By: Mike Robers, Owner
As previously printed in March 2017 newsletter.
There are many things different and unique about travel in Japan. Of these, there is one thing that I have come to really enjoy: Japanese baths. Everywhere you go in Japan, there is hot mineral water either gushing out of the ground or being pumped from underground. The baths are an important part of the Japanese culture and are a part of life in Japan. True, other countries around the world have hot mineral baths. But nowhere near the numbers in Japan. And the Japanese have lifted it to an art form.
While it is changing, many family members will bathe together at their homes. And when they travel to an onsen for a quick vacation, parents will always take children to the baths with them. I will often see fathers with sons and young daughters in the onsen baths. It is even more enjoyable to watch when proud grandparents take their grandchildren to the baths. The baths are something that are started at a very young age.
Sentos (neighborhood public baths), were, and still are, an important part of the community where people could meet and talk. However, like everything else in Japan, this is starting to change. Modern homes all have modern baths, so the Sentos are not as needed as they once were.
In Japan, relationships are very important and you first have to build a relationship. Only then, can you expect to do business in Japan. What better way to do this than in a bath? Since all clothing is not allowed, in a Japanese bath everyone is equal. You have to leave your “armour” or “uniform” (depending on how you want to look at it) from the outside world in the changing room.
The Japanese call it “裸の付き合い” (hadaka no tsukiai), which translates to “naked relationships” or “naked friendships”, an open relationship with everyone being on the same level. When you’re naked, it doesn’t matter if you are a company president, sports star, celebrity or a working stiff like me. It allows, or even forces you, to be yourself.
I know many westerners cannot think of doing something like this. But when you visit Japan, I highly recommend you try it. I know you will enjoy it. The baths are actually an excellent place to strike up a conversation with a Japanese person. After all, what’s the worst thing that can happen?
PLEASE NOTE: The drawing was created by Etsuko Ogikubo, the person who keeps our Tokyo staff in line; which is not an easy job. In addition to her other skills, she is a talented artist. Everyone at Samurai Tours is always waiting to receive the next drawing from her. You will be seeing more of her artistic works in the future.
