At Expo 2025 Osaka, one exhibit drew longer queues than almost anything else: a machine that washes a human being.
It is called the “Mirai Ningen Sentakuki” — the Future Human Washing Machine.
It hosted 1,227 bathers during the Expo, and 98.3% of the 847 who answered the survey said they were satisfied.
Here is what it actually is, how it works, and where it stands today.
人間洗濯機
編集部
What this article covers
- What the “Human Washing Machine” actually is and how it works
- Who makes it and the 55-year story behind it
- Its price, and where it stands in 2026
✈️ Want to try one in Japan? Spots in Tokyo, Osaka and Hokkaido, with prices and booking rules
👉 Where to Try Japan’s Human Washing Machine (2026)
🏠 Want the technology at home? Mirable fine-bubble shower heads from the same maker
👉 Mirable: all 5 models compared (Japanese-language article)
🌍 Prices and the first US export
the ¥60 million (≈ US$385,000) model and five units for a resort in Georgia
👉 Every model and its 2026 price ／ First export to the US
What is it, in 30 seconds?
| Session time | About 15 minutes, fully automatic |
|---|---|
| Soap / shampoo | None — fine bubbles do the cleaning |
| Expo 2025 record | 1,227 bathers, 98.3% satisfied (847 responses) |
| Price (full model) | ¥60 million (≈ US$385,000) |
| Want to try it? | Free lottery events in Tokyo; paid private sessions in Osaka and Hokkaido from ¥11,000 per room (Minoh Onsen, open since 1 October 2026) |
Once the lid closes, you just sit back for about 15 minutes. The machine does everything automatically.
What does it actually do to you?
The machine is a reclining bathing pod.
It is a white streamlined tub topped with a dark curved glass canopy that closes over you like a clamshell.
You sit back, and the machine does the rest — in about 15 minutes, fully automatic:
Who makes it?
The developer is Science Co., Ltd., an Osaka company best known for its “Mirable” fine-bubble shower heads.
The idea, however, goes back to Expo 1970 in Osaka.
There, Sanyo Electric exhibited the legendary “Ultrasonic Bath” — the original human washing machine.
Science’s chairman saw it there as a 10-year-old boy.
55 years later, he brought the dream back to life for Expo 2025. Read the full 55-year story here.
The same bubbles at home: fine-bubble shower heads
Science Co., Ltd. also makes Mirable, a line of fine-bubble shower heads built on the company’s ultra-fine bubble technology.
It is the maker’s everyday version of what the washing machine does.
There are five models in 2026, from ¥29,700 to ¥49,390 — roughly US$190 to US$320.
These are the maker’s list prices including tax, as of July 2026.
Two things to know if you live outside Japan: most Japanese retailers do not ship overseas, and the fittings are made for Japanese showers — confirm it fits your shower before you buy. The maker’s warranty is valid in Japan only.
Live in the US and want a Mirable shower head?
Mirable is sold only in Japan. We are checking whether enough people want one shipped to the US. If enough do, we will start with a small number of orders.
- Price = the Japanese retail price (Mirable Ex is ¥38,500 incl. tax) + our 30% service fee + international shipping + US import duty. You get the total in writing first.
- Nothing is charged or shipped until you accept the written quote.
- We buy a new unit from an authorized retailer and send you photos before shipping.
- The warranty is valid in Japan only. No exchanges or refunds after delivery.
- Fit: Mirable Ex uses a G1/2 thread; most US shower arms use 1/2-inch NPT, so you may need an adapter. We check this with you first.
US addresses only for now. Tornado Stick cartridges only with a shower head order.
Email us for a quote (free, no commitment)
Opens your email app with a short template. We reply in English. We do not store your details on this site.
I’m visiting Japan soon. Can I actually get inside one?
人間洗濯機
編集部
Yes, there are places in Japan where you can try it.
See the section below.
Can you actually try one in 2026?
- On sale in Japan: the full model sells for ¥60 million (about US$385,000) through the electronics retailer Yamada Denki — installation and first-year maintenance included.
- A care version exists: a ¥1.45 million (tax excl.) compact model for nursing-care settings, with a door-type tub that removes the need to step over the rim.
- Going global: a resort in Georgia, USA purchased five units — the first export, from spring 2026. Details here.
- You can try it in Japan at permanent spots in Tokyo, Osaka and Hokkaido — see our 2026 experience guide below.
＼ Locations, prices and booking rules in Tokyo, Osaka and Hokkaido ／
This is an independent Japanese media site specializing in the Mirai Human Washing Machine, based on official announcements and our own on-site reporting. 日本語版はこちら（Japanese version）
📢 Updates on X → @kurochan_de
👉 Wondering about the money side? How much does it actually cost? — every model and 2026 prices
