Photographer Tsuyoshi Ozawa started the "Vegetable Weapon" project in 2001. Since then, Mr. Ozawa has traveled around the world to create weapons using local pot ingredients. I have taken a picture of it given to a local woman.

The work "pacific saury no Tsumire Nabe" shot in Tokyo in 2001. When you pull the trigger (?) Of ginger, the saury is fired (?).
The work "pacific saury no Tsumire Nabe" shot in Tokyo in 2001. When you pull the trigger (?) Of ginger, the saury is fired (?).


Weapons are created based on the ingredients selected by the model woman. After shooting, it will be disassembled and cooked as a hot pot or stewed dish, and will be used for a hot pot party surrounded by project participants.

Iceland's "Graflux" "Female Spy and Machine Gun"?
Iceland's "Graflux" "Female Spy and Machine Gun"?


In this project, "weapon dismantling" implies "disarmament" of the actual military, and "pot" implies "peace" after the end of the battle. Yes, this project, in fact, appeals to the stupidity of war and the preciousness of peace.

Ingredients for hot pot cooking using Thai Nampuri triggered by "pumpkin"
Ingredients for hot pot cooking using Thai Nampuri triggered by "pumpkin"


The idea of this project, "Peace with vegetables," is very interesting. However, not only that message, but also the world's hot pot (local cuisine) situation is intriguing. For example, a weapon using the ingredients of "Etofe" in New Orleans, USA, has what seems to be a crayfish. In fact, New Orleans' specialty etoffe is a crayfish stew over rice.

New Orleans specialty "Etofe" paprika triggers crayfish launch (??)
New Orleans specialty "Etofe" paprika triggers crayfish launch (??)


In Uganda's simmered dish "Katogo", bananas are included in the ingredients. There has been a long-standing debate in Japan about "Is banana included in snacks?", But when asked by Ugandans, they say "bananas are side dishes. Not snacks."

"Katogo" in Uganda In Uganda, bananas are a cooking ingredient!
"Katogo" in Uganda In Uganda, bananas are a cooking ingredient!


Tsuyoshi Ozawa's photo exhibition, where you can enjoy the hot pot situation in the world, is being held at the gallery "MISA SHIN GALLER" in Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo. It will be held until November 2nd. It seems to be closed on Sundays.

2011 work "Meat and vegetables boiled in a clay pot" Taken in Mexico City
2011 work "Meat and vegetables boiled in a clay pot" Taken in Mexico City


The project was also carried out in Fukushima immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake. At that time, the picture was taken of "Vegetable Weapon-Oshime, Fukushima" using vegetables from Fukushima. This work can also be viewed at the photo exhibition currently being held.

"Vegetable Weapons-Oshime, Fukushima"
"Vegetable Weapons-Oshime, Fukushima"