Showering less and the Japanese “washing machine for humans”

Behind the trend lies more than simple convenience.

In many households, going a full day without a shower is now unremarkable – and sometimes people go two or three days. What was once considered unhygienic is now seen by some as a form of self-care. At the same time, high-tech devices such as a Japanese “washing machine for humans” are reimagining personal hygiene entirely. So what is driving this gradual move away from the daily shower?

Why the daily shower is losing its appeal

For decades, the assumption was clear: anyone who cared about their appearance showered every day. A quick rinse under the shower in the morning, and that was that. Dermatologists, environmental researchers and psychologists are increasingly questioning this routine, and many people are responding accordingly.

“Showering less does not automatically mean less hygiene; it often means a different understanding of cleanliness.”

There are several reasons for this:

• Skin health: Showering too frequently can damage the skin’s natural protective barrier.
• Climate crisis and scarce resources: Hot water and shower gel consume energy and raw materials.
• Everyday stress: Many people want to simplify their routines and save time.
• Technological innovations: New cleansing methods are intended to work more efficiently than a conventional shower head.

The Japanese “washing machine for humans” at a glance

A striking example comes from Osaka. The company Science Co. is developing a personal-care capsule called “Mirai Ningen Sentakuki”, which roughly translates as “washing machine for the human of the future”. The device is designed to wash and dry the entire body in around 15 minutes – with almost no effort required from the user.

How the futuristic washing capsule works

Visually, the technology resembles a wellness pod more than a shower: you sit inside an enclosed capsule, while the rest happens automatically.

• The capsule closes and its interior fills with water.
• A microbubble system removes dirt and skin oils from the surface.
• Sensors record readings such as heart rate and physical wellbeing.
• An AI adjusts the temperature, water jets, lighting and soundscape.
• Finally, an integrated system dries the body completely.

The microbubbles used are extremely fine and are intended to reach into skin folds without requiring vigorous rubbing. Similar technologies already exist in spa treatments and therapeutic baths.

“The capsule promises cleansing, drying, wellness – and health data on the side – in 15 minutes.”

Hygiene, wellness and health checks in one device

The combination of personal hygiene and health monitoring is particularly notable. Throughout the full washing process, biometric sensors continuously measure physiological data. This includes, among other things:

• Heart rate
• Signs of stress and exhaustion
• Changes in circulatory parameters

An integrated AI evaluates this data in real time and determines how intense the massage effect of the water jets should be, how warm the water is, and which light or sound setting provides maximum relaxation. The result appears to be a blend of shower, spa treatment and mini health check.

A historic idea enhanced by technology

The concept is not entirely new. A prototype “human washing machine” was already displayed at the Osaka Expo in the 1970s. At the time, it remained only a concept. Today, far more capable sensors, computing technology and AI are available, which are expected to make the approach practical.

The current version from Osaka revives this old exhibition highlight, combining it with contemporary wellness aesthetics and targeting a society familiar with smart homes, wearables and digital health apps.

Could technology change our shower habits in the long term?

It remains uncertain whether capsules like these will eventually appear in ordinary bathrooms or instead find a place in selected hotels, care facilities and high-end spas. What is clear is that they fit into a broader trend that is also changing conventional showering.

Three developments are emerging:

Trend	Description
Showering less often	Many people are cutting back to every two or three days, using “flannel days” in between.
Gentler products	Mild syndets, bar soaps, shampoo bars and natural oils are replacing harsh shower gels.
Smarter devices	From water-saving shower heads to high-tech capsules, technology is intended to cleanse more efficiently.

While some people deliberately shower less to conserve resources, others are trying alternatives such as dry shampoos, antibacterial wipes or zone-based washing: underarms, intimate areas and feet daily, with a full-body wash only every few days.

How little showering can still be hygienic?

Dermatologists have stressed for years that daily hot showers with lots of foam can do more harm than good. Skin becomes dry, itchy and more sensitive. A reduced routine can therefore make sense, provided a few basic rules are followed.

• Wash underarms, intimate areas and feet thoroughly every day, at the basin if necessary.
• Shower as soon as possible after exercise or heavy sweating.
• Use mild, pH-neutral products, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
• Keep the water lukewarm rather than consistently hot.
• Pat skin dry briefly after showering and apply moisturiser if needed.

“People who know their bodies and pay attention to odour, sweat and how their skin feels usually find the right shower routine quite quickly.”

The psychology of cleanliness: how much is habit?

Many people shower less for hygiene reasons than because they otherwise feel “uncomfortable”. This feeling of being clean is strongly shaped by habit and upbringing. Anyone taught for years that a daily shower is compulsory will instinctively regard anything else as “dirty” – even when there is objectively no issue.

Over time, that perception can change. People who try showering less often frequently report that their need for a daily rinse decreases, without anyone around them noticing. Interest in alternative rituals also grows: short breathing exercises, stretching or a cup of tea in the morning can partly replace the “wake-up shock” of standing under a stream of water.

Risks, limits and sensible additions

Water and soap cannot be dispensed with completely. People who shower far too infrequently over a prolonged period risk unpleasant body odour, skin irritation and, in extreme cases, infections – especially in warm, moist areas of the body. Anyone with certain skin conditions should always discuss changes to their shower routine with a specialist doctor.

The combination of consciously reduced showering and smart technology is where things become interesting. A capsule such as the one from Osaka could help older people or those with limited mobility to wash regularly without physical exertion. At the same time, its sensors provide indications of stress or circulatory problems and could ease the burden on care services or doctors.

For most people, everyday changes are likely to remain simpler for the time being: one fewer shower a week, a more water-efficient shower head or a milder product. The big question is no longer how often someone “has to” shower, but what makes sense for their own skin, the environment and their available time.

One thing is certain: the trend towards showering less is not driven by laziness, but by a mixture of health awareness, sustainability – and a little fascination with technology that is rethinking the daily wash.