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The "Tokyo 2020 Monument of Recovery" project launches, creating a legacy using recycled aluminum from temporary housing.
On July 17, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee and LIXIL, a Games Gold Partner, held a press conference in Minato Ward, Tokyo, to announce the "Tokyo 2020 Monument of Recovery" project.
This project will create three monuments—one for each of the three affected prefectures—using 2 tons of recycled aluminum sourced from materials like windows from temporary housing units that served their purpose in the disaster-affected areas. The monuments will symbolize a connection between the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster zones and the world. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo University of the Arts, and the affected areas are partnering and cooperating on this initiative.
The monuments will feature messages of gratitude from students in the affected areas for the global support received during the disaster, as well as messages of encouragement for athletes competing in the Games. They will be installed at Games-related facilities. After the Games, as a token of appreciation for the support, the monuments will be inscribed with signatures from the athletes and donated to the disaster-affected areas as a Games legacy.
Toshiro Muto, Secretary General of the Organizing Committee, stated: "One of the missions of the Tokyo Games is 'reconstruction of the disaster-affected areas'. After considering how to realize this, we decided to encourage the affected areas through 'reconstruction monuments'. While exploring concrete ideas, a proposal emerged to recycle materials like aluminum sashes from temporary housing used in the disaster areas. We hope this will remain a lasting legacy of the Recovery Olympics long after the Tokyo Games conclude, serving as an encouragement for reconstruction."
Yoko Satake, Head of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Promotion Division at LIXIL, reflected on how the company's employees nationwide repaired damaged homes immediately after the disaster and provided aluminum building materials like windows and doors for temporary housing to support recovery. "Eight years have passed since then. I hear that many residents moving out of temporary housing feel both the joy of taking a new step forward and a sense of reluctance to leave these homes, due to the deep attachment formed during their difficult evacuation period. We want to preserve these aluminum sashes, filled with so many memories, in a tangible form and connect them to the future."
The talk session was attended by professional tennis player Kei Nishikori, LIXIL's official ambassador, and comedians Miki Date and Takeshi Tomizawa of the duo "Sandwich Man."
Mr. Date and Mr. Tomizawa, who were in the disaster area on the day of the earthquake, commented: "We wondered what would happen to the dismantled temporary housing, and when we heard it would become a monument, we felt it was a wonderful initiative. We're truly happy." They added, "Temporary housing is often seen as a symbol of hardship, but transforming it like this to connect with the world and athletes can give people who see it a positive feeling." Nishikori expressed his agreement, saying, "I wondered what would happen to the temporary housing. Rebirthing it as a monument that supports athletes is a great idea."
Nishikori, who participated in the recycled aluminum delivery ceremony at the venue, stated, "This activity has strengthened my feelings for the disaster-affected areas. I will strive to win a medal at the Tokyo Games and increase my involvement with the affected areas in various ways."
The project held workshops in three disaster-affected areas in August to finalize the monument's design based on proposals by Tokyo University of the Arts students. Production began at the university in September. After installation at Games-related facilities in July 2020, it will be transported to the disaster-affected areas in December of the same year for display as a Games legacy.
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