Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, where digital messages are exchanged instantly and easily forgotten, in Japan, there is a place where time seems to stand still, where people find a space to relieve their sadness through handwritten letters filled with countless emotions. Nestled on the quiet shores of Awashima Island, Kagawa Prefecture, the Missing Post Office is not only a unique art installation but also a “home” for letters that were never sent, a place to comfort the soul and heal the wounds.
Artistic creation from human heart
Created by artist Saya Kubota for the 2013 Setouchi Triennale international art festival, Missing Post Office was originally an exhibition located in an old post office on Awashima Island. The wooden building had been abandoned since 1991, but Kubota's humane idea gave it a new lease of life. Kubota renovated the old post office, retaining its rustic, nostalgic look, and turned it into a space where people could write anonymous letters to anyone, from the deceased, lost loved ones, to their future selves or even fictional characters.
The unique feature of Missing Post Office lies in its “no sending” rule. Handwritten letters, whether written in a moment of inspiration or filled with unspoken thoughts, are carefully stored and displayed publicly. They become a living treasure trove of emotions, a handwritten document recording countless hopes, memories and sincere feelings of people. The idea came from the artist Kubota herself when she visited Awashima Island and saw her reflection in the window of the old post office, feeling as if she was “drifting”. From then on, she decided to create a place where people could find harmony and share.
Spreading humane messages
One of the people who plays an important role in maintaining the operation of the Missing Post Office is Mr. Katsuhisa Nakata, the retired former postmaster. Although he is over 90 years old, he still regularly visits here every other Saturday, quietly taking care of and preserving this priceless treasure of emotions. Inside the post office, more than 60,000 letters are displayed in special tin boxes, connected by piano wire hanging from the ceiling, creating the feeling that they are floating in space. Each letter, from lovely, innocent lines to sad, anxious confidences, tells a separate story, allowing anyone who comes here to read and feel.
These letters are not only confessions but also a form of spiritual therapy. They recall the long-standing Japanese tradition of mourning and remembering the past, and offer a simple yet effective psychological solution. By writing down the unspeakable feelings, people can release their feelings instead of suffering alone.
In a world where real-life human connections are increasingly fragile and digital messages are easily deleted, handwritten letters at the Missing Post Office become a healthy way to express oneself, helping people connect with their own emotions.
From a local art project, Missing Post Office quickly attracted the attention of the media and tourists from all over the world. On May 10, 2014, this project was introduced on NHK News Ohayo Nippon, and by January 2016, this model was replicated in London, England. The name of the post office was further affirmed when an editor of Shogakukan visited and witnessed the special attraction of this place, from there decided to publish the book "Missing Post Office" to spread the humanistic message.
The success of the Missing Post Office also reflects Japan’s cultural openness to grief. Since the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami of 2011, similar projects have emerged, such as a red mailbox in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, that stores letters to the deceased. These projects create a safe space for people to confront and ease their feelings of grief and loss. They are proof that, despite tragedy, people still find ways to connect, to share, and to heal.
In a world where most messages are forgotten, Japan’s Missing Post Office is a gentle reminder, inviting each of us to stop and look at our feelings. Write a letter, not to send it to a specific address, but to express our feelings, to release our chaotic thoughts. It is a simple yet meaningful act, helping us find peace and balance in our souls.
