Miyagi Residency, Zao Togatta 2023

 

In the middle of the summer of 2023, I got the chance to do my first artist residency in Zao Togatta for 2 weeks. It was a very valuable opportunity for me to start my real journey as an artist. That's where I finally learned to sew thoroughly and also created a sewing class at school for 5th grade elementary school students. During my residency, I met a fellow artist who was also in residence in Zao Togatta, she asked me to write down the feelings I got while in Miyagi. To Mayu san, Mayuka Namori, thank you for asking me to write this. To Sato san, thank you for having me!

Humans have the opportunity to walk far.

I chose to stop by a place that is 4,800 km from my home. Without looking at the map, without knowing exactly where this is.

Here the Zao Ranger mountains look at me bravely as if to say; "stay here, as long as you want."

It turns out that this place is also a home for me

Giving a homecoming atmosphere to childhood memories, vast farmland, hills and mountains surrounding the valley. We also don't have time to complain because the heat of the rain feels comfortable.

The sun rises earlier than usual I know. He told me to enjoy the morning longer. Time goes slowly. Longing is scattered among the Ajisai flowers that are still wet from last night's rain.

The sun rises earlier than usual I know. But people in Zao bathe later because the onsen only opens at 10.

I try to write poems while looking at the green scenery. But this village moves slowly, words creep hard for me to write quickly, as slowly as I wait for the Michelin soba canteen that only opens on weekends.

I stare at the Zao Mountains before going to bed, lying down in a bath that is dark enough for me to see the stars in the unpolluted sky. 

Humans have the opportunity to walk far. I chose to stop by at a place 4,800 km from my home. Without knowing what's here and who I will meet. Everything is foreign. Everything is warm.

It turns out that I and myself inside like foreignness and isolation. Here the wind whistles loudly, wincing and bringing drizzle; "stay here, as long as you want." He parroted the invitation of the mountains to me. As if he knew I missed my family, but hesitant because here there is an end to the search; calm.

Togatta is bustling with the sounds of nature, occasionally I meet humans. Maybe no more than five people a day. Others have left, maybe they can't stand it, it's too quiet here.

Humans have the opportunity to walk far.

Do you choose to stop by at a place far from your home?