Tokyo Weekender July 2016
Breaking the rules of kimono – a new book shatters antiquated views of this traditional garment. Plus: The boys for sale in Shinjuku Ni-chome, best sake of 2017, Japan's new emperor, and what really goes on inside "Terrace House."
Breaking the rules of kimono – a new book shatters antiquated views of this traditional garment. Plus: The boys for sale in Shinjuku Ni-chome, best sake of 2017, Japan's new emperor, and what really goes on inside "Terrace House."
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WE ASKED HOW YOU<br />
FEEL ABOUT JAPAN'S<br />
BATHING CULTURE.<br />
HERE'S WHAT<br />
YOU SAID...<br />
high-tech functions<br />
The top-rated feature of<br />
Japanese baths eg. auto water<br />
reheating. Meanwhile, 109<br />
people said Japanese baths<br />
should be longer and larger.<br />
The number of respondents<br />
who said that their bathroom<br />
back home contained a bath<br />
tub, shower and toilet in the<br />
same room (unlike in Japan).<br />
In April, The Noritz Group, one of Japan's leading<br />
water heater companies, asked <strong>Tokyo</strong> <strong>Weekender</strong><br />
readers to take a short survey to share your opinions<br />
and experiences with regards to the bathing customs<br />
of Japan, including at home, sento (public baths), and<br />
onsen (hot spring baths). From over 600 responses,<br />
we've whittled down the data to bring you the<br />
insightful – and sometimes entertaining – results.<br />
biggest changes since<br />
moving to japan<br />
1. I bathe more often<br />
2. I bathe at night now<br />
3. I bathe for longer<br />
Were surprised to learn that Japanese<br />
people commonly share bath water and<br />
bath time with family members. 70% of<br />
respondents said they bathe alone.<br />
TOP READERS’<br />
COMMENTS<br />
AND NOW FOR YOUR MOST<br />
ENTERTAINING SUGGESTIONS…<br />
"The sound of the bath<br />
controller is too loud; every<br />
time we use it our dog barks<br />
like crazy."<br />
"I wish I could turn on the<br />
water from the bath itself.<br />
The control button is in the<br />
kitchen for some reason..."<br />
Those who have been to a sento.<br />
Although only 30% said they regularly<br />
use both home and public baths.<br />
The percentage<br />
from North<br />
America who tend<br />
to bathe at night,<br />
while people from<br />
Asia tend to bathe<br />
in the morning.<br />
"I would like an app on my<br />
smartphone to start running<br />
or heat up my bath!"<br />
"Have beer vendors walking<br />
around the onsen? That<br />
would be pretty silly<br />
though."<br />
SO WHAT DID WE ULTIMATELY LEARN FROM THE SURVEY?<br />
After 66 years in the bathing possible to automatically clean the bath tub,<br />
biz, Noritz told us they were fill the water and maintain the temperature<br />
interested "to discover that with just one switch. Also look out for their<br />
international residents enjoy newly launched high-efficiency gas water<br />
taking baths as much as people heater, the Eco Jozu GT-C2462 series, which<br />
who grew up in Japan."<br />
carries a UV sterilization unit on the water<br />
Following on from some of the feedback heater itself to prevent bacteria growing in<br />
received, they'll be focusing their attention<br />
on adding to their range of high-tech<br />
residual water.<br />
features – for example, the Osouji Yokuso For more information about The Noritz<br />
(bath tub cleaning) feature, which makes it Group, go to www.noritzglobal.com/en<br />
"I only wish they allowed<br />
tattoos. Some of us have<br />
small tattoos and got<br />
rejected at some onsen."<br />
"All I know is pressing a<br />
button to run a bath has<br />
changed everything! And<br />
living closer to a Lush. Bath<br />
bombs are my life now."<br />
"More signs in proper<br />
English, widely available in<br />
onsen and sento."<br />
24 | JULY 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER