That, That’s The Feeling (2023)

That, That’s The Feeling found its beginning when one of the artist collective members, TSU, left behind glasses at the Sankaidō building. As if being spiritually guided, the opportunity to celebrate this building’s half-century story was born. The Sankaidō building will have a closure on August 1, after this exhibition - for now.

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All materials but Kanazawa gold leaf, are scraps from the Sankaidō Building and 3331 Arts Chiyoda recently closed. For examples, a full-length dressing mirror, where female workers would check themselves in the changing room, retrospective keys to umbrella stands for rainy days, blue hoses for cleaning, chairs in silent slumber, awaiting their appearance in the basement once a year, and signboards of the awards ceremony displayed every Novembers together with the Japanese flag at the entrance of the building.

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In these waste materials, unique values have been deeply ingrained over the course of 56 years - comings and goings of the building users, their tapping footsteps and footprints, ups and downs of elevators. Also, over these years, the building management office and cleaners beautifully looked after the property, as if to prove the pride of every single worker.

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These days, our lack of love as a whole society gives birth to gun men, endless wars, only the acceleration of global warming and abusing SDGs terms. Living in a modern society with complex assignments, there’s no time to ponder our own country’s self-sufficiency. Instead, we buy whatever is cheaper and drink water from plastic bottles. When we are done, we do not think about life beyond recycling. That, that’s the feeling.

It is invisible, intangible, and fragile enough to fade away at any time yet it is an important moment that undoubtedly exists. 

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That, That’s The Feeling is perhaps a demonstration of moving a large society through subtle changes in people’s awareness and mindsets. Meeting the friendly and professional workers of the Sankaidō building, TSU engaged in heartfelt conversations and their generous support. This year’s rainy season is likely to bring purifying rain and mother nature will empathise with all the hearts of those who have deep feelings for the Sankaidō building.

History of the Sankaidō Building 

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The Sankaidō building dates back to 1881 (Meiji era 16). The origin of the building’s name is laid on the three first national associations: Dainippon Agricultural Association, Dainippon Forest Association, and Dainippon Fisheries Association. The founder of the three associations was Viscount Yajiro Shinagawa,  the disciple of Mr. Shōin Yoshida. Currently, His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Akishino from Dainippon Agricultural Association and Dainippon Forest Association is serving as president. Since 1891, the office has been located at the current site of the Sankaidō building.

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Records show it has been rebuilt four times. Although completely destroyed by fire during the Great Kanto Earthquake, the building was reconstructed thanks to the 1 million yen donation (approximately 10 billion yen in today's value) by Mr. Kumataro Ishigaki, a member of the Greater Japan Fisheries Association and pioneer of the North Sea fishing industry. During World War II, the interior was devastated by the B29 attacks, and all important documents were wiped out by fire. After the war, the building was requisitioned by the U.S. Occupation Forces and used as family quarters for GHQ officers for 12 years, then eventually returned to the Sankai union.

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The Sankaidō building standing today is 56 years old. Due to deterioration, demolition work will begin in September 2023. The 5th Sankaidō building is scheduled to be completed in 2027.