This is a Japanese shower machine for people.

Science's human washing machine. Photo: Nikkei .

Consumers can now officially own the "Mirai Human Washing Machine" from Science, a Japanese technology company. The product previously appeared at the Osaka World Expo earlier this year and delighted visitors.

The machine functions like a high-tech, automated spa chamber, capable of cleansing the entire body in just a few minutes. Once inside, users can recline in a comfortable seat, and the chamber door closes. The machine then cleans using microbubbles, rinses away the foam, and dries the body, all while relaxing music plays.

Sachiko Maekura, a spokesperson for the company, said the device not only cleanses the body but also "cleanses the soul." The bathing chamber also monitors the user's vital signs to enhance safety and comfort.

The entire process takes only about 15 minutes, and the user doesn't have to do anything at all. Interestingly, this idea first appeared at the Osaka Exhibition in 1970, introduced by Sanyo Electric (now Panasonic Holdings).

Yasuaki Aoyama, president of Science, first saw this idea as a child and revived it using modern technology. At the Osaka World Expo 2025, the machine became such a major attraction that they decided to commercialize the product.

The bath tub measures 2.5 meters long, 1 meter wide, and 2.6 meters high, large enough for most people to lie comfortably inside. Cleansing is achieved using microscopic bubbles that penetrate pores, removing oil, dirt, and dead skin cells.

This is advanced Japanese spa technology, already used in bathhouses and salons. Sensors in the shower booth will monitor the user's vital signs to prevent fainting, panic attacks, or other medical problems.

The product's drawback lies in its price, which targets the high-end commercial spa segment, not necessarily for home use. According to reports, the device will be sold at a price of around 60 million yen, equivalent to $385,000 USD. Therefore, it's highly likely that Mirai will only be found in luxury hotels, Japanese onsens (hot springs), amusement parks, health spas, and high-end resorts.

The company plans to produce only a limited run of about 40-50 units, all hand-assembled. According to Interesting Engineering, an unnamed Japanese hotel has placed the first order, and approximately 5-8 more have been reserved by potential customers.

With its limited production run and high price tag, this is more than just a bathing device. It also reflects Japan's long-standing passion for automation and robotic care, especially in the context of an aging population.

A device that can bathe, dry, and ensure user safety is essentially a prototype for future automated senior care systems. “In the future, as technology develops and mass production becomes more feasible, we may be able to launch a more affordable, family-friendly version,” Science stated.