How to Use a Japanese Bathhouse (Sento): Work in Progress Japan #2 [BONUS]

While we were filming the second episode of Work in Progress Japan, our interviewee Honami Enya took the time to give us an in-depth explanation of how to use a Japanese bathhouse, or sento (銭湯). Unfortunately we weren't able to put that explanation in the original video due to time constraints. So instead, we decided to make a bonus episode!

In this video, Enya takes us through the different rooms at Kosugiyu sento and teaches us how to use the baths in accordance with Japanese culture and tradition. She walks us through every step, from when you remove your shoes at the entrance to when you can lay back in the relaxation room. Enya also introduces several terms you'll often hear at a sento, like gesokufuda (下足札), bandai (番台), imabari (今治), datsuijo (脱衣所), and Kosugiyu's very own kougoyoku (交互浴).

The concept behind Work in Progress Japan is to take you deep into the lives of a few Japanese innovators who are busy reimagining Japan's cultural and societal landscape. It can be pretty hard for those not part of Japanese society to form an accurate impression of what it's like to live and work in Japan. Overseas media are usually not much help, publishing only stories that feed into a preconceived narrative regarding Japanese culture.

Feel free to leave a comment on our Youtube page or reach out to us on social media with any feedback or ideas of workstyles you'd be curious to see in our series!

Once again thanks for watching, and stay tuned.

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Directed by Dan Takahashi. Written and produced by Alex Steullet. Videography and film editing by Hayato Tamura. Special thanks to Honami Enya, Yusuke Hiramatsu, and the team and patrons of Kosugiyu and Kosugiyu Tonari.