In Osaka, a public bathhouse well-known for its painted Mt. Fuji mural underwent a much-anticipated restoration on May 15, the primary in seven years.

The bathhouse, positioned in Higashisumiyoshi Ward, has been in operation for over 60 years. On the morning of the fifteenth, loyal patrons gathered within the massive tub space, absolutely clothed, to witness the restoration.

Morio Nakashima, 79, one in every of solely two bathhouse muralists in Japan, led the trouble. “Give me the white paint,” Nakashima instructed, as he started repainting the Mt. Fuji mural on the bathhouse wall.

These murals require periodic repainting, and this mission marked the primary replace in seven years. Nakashima, who has been a bathhouse muralist for 60 years since he began on the age of 19, defined his method: “I come to the site with no preconceptions and completely change the previous painting after seeing it.”

One onlooker famous, “Having this vibrant mural always present brightens the entire bathhouse experience.”

Two hours into the work, a brand new Mt. Fuji emerged. “It’s like Van Gogh! Truly, the Van Gogh of bathhouse murals,” exclaimed one impressed spectator.

Nakashima, 79, expressed his dedication: “Everyone looks forward to this, so I put my heart into the work.”

The new mural options Mt. Fuji towering over a serene lake, cherry blossoms evoking the light ambiance of spring, and auspicious pine bushes vividly painted.

Amid the Showa retro ambiance, bathers can soak and loosen up, easing the fatigue of the day.

Source: YOMIURI