Tokyo Weekender July 2016

WE ASKED HOW YOU
FEEL ABOUT JAPAN'S
BATHING CULTURE.
HERE'S WHAT
YOU SAID...
high-tech functions
The top-rated feature of
Japanese baths eg. auto water
reheating. Meanwhile, 109
people said Japanese baths
should be longer and larger.
The number of respondents
who said that their bathroom
back home contained a bath
tub, shower and toilet in the
same room (unlike in Japan).
In April, The Noritz Group, one of Japan's leading
water heater companies, asked Tokyo Weekender
readers to take a short survey to share your opinions
and experiences with regards to the bathing customs
of Japan, including at home, sento (public baths), and
onsen (hot spring baths). From over 600 responses,
we've whittled down the data to bring you the
insightful – and sometimes entertaining – results.
biggest changes since
moving to japan
1. I bathe more often
2. I bathe at night now
3. I bathe for longer
Were surprised to learn that Japanese
people commonly share bath water and
bath time with family members. 70% of
respondents said they bathe alone.
TOP READERS’
COMMENTS
AND NOW FOR YOUR MOST
ENTERTAINING SUGGESTIONS…
"The sound of the bath
controller is too loud; every
time we use it our dog barks
like crazy."
"I wish I could turn on the
water from the bath itself.
The control button is in the
kitchen for some reason..."
Those who have been to a sento.
Although only 30% said they regularly
use both home and public baths.
The percentage
from North
America who tend
to bathe at night,
while people from
Asia tend to bathe
in the morning.
"I would like an app on my
smartphone to start running
or heat up my bath!"
"Have beer vendors walking
around the onsen? That
would be pretty silly
though."
SO WHAT DID WE ULTIMATELY LEARN FROM THE SURVEY?
After 66 years in the bathing possible to automatically clean the bath tub,
biz, Noritz told us they were fill the water and maintain the temperature
interested "to discover that with just one switch. Also look out for their
international residents enjoy newly launched high-efficiency gas water
taking baths as much as people heater, the Eco Jozu GT-C2462 series, which
who grew up in Japan."
carries a UV sterilization unit on the water
Following on from some of the feedback heater itself to prevent bacteria growing in
received, they'll be focusing their attention
on adding to their range of high-tech
residual water.
features – for example, the Osouji Yokuso For more information about The Noritz
(bath tub cleaning) feature, which makes it Group, go to www.noritzglobal.com/en
"I only wish they allowed
tattoos. Some of us have
small tattoos and got
rejected at some onsen."
"All I know is pressing a
button to run a bath has
changed everything! And
living closer to a Lush. Bath
bombs are my life now."
"More signs in proper
English, widely available in
onsen and sento."
24 | JULY 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER