Why Japanese Bath Culture Is Gaining Popularity Worldwide
The West has long embraced showers as a way of simultaneously conserving water and achieving a fresh feeling for the day. As a result, running a bath has become a secondary thought. In contrast, Japan has long treated the bath as a ritual as well as considering it a place to relax and release the tension of the day. Now, Japanese bath culture is spreading around the world, and re-introducing people to the pleasures of a long, hot soak.
The Origins of Japanese Bathing Rituals
Japanese bathing rituals began in the 6th century when Buddhist purification rituals were introduced to the populace. The act of bathing was quickly associated with the concept of spiritually and physically washing away impurities and staying healthy. The two major types of bathhouses, onsen and sento, were created to make it easy for people to engage in daily cleansing activities.
The difference between the two comes down to their water sources. Onsen is created from hot springs whilesento relies on piped and heated water. Both types of baths offer the opportunity to enjoy oneself in a holistic fashion.
A Brief History of Japanese Bathhouses
Public bathhouses are found all over Japan and offer a convenient place to relax, clean off the grime of the day, and socialize. These bathhouses require a small fee for entry and provide the basics for a pleasant bathing experience. They're busy places - often segregated by sex - and are major customers for wholesale bath towels due to the number of people utilizing the facilities on a daily basis.
The Role of Bathing in Japanese Culture and Daily Life
Bathhouses have been a regular feature in Japan for centuries, but it wasn't until the 20th Century that they became a place for community. Indoor plumbing was scarce, and many residences had little in the way of bathrooms. The onsen and the sento became a place for people to take care of their personal needs and relax after a stressful day. They also reinforced the idea that regular bathing helps with circulation and eases the tension in the body.
A visit to the bathhouse involves a comprehensive ablution of the body. That is, bathers engage in the act of gently scrubbing their skin to get rid of dead skin cells, sweat, and dirt. Specialty soaps like charcoal facial soap are used to clean the face, and body soaps with light oils keep the skin supple and soft.
The Connection Between Bathing and Mindfulness
The act of taking a bath is a slow one. It takes time for the bathtub to fill, then wait for it to cool off if the water temperature is too hot. Once the water is ready, the bather steps in to relax and let their body absorb the heat of the water and loosen the muscles. The mind slows down, the body relaxes, and an overall state of peace and calm is created.
The accouterments used in the bathroom aid in the feeling of comfort that a bath creates. Cotton towels for the face and body gently wick away water from the body, and paper bath mats create a pleasant sensation on the bottom of the feet. These and other Japanese bathroom products can be bought whole sale to aid in the creation of a Japanese bath house in a private home.
How You Can Help Your Customers Create Their Own Sento
At MORIHATA, we're a wholesaler of quality Japanese home goods and personal care products. Our products are sourced from Japanese manufacturers that produce quality items for the bathroom and the home and enable your customers to create an authentic Japanese aesthetic in their living space. Get in touch with us today to learn how to set up an account with us and get started on expanding your retail offerings.
