Can a machine really wash a human? Osaka’s revamped "human washing machine" takes the concept to the next level by rejuvenating both body and mind. Yoshimura tries it first.
 |
| Discover Osaka’s evolved “human washing machine” that offers both body and mind rejuvenation at the 2025 World Expo. Governor Yoshimura experiences the future of wellness. Image: Photo: Jiji Press/ JN |
Osaka, Japan — March 24, 2025
Can a machine truly wash a human? It may sound like science fiction, but Osaka’s newly revamped “human washing machine” is challenging that notion. Unveiled at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion during a preview on Sunday, the futuristic concept, which first caught global attention at the 1970 Osaka Expo, has undergone a major transformation. This updated version doesn't just clean the body; it also rejuvenates the mind. Jiji Press/ JN reported this.
The original human washing machine, which automatically washed and dried the body within a capsule, has been reimagined with modern technology. The new design integrates sensors that monitor the user’s heart rate and emotional state, adjusting the experience by playing personalized music and videos to calm the mind and restore the body. Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura, who was among the first to experience it, said with a smile, “It felt good, and I was able to relax.”
The human washing machine is a key feature in the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, which focuses on the intersection of technology and health. The pavilion’s theme, “REBORN,” represents the future of human well-being and features a wide range of innovations, including regenerative medicine using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and interactive health experiences.
After the press preview, a formal opening ceremony was held with around 400 attendees, including industry leaders and key stakeholders. Yoshimura shared his enthusiasm for the pavilion, stating, “I hope visitors will travel into the future through this experience and witness Osaka’s cutting-edge technology.”
Set to be a major attraction at the 2025 World Expo, the “human washing machine” is a prime example of how technology is shaping the future of wellness. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience this transformative machine firsthand, offering a glimpse into a world where personal health and relaxation are integrated through advanced technology.