OSAKA: The “Mirai Ningen Sentak­uki” (human washing machine of the fut­ure), a fully automatic bathing machine ex­­­­­­h­­­­­i­­­b­­ited at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, will be exported for the first time this spr­ing.

The decision was prompted by an importer’s official visiting the Expo shortly after its opening in April last year. The official observed visitors’ using the machine and concluded that it offered significant relaxation benefits.

An official of Science Co., the Osaka City-based plumbing manufacturer that developed the machine, said: “We hadn’t even considered expanding overseas. We hope many people enjoy it.”

The futuristic human washing machine envelops the entire body in warm water containing fine bubbles, removing dirt such as sebum. Its main feature is being environmentally friendly, as the machine does not use soap or shampoo. With calming visuals and music played in response to the user’s heart rate, trial sessions during the Expo proved so popular that reservations filled up immediately.

The machine caught the eye of an official from a US company planning a large-scale resort facility in a nature-rich area in the state of Georgia, set to partially open this summer. The company’s Japan representative responsible for equipment procurement visited the Expo the day after it opened to inspect the machine. Feeling that it aligned with the facility’s philosophy of harmonising with the environment and contributing to physical and mental health, he offered to purchase the machine from Science.

According to Science, the device — developed at a cost of about ¥100 million for the Expo — was the only one on display at the time. While not initially planning to commercialise the machine, Science decided to sell following negotiations with the representative and due to the high number of people who were unable to secure reservations at the Expo.

Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2026