2026.01.29

Japan’s Human Washing Machine Is Up & Running in Tokyo, Fresh From the Osaka Expo

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The futuristic Human Washing Machine was a hit at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, and you can now see it on display in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro.

CONTENTS

Japan’s “Human Washer,” One Step Closer to Your Bathroom

Ever wished you could just skip a badly-needed shower? Well, it seems like the population of Japan can relate – not only has becoming a member of the “Bath-Canceling Crew” (furo-kyan kaiwai/風呂キャン界隈) become a popular internet meme in recent months, but a piece of futuristic bathing tech stole the spotlight at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. Now, that bath-of-the-future is making waves in Tokyo. The much-talked-about “Mirai Human Washing Machine” has arrived at a salon Ikebukuro, giving visitors a rare chance to see (and maybe even experience) what bath time might look like in the future.

If we dream hard enough.

Originally showcased at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion during the 2025 Expo, the Mirai Human Washing Machine is a modern creation that evolved thanks to novel ideas sparked by the 1970 Osaka Expo. Developed by Science Co., the newest version of this automated bath pod looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, but its purpose is surprisingly down-to-earth, presenting a gentler (and maybe smarter) way to get clean.

What Does the Human Washing Machine Really Do?

Instead of using soap, the machine relies on fine bubble technology to remove dirt and oil from deep within pores without irritating the skin, while sensors monitor the condition of the user’s body during bathing, offering some surface-level health insights along the way. The device is a long way from finding its way into the average person’s home, but it’s already being marketed as a cross between a bathtub and a wellness device – a glimpse into the bathrooms of tomorrow.

The final product sounds like a dream for Japan’s many tired office workers coming home after long overtime hours, but the development was also clearly inspired by Japan’s aging population. The prospect of an automatic bathing experience could provide both convenience and a modicum of dignity for the many elderly Japanese citizens who currently require the help of a caretaker to get clean.

The Machine Arrives in Tokyo

The human washing machine drew crowds during its time in Osaka, but due to the nature of the expo, access was limited. Now, the people of Tokyo are in luck – the public can watch live demonstrations of the machine at Leben Salon Ikebukuro, a facility run by real estate company Takara Leben, designed as an experience-based showroom where people can imagine what future living spaces might feel like. It turns out that Takara Leben has actually been using some of the same technology on a smaller scale, in the form of fine-bubble shower heads, in recent real-estate developments. But if your heart sings the song of the “Human Washer,” you might have a chance to try the full experience. Leben Salon Ikebukuro has opened a lottery, so anyone can win the chance to take a spin in the washing machine themselves.

→ Apply for a chance to try the human washing machine here.
→ Check the official Takara Leben website for more details before you apply.

The machine made its Tokyo debut on January 22, 2026, drawing plenty of attention with a special event featuring celebrity guests Miki Fujimoto and her husband Tomoharu Shoji. A speedo-clad Shoji tried a test soak in front of an audience, and exclaimed at how comfortable the bath was, describing it as deeply relaxing (despite the somewhat incongruous environment). Fujimoto, after touching his skin post-bath, joked that she wanted to try it herself, praising how smooth it felt.

With public trial applications now open and full experiences planned for later this year, the Mirai Human Washing Machine might slowly evolve to be less of a novelty, and more of a boon to your daily routine – although the citizens of Tokyo still aren’t likely to have daily access to a human washing machine for a long time to come. If you’re too patient to wait, or just curious about where home technology is headed next, Ikebukuro might be the perfect place to start imagining the future.

For more info and updates from Japan, check Japankuru for new articles, and don’t forget to follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook!

Sources

PR Times 1, 2
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- KAGAWA
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  Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.
- KYUSHU
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  Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!
- FUKUOKA
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  Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
- KAGOSHIMA
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  Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
- OKINAWA
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  The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.