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April 4th is "Good Bath Day." For Japanese people, bath time is often associated with relaxation, but in fact, this is not the case in other countries. In honor of "Good Bath Day," we'd like to share some fun facts about baths.
The origin of "Good Bath Day"
"Good Bath Day" isJapan Bathing AssociationThe date is a pun on the Japanese words "yoi (4) i furo (26)" (good bath). It was established with the aim of raising awareness of the wonderfulness of bathing, which can be said to be a treasured Japanese custom with high health and beauty benefits, and encouraging more people to enjoy bath time.
The Japan Bathing Association is a specialized organization that specializes in baths and disseminates "correct bathing knowledge." Bathing experts from health, beauty, medicine, culture, and other fields team up to hold bathing-related courses and offer qualifications and tests. If you're interested, check out their official website or social media.
Why is bathing in a bathtub not a custom in countries other than Japan?
It is well known in Japan that soaking in a bathtub has beneficial effects on health and beauty, but in fact it is not a custom in most countries outside of Japan. There are various theories as to why this is the case, but the following three points seem to be the most influential.
Different attitudes towards water
Japan is one of the few countries in the world with abundant water resources. The current bathing style of immersing oneself in hot water up to one's shoulders is said to have emerged around the beginning of the Edo period, which suggests that people have had access to plenty of clean water on a daily basis since ancient times.
On the other hand, in other countries, water is considered a very precious commodity, and soaking in a bathtub is limited to special occasions such as spas or resort facilities for medical purposes. The culture of "soaking in warm water in your own bathroom every day" is considered very luxurious.
Differences in attitudes towards bathing
In Japan, bath time is often thought of as a time to relax and relieve fatigue, but in the West it is simply seen as a time to wash away dirt from the body.
Bathrooms in Western countries often have only showers and no bathtubs. This is partly because water is a scarce resource, and partly because, unlike Japan, where it is hot and humid, Western countries don't sweat much.
Differences in the mechanisms for producing hot water
In Japan, gas or electric systems are the most common for generating hot water, but in other countries, the storage system is the norm. With a storage system, water is boiled and stored in a tank, and hot water is drawn from the tank when needed.
Unlike gas and electric water heaters, which can produce the amount of hot water you need each time, storage water heaters mean that once the hot water in the tank runs out, you can't use any more hot water until you boil water again and store it in the tank. If you try to fill the bathtub with hot water, the hot water in the tank will run out in no time.
Enjoy a relaxing time that is unique to Japan!
Relaxing in a bathtub is a luxurious culture unique to Japan. Find your favorite bath additives and bath products to make your bath time even more enjoyable!
Recommended as a gift ♪ 7 bath gifts
Bath-related items, beloved by Japanese people, are also popular gifts. We've picked out some recommended items that are perfect for yourself or as gifts for loved ones.
This eye-catching bath bomb set features a pop design. Choose from 12 different colors and scents to suit your mood that day. Made with only ingredients that are safe for delicate skin, it's also safe for small children.
This bath fragrance has such delicate details that it's hard to believe it's soap at first glance, and its gentle, fragrant aroma is delightful. You can place it in your entryway or bathroom as an air freshener, or add it to your bath for a luxurious feeling. It's a flower gift that combines elegance and practicality.
PochipThis unique bubble bath looks just like real champagne. Just add it to your bathtub and pour in hot water to be enveloped in a luxurious fragrance and plenty of bubbles. You can also lather it up with a damp towel or sponge and use it as a body wash.
This set includes three types of bath salts and a highly absorbent, easy-to-use Imabari face towel. The bath salts, rich in rock salt, are expected to have detoxifying effects through sweating and promote blood circulation. This set is also recommended for those who find the strong scent of regular bath salts too strong.
This bath salt set lets you enjoy the refreshing scent of cypress. It contains 100% natural essential oils extracted by steam distillation, and the subtle, natural scent evokes the feeling of forest bathing. It's also environmentally friendly, as it makes effective use of branches and leaves that would otherwise be discarded at forestry sites.
Christian Dior body soap is a luxury brand perfect for gifts. Choose from three flavors: SAKURA, which evokes the arrival of spring; JASMIN DES ANGES, which has a sweet floral liqueur-like aroma; and LUCKY, which has a delicate scent of lily of the valley and white flowers. For an additional fee, you can also have your gift wrapped in the brand's official gift wrapping.
This men's body wash comes in a chic package that exudes luxury. It gently cleanses your skin while leaving you with a delicate fragrance. It also comes with a free Chanel shopping bag, making it perfect for handing over.
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