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 outlets such as Jiji Press reported that Japanese electronics retailer Yamada Holdings has decided to display the "Future Human Washing Machine," which drew significant attention at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, for sale at the well-known electronics shopping complex "Labi" in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Labi plans to spend about a month preparing, and will install a demonstration model on December 25, Christmas Day, allowing consumers to experience it firsthand.

First introduced at the 1970 Osaka Expo
Displayed for sale this year at Tokyo's 'Lavi' shopping mall

When a person enters the single-use capsule, it functions as a shower room
Automatically washes and dries the body, all within 15 minutes

Detects health status during bathing... Also allows listening to music and watching videos
Highly regarded as very useful for the elderly and people with disabilities

The "Future Human Washing Machine" was originally introduced as a prototype at the 1970 Osaka Expo, where it became a sensation. After being forgotten for some time, the product reappeared at the Osaka-Kansai World Expo in late March this year, once again drawing attention. When a person enters the single-person capsule, it functions much like a shower room, automatically washing the body.

Developed by "I Feel Science," a company headquartered in Osaka, the "Future Human Washing Machine" is an upgraded version of the original "Human Washing Machine." Utilizing advanced technology such as "ultra-fine microfine bubbles" with a diameter of less than 0.001 mm, it can wash and dry the entire body, including hair. Simply lying down inside the 2.3-meter-long capsule, fine bubbles or mist-like showers cleanse the body and dry it within 15 minutes. During the bath, rear sensors detect the user's health status, and it is also possible to enjoy music and videos. While it may not be a scene straight out of a science fiction movie that washes without a single drop of water, it is considered highly useful for the elderly and people with disabilities who have difficulty moving.

Over 40,000 Bath Experience Applications Flooded During All Expo
Market Price Set at About 560 Million KRW "Exorbitantly Expensive"

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, remarking, "At the time, I wondered when this would become a commercial product, but it never happened," and asked, "Is it finally going to be sold this time?" This comment drew attention. Reportedly, over 40,000 people applied for the bath experience at this year's Expo. Yasuyaki Aoyama, Chairman of I Feel Science, said at the commercial launch announcement, "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 exorbitantly high. While Labi has not yet finalized the official sales launch after the exhibition, the price is reportedly set at around 60 million yen (approximately 560 million KRW).