First Introduced at the 1970 Osaka Expo 55 Years Ago
Features Automatic Full-Body Cleaning
The "future human washing machine," first introduced at the Osaka Expo in the 1970s, is set to begin its commercial exhibition in Tokyo, Japan, this year. On November 27, Japanese news agencies including Jiji Press reported that Yamada Holdings, a Japanese home appliance retailer, has decided to sell the "future human washing machine," which drew significant attention at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, at the well-known electronics shopping complex "LABI" located in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. After about a month of preparation, LABI plans to install a display model on December 25, Christmas Day, allowing consumers to experience it firsthand.
Prototype operation of the human washing machine showcased at the Osaka-Kansai Expo at the end of March. When a person enters the single-use capsule, it functions like a shower room and automatically cleans the body. Photo by Kyodo News
The original "future human washing machine" made its debut as a prototype at the 1970 Osaka Expo, where it attracted significant attention. Although it faded from memory, the product reappeared at the Osaka-Kansai Expo at the end of March this year, once again drawing the spotlight. When a person enters the single-use capsule, it functions like a shower room and automatically cleans the body.
The "future human washing machine," developed by Osaka-based company I Feel Science, is an upgraded version of the original "human washing machine." Using advanced technology such as ultra-fine micro-fine bubbles with a diameter of less than 0.001 mm, it is capable of washing and drying the entire body, including hair. By simply lying down inside the 2.3-meter-long capsule, fine bubbles or mist showers remove dirt, and the machine dries the body within 15 minutes. During the bath, rear sensors monitor the user's health status, and users can also enjoy music and video. While it does not provide the science fiction-like experience of washing without a single drop of water, it is considered particularly useful for the elderly or people with disabilities who have mobility difficulties.
In March, Hirofumi Yoshimura, Governor of Osaka Prefecture, experienced the human washing machine at the "Osaka Expo Preview Exhibition." Photo by Kyodo News
Shigeru Ishiba, then Prime Minister of Japan, who visited the Osaka-Kansai Expo this year, recalled seeing the original "human washing machine" at the 1970 Osaka Expo and remarked, "At the time, I wondered when this would become a commercial product, but it never happened," adding, "Is it finally being released for sale this time?" His comments drew attention. Reportedly, more than 40,000 people applied to try the bathing experience at this year's Expo. Yasuyaki Aoyama, Chairman of I Feel Science, said at the product launch event, "I hope those who could not attend the Osaka-Kansai Expo will take this opportunity to experience the technology of the future human washing machine." However, the purchase cost is still considered prohibitively expensive. While LABI has not yet finalized the official launch date after the exhibition period, the price is reportedly set at around 60 million yen (approximately 560 million won).
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