If you ever strolled past the Science pavilion at last year’s Osaka Expo and thought, “I wish I could be automatically washed and air-dried like a car or piece of laundry,” that futuristic experience is finally here — and it’s available at select Yamada Denki stores. The Mirai Ningen Sentakuki, or the “Future Human Washing Machine,” is exactly what it sounds like. Step inside, lower the canopy and let the pod do the rest. 

The tub fills with water while jets of ultra-fine microbubbles clean your skin, and a full rinse-and-dry cycle leaves you smooth and moisturized within 15 minutes. Meanwhile, a curated program senses your vitals and plays soothing music and visuals to calm your nervous system. 

List of Contents:

The Sanyo “Ultrasonic Washing Machine” was displayed at Osaka Expo ’70, and was the inspiration for Science Co. Ltd’s Human Washing Machine. This prototype is now in the Panasonic Museum. Images © Panasonic Holdings

From Expo Sensation to Your Bathroom

The concept isn’t entirely new. The original human washing machine, called the Ultrasonic Bath, debuted at the 1970 Osaka World Expo, capturing the imagination of a young boy named Yasuaki Aoyama, who grew up to become CEO of Science, the company that finally made it a reality. More than 50 years later, motivated by his daughter’s skin sensitivities and a deep dive into fine bubble technology, he found a way to give gentle baths without scrubbing.

The Expo 2025 version was a runaway hit: 1,277 visitors climbed in, and an impressive 98.3% reported satisfaction after stepping out. The machine quietly entered commercial life in December, when the first hotel unit went into service. Starting on February 26, 2026, electronics retailer Yamada Denki began taking home orders, allowing fans to bring one of the Expo’s most talked-about exhibits into their own bathrooms.

However, the human washing machine comes with a hefty price tag of ¥60 million (approximately US$387,000), which includes first-year installation and maintenance. It’s aimed at high-end hotels, medical facilities, nursing homes and most likely, a very particular kind of apartment owner.

via Science Co. Ltd

Win a Free Trial in Ikebukuro

If you’re not ready to drop ¥60 million on a home spa, you can still try it for free at Yamada Denki’s flagship LABI Ikebukuro store in Tokyo this month. The electronics giant is hosting free trial sessions on March 16, 18, 23, 27 and 30, with slots allocated by lottery due to high demand. While the initial round of applications closed on March 9, the machine remains on display at the Ikebukuro store, and orders can be placed at any Yamada Denki branch nationwide. 

The future of bathing is here. Whether you’re ready for it is another question entirely.

Related Posts

Updated On March 11, 2026