'Unrelaxing' inn displaying art composed of weapons, ammo opens in Hiroshima Pref.

ONOMICHI, Hiroshima -- An inn exhibiting contemporary art using weapons and ammunition and touting itself as "unrelaxing" has opened in a traditional home on a remote island here.

Works by renowned artists Chu Enoki, Yukinori Yanagi and Noriyuki Haraguchi made from materials such as real Japanese swords and used shell casings are on display inside the inn. There is also a cauldron-shaped bath heated with firewood to allow guests to feel like Ishikawa Goemon, a legendary 16th century thief who was executed by being boiled alive.

The inn opened in Otsu 1731-Goemon House, operated by nonprofit organization Art Base Momoshima. It is a 65-year-old wooden two-story house in the city of Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, and it took three years to renovate.

One work by Enoki, who uses guns and cannons in his art, is made up of some 3 metric tons of used bullet and shell casings piled up in the Goemon House's ground floor tatami room, plus a replica AK-47 "Kalashnikov" assault rifle at the door. The Yanagi work on display is a Japanese sword engraved with the words of the Japanese Constitution's war-renouncing Article 9. (Safety precautions are in effect.) Haraguchi's work, "The relationship of Canvas bag and Ropes," is exhibited in a separate building.

The cauldron-shaped bath is 1.6 meters in diameter, and accommodates four adults. One overnight stay comes with two meals, and at dinner, guests can enjoy a dish inspired by Ishikawa Goemon's last meal.

Nao Kimura, a 31-year-old staff member, said, "I want guests to fully immerse in contemporary art."

The inn is only open on Saturdays, and two to four people can stay overnight. It costs 33,000 yen (about $255) per person. For inquiries, please contact Art Base Momoshima at 0848-73-5105 (in Japanese).

(Japanese original by Naoki Fuchiwaki, Onomichi Local Bureau)