Alexandru Arba
Research expert covering Japan
Wellness in Japan - statistics & facts
The core idea of wellness is the promotion of the well-being of people. Cultural customs and local resources shape the development of wellness practices. In the case of Japan, the main industries identified here that contribute to the wellness economy include cosmetics, beauty services, mineral spring and thermal bathing, sports participation, traditional complementary medicine, and health nutrition. The cosmetics and beauty service industries are large contributors to the wellness economy. Thermal bathing (onsen), and traditional complementary medicine are culture-specific elements that are also important contributors to wellness in Japan. New trends such as workplace wellness, workcation, and wellness tourism are further elements that contribute to the emergence of the wellness economy in Japan.
The prominence of the bathing culture in Japan could have various reasons. On the one hand, the geological activity in Japan resulted in the creation of many natural hot springs, providing the necessary resources for hot baths. On the other hand, historical and religious reasons may also play an important role in the success of the thermal and mineral spring industry. Japan’s indigenous religion, Shintoism, emphasizes cleanliness and purity and the importance of connecting with nature. Hot springs offer the ideal environment to satisfy both these aspects which are important in traditional Japanese culture.
Bathing culture
Japan has a well-developed bathing culture, attested by the numerous thermal spring facilities, and the high number of annual stays at traditional Japanese lodging facilities situated around thermal springs. Wellness and tourism are often interconnected. For tourists, wellness can be a secondary or even the main incentive to travel. Consequently, Japan’s bathing-related resources and infrastructure can be seen as a valuable asset that is harnessed for touristic purposes. Resorts around natural hot springs provide travelers with exclusive (and pricey) wellness experiences that often include accommodation, bathing, and meals. On a different note, many metropolitan areas have public baths, called sento, providing citizens with an affordable and spacious bathing experience that is an enjoyable alternative to one’s bathroom.The prominence of the bathing culture in Japan could have various reasons. On the one hand, the geological activity in Japan resulted in the creation of many natural hot springs, providing the necessary resources for hot baths. On the other hand, historical and religious reasons may also play an important role in the success of the thermal and mineral spring industry. Japan’s indigenous religion, Shintoism, emphasizes cleanliness and purity and the importance of connecting with nature. Hot springs offer the ideal environment to satisfy both these aspects which are important in traditional Japanese culture.
