you can make Japan’s famous soufflé pancakes at home
Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.