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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 release their sorrows through handwritten letters filled with countless emotions. Nestled on the tranquil 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 of solace and healing for the soul.
Artistic creation stems from the human heart.
Created by artist Saya Kubota for the 2013 Setouchi Triennale international art festival, Missing Post Office was originally an exhibit located in a dilapidated old post office on Awashima Island. The wooden building had been abandoned since 1991, but thanks to Kubota's humane vision, it was given new life. Kubota renovated the old post office, preserving its rustic, nostalgic charm, and transformed it into a space where people could write anonymous letters to anyone, from the deceased and estranged relatives to their future selves or even fictional characters.
The unique aspect of the Missing Post Office lies in its "don't send" rule. Handwritten letters, whether written in a moment of inspiration or filled with unspoken feelings, are carefully preserved and publicly displayed. They become a living treasure trove of emotions, a handwritten document recording countless hopes, memories, and sincere human sentiments. This idea originated from artist Kubota's own experience when she visited Awashima Island and saw her reflection in the window of the old post office, feeling as if she were "drifting." From that, she decided to create a place where people could find empathy and share their feelings.
Spreading a humanitarian message.
One of the key figures in maintaining the operation of the Missing Post Office is Mr. Katsuhisa Nakata, a retired former post office director. Despite being over 90 years old, he regularly visits the office every other Saturday, quietly caring for and preserving this priceless treasure trove of emotions. Inside the post office, more than 60,000 letters are displayed in special tin boxes, connected by piano wire suspended from the ceiling, creating the illusion that they are floating in space. Each letter, from sweet and innocent handwriting to melancholic and poignant confessions, tells a unique story, allowing anyone who visits to read and feel its message.
These letters are not just personal reflections but also a form of therapy. They evoke Japan's long-standing tradition of mourning and remembering the past, while offering a simple yet effective psychological solution. By writing down unspoken emotions, 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 inner feelings, helping people connect with their own emotions.
Starting as a local art project, Missing Post Office quickly attracted the attention of media and tourists from around the world. On May 10, 2014, the project was featured on NHK News Ohayo Nippon, and by January 2016, the model had been replicated in London, England. The post office's reputation was further solidified when an editor from Shogakukan visited and witnessed its unique appeal, subsequently deciding to publish a book titled "Missing Post Office" to spread its humane message.
The success of the Missing Post Office also reflects the Japanese cultural identity of openness to emotional grief. Since the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in eastern Japan, many similar projects have emerged, such as a red mailbox in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, dedicated to storing letters addressed to the deceased. These projects create a safe space for people to confront and alleviate feelings of grief and loss. They demonstrate that, despite experiencing tragedy, people still find ways to connect, share, and heal.
In a fast-paced world where most messages are forgotten, Japan's Missing Post Office serves as a gentle reminder, inviting each of us to pause and reflect on our own feelings. Writing a letter, not to a specific address, but to express our feelings, to release our chaotic thoughts, is a simple yet meaningful act that helps us find peace and balance in our souls.
