Japan has officially launched a fully automatic spa pod called the “Mirai Human Washing Machine.” Created by the Japanese company Science Inc., the pod was first shown to the public at the Osaka-Kansai Expo earlier this year.
After receiving an overwhelming response, the company has now confirmed commercial production. With a price tag of 60 million yen, or around $385,000, the company aims the machine at luxury hotels, wellness resorts, premium spas, and high-end service facilities across Japan and abroad.
The company says designers built the pod not just to wash the body but also to clean the mind and relax the soul. In the words of Science Inc. spokeswoman Sachiko Maekura, “This device aims to clean not only the body but also the mind.” Her dialogue reflects the company’s mission to move wellness technology into a more emotional, human-centered experience.
The idea for a human washing machine is not new. It was first introduced in 1970 at the Osaka Expo by Sanyo Electric, now known as Panasonic Holdings. This early model, called the “Ultrasonic Bath,” became a popular symbol of Japan’s futuristic thinking. Today, that retro machine still stands on display at the Panasonic Museum, reminding visitors of Japan’s long love for innovation.
Science Inc. chairman Yasuaki Aoyama saw the original machine at the Expo when he was a child. The memory stayed with him, and decades later, he decided to bring the concept back, but with advanced technology and modern design.
Panasonic Museum
When the updated version was presented at the Osaka World Expo 2025, it became a major attraction. Nearly 40,000 visitors applied to try the machine, far more than organizers expected. This huge interest convinced the company to begin building commercial units.
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Designers built the Mirai pod as a fully automatic spa that finishes a complete wash cycle in 15 minutes. A user enters the pod, lies back on a soft reclining seat, and closes the lid. The machine then starts an advanced cleaning process using millions of microbubbles. These bubbles are so small they cannot be seen by the human eye. They move deeply into the pores of the skin to remove oil, dirt, and dead skin without harsh scrubbing.
While the machine washes the body, it also plays soft, calming music. Personalized images appear on the inside walls of the pod, matched to the user’s emotional state. A sensor resting against the back measures heart rate, breathing, stress levels, and body condition. If the user becomes uncomfortable, the water pressure, temperature, and visuals automatically change.
Maekura explained that designers created the pod to provide a complete mental and physical experience. She said, “The machine washes your body, rinses it, dries it, and also washes the soul.” According to her, the goal is to offer a safe experience where the user can relax without worrying about the process. The company says the machine can also help prevent fainting or panic by monitoring biometric data in real time.
The pod is large, measuring 2.5 meters long, 1 meter wide, and 2.6 meters tall, making it big enough for most adults to comfortably lie inside. The design resembles a futuristic cockpit, with smooth curves, soft lighting, and carefully built surfaces that feel like a modern Japanese spa.
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Because each unit is made by hand, Science Inc. plans to build only 40 to 50 units. One luxury hotel in Osaka has already purchased the first unit. Another consumer-tech chain, Yamada Denki, has bought one for its flagship Tokyo store. Several other clients, including a U.S. resort owner, have expressed interest in placing orders.
Production began only after the Expo’s success. A Science spokesperson said, “Because part of the appeal of this machine is rarity, we plan to produce only about 50 units.” Visitors will get a chance to try the device when a public demonstration unit opens at Yamada Denki’s LABI1 LIFE SELECT Ikebukuro center in Tokyo beginning December 2025. Trial details will be announced later.
