Toyo Ito's message for the future

one of the many messages on the walls and ceilings

I took advantage of a fine autumn day and went by car to the TIMA or Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture again. I wanted to see the exhibits concerning the project called "home-for-all" for Tohoku that Ito has got involved deeply.

Before going to that section, I read almost all the messages and quotations of architects and others printed on the geometric walls of the museum.

Here's one of Ito's messages:

Future communities have to be rebuilt on the foundations of the lost houses

Memories have to be handed down

Like grass and trees sprout out on the leveled land

New pillars will rise on the former foundations

Seeking for powerful, brighter communities of the future

Two of some 260 islands off Matsushima

Nio Island

There are some 260 islands and islets around Matsushima Bay. People named all of them. Let me post two of the islands. Both are seen while boarding a pleasure boat. 

Nio Island, people thought, looked like a deva king (nio) smoking a cigar.

Bell Island was named so because the waves make a bell-like sound when they hit the four openings formed by abrasive action.

A boat ride should be fun when you tour Matsushima. Zuiganji Temple near the pier is grand but for the time being, the grandest part of the temple is off limits due to preservation work until around March, 2018. However, the temple fore grounds should be appreciated and is access-free. Even ten minute's visit can give you a somewhat solemn, ascetic atmosphere from old days.

Bell Island