Forget the humble shower or relaxing bath. A radical new method of personal cleansing, with a price tag to match its ambition, has been unveiled for the world's elite. A Japanese home electronics retailer is preparing to launch a human washing machine that will retail for a staggering ¥60 million (approximately £291,300).
From Expo Concept to Luxury Product
The eye-catching device, named the Mirai Human Washing Machine, first garnered significant attention at the Osaka Expo. This international exhibition aims to showcase cutting-edge technology to address global challenges. The machine's developer, a company called Science, was inspired by a prototype originally displayed in 1970, when Osaka last hosted the world fair.
'Our president was inspired by that as a 10-year-old boy at the time,' revealed Science spokeswoman Sachiko Maekura. The decision to move into production came after interest from a US resort company enquiring about commercialisation.
How the Futuristic Cleansing Works
The process is designed for ultimate passivity. A user climbs into the 2.3-metre-long capsule, the door seals, and the tub fills with warm water. Instead of scrubbing, the machine employs a wash of microscopic bubbles that lift away dirt without any physical effort required from the person inside.
'We want people who could not visit the expo to experience this technology,' said Yasuaki Aoyama, chairman of Science. The entire cycle, which includes a drying phase, takes just 15 minutes. The company claims the experience goes beyond mere hygiene, with Maekura stating it 'not only washes your body but also your soul' and includes heartbeat monitoring.
Exclusive Availability and Rarity
This is not a product destined for high-street electrical stores. Yamada Holdings will display a demonstration unit at its flagship Tokyo store from Christmas Day, though a firm sales date is yet to be announced. Production will be severely limited to maintain its exclusivity.
'Because part of the appeal of this machine is rarity, we plan to produce only about 50 units,' Maekura confirmed. The first unit has already been purchased by a hotel in Osaka, which intends to offer it as a unique amenity for guests. This ultra-luxury approach positions the human washing machine as a novel, and extraordinarily expensive, frontier in personal care and wellness technology.
