The futuristic bathing pod, designed to cleanse both body and mind, goes on sale for ¥60 million as hotels and retailers line up to buy.
Japan has officially launched its first commercial “human washing machine,” a futuristic bathing pod that captured global attention after drawing long queues at the recently concluded Osaka World Expo. The high-tech device, created by Japanese firm Science, is now available for purchase though in extremely limited quantities.
The innovation allows users to lie inside a capsule-like pod, close the lid, and receive a full-body cleansing experience similar to a washing machine—minus the spinning. While being washed, users enjoy soothing music as the machine simultaneously monitors vital signs such as heart rate.
According to company spokeswoman Sachiko Maekura, the idea of the “human washer of the future” dates back more than 50 years. A similar prototype was displayed at the 1970 Osaka Expo, which deeply inspired Science’s current president when he was a 10-year-old boy.
“The machine not only washes your body but also your soul,” Maekura told AFP.
Interest in the device surged after a U.S. resort company inquired about commercial availability, prompting Science to move from concept to full production. The first completed unit has already been purchased by a hotel in Osaka, which plans to offer the futuristic bathing experience to guests.
Major electronics retailer Yamada Denki has also ordered the machine, hoping its rarity will attract crowds to its stores.
Science plans to produce only 50 units to maintain exclusivity, with Japanese media reporting a retail price of 60 million yen (approximately $385,000).
The unveiling marks another milestone in Japan’s long-standing reputation for blending tradition, wellness, and advanced technology pushing the boundaries of what modern relaxation can look like.
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