Washed Like Laundry: Japan’s New Human Capsule Brings Expo Innovation to Real Life
Japan launches a high-tech capsule that cleans, dries, and relaxes users, with the first units sold in Osaka.
The futuristic “human washing machine” that became one of the breakout stars of Expo 2025 Osaka has officially entered the real world. Japanese tech firm Science announced on Wednesday that the capsule-style Mirai Ningen Sentakuki (“Future Human Washing Machine”) is now commercially available, with the very first unit already sold to a luxury hotel in Osaka and electronics giant Yamada Denki snapping up another for public demonstrations.
Priced at a cool ¥60 million (≈ $385,000 / ₹3.25 crore), the 2.3-meter-long pod lets users lie down, close the lid, and emerge 15 minutes later completely clean, dry, and deeply relaxed, no towels or scrubbing required. The process works like this:
- Microbubble jets and ultra-fine mist showers gently cleanse the entire body
- Built-in sensors monitor heartbeat and vitals in real time
- Soothing music and ambient visuals play inside the sealed capsule
- Warm-air drying finishes the cycle automatically
Science chairman Yasuaki Aoyama, who was inspired by a similar (but far cruder) human washer he saw as a child at the 1970 Osaka Expo, calls it a device that “washes not just the body, but the soul.” The company’s spokeswoman, Sachiko Maekura, added that the machine is designed to give users “a moment of absolute peace in an increasingly stressful world.”
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Only about 50 units will be produced initially due to the hand-built nature and high demand from hotels, spas, and even a U.S. resort chain that inquired during the Expo. Yamada Denki will install its unit in a flagship store from December 25, complete with an “experience corner” so curious shoppers can try the future of bathing for themselves.
Social media is already exploding with reactions ranging from “I need this after every long flight” to “Japan just invented the real-life spa from The Fifth Element.” Whether it becomes the next must-have luxury gadget or remains an ultra-exclusive novelty, one thing is clear: the human washing machine has officially graduated from Expo curiosity to the most expensive (and relaxing) bathroom appliance on Earth.
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