In 2010, in Otsuchi, Japan, garden designer Itaru Sasaki installed an old phone booth in his garden. His goal? To "call" his late cousin and let his thoughts be “carried on the wind”. This became known as a "wind phone" - a unique way to help people cope with grief and loss. Then, tragedy struck. The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan, claiming over 15,000 lives. Sasaki opened his wind phone to the public, offering a space for survivors to connect with lost loved ones. Since then, over 30,000 people have visited this special place. The idea has since spread globally. Wind phones now exist in the United States, Canada, and across Europe. They're found in cemeteries, parks, and even along hiking trails. Wind phones provide a space to express feelings, find closure, or simply feel connected to those we've lost - and a poignant example of how old tech can be repurposed to create meaningful connections across generations. And these phones aren't just for those grieving death. They offer a unique way to process all types of loss and unresolved emotions. The classic rotary phone design is intentional. Its familiar, tactile nature can be comforting and calming for users. Throughout history, phones have connected us across distances. Now, they're bridging an even greater gap - between the living and the memories of those we've lost. #shorts #techhistory #mentalhealth #digitalhumanities