OSAKA – What began as a futuristic spectacle at a world’s fair is now a purchasable reality. A Japanese company has officially put its “human washing machine” on the market, a sleek, pod-like device that promises to cleanse both body and soul, a company spokeswoman announced on Friday.
The machine, officially dubbed the “Human Washer of the Future,” first captivated audiences at the six-month World Expo in Osaka, which concluded in October after drawing over 27 million visitors. A prototype attracted long, curious queues, prompting the manufacturer, the aptly named Japanese firm Science, to move towards commercialization.
An Experience, Not Just a Wash
The process is as intriguing as the concept. Users do not stand and shower; they recline within the minimalist, cocoon-like pod and close the lid. The machine then initiates a gentle, all-encompassing cleansing cycle, using precisely controlled streams of water and air—emphatically without a spin cycle. The experience is accompanied by calming music and ambient lighting, designed for total relaxation.
“This isn’t just about getting clean. It’s about an immersive sensory reset,” said Science spokeswoman Sachiko Maekura in an interview with AFP. “The machine not only washes your body but also your soul.” She added that the pod is equipped with sensors to monitor users’ heart rates and other vital signs, providing data on their state of relaxation throughout the session.
A Dream Decades in the Making
The concept has deep roots. The current model is a high-tech evolution of a product displayed the last time Osaka hosted the World Expo—in 1970. The company’s president was so inspired by the concept as a 10-year-old boy visiting the fair that he spearheaded its modern incarnation.
The decision to commercialize the futuristic washer came after significant interest, notably from a U.S. resort company that inquired about its availability. This external validation convinced Science to transition the prototype into a limited production model.
Exclusivity at a Premium
True to its unique nature, the human washing machine will be an exclusive product. “Because part of the appeal of this machine is its rarity, we plan to produce only about 50 units,” Maekura stated. That exclusivity comes with a staggering price tag: local media reports the retail cost will be 60 million yen (approximately $385,000).
The first units have already found buyers. A hotel in Osaka has purchased the first machine and is preparing to offer the “human washing” experience to its guests as a premium amenity. Another notable customer is Yamada Denki, a major Japanese consumer electronics retail chain, which hopes the unique pod will become a major draw, attracting customers to its large-scale outlets for a experience they can’t get anywhere else.
With its blend of nostalgia, cutting-edge technology, and a promise of ultimate relaxation, the human washing machine is no longer a futuristic fantasy but a very real, if exceptionally rare, commodity.
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