The Origins and Evolution of Japanese Bath Additives: A Tradition Rooted in Herbal Baths

Herbal Baths: The Foundation of Japanese Bath Additives

The concept of bath additives in Japan traces its roots back to the ancient culture of “herbal baths,” which gained popularity with the introduction of Buddhism during the Asuka period. Initially, these herbal baths involved the use of aromatic herbal steam, with monks using it for cleansing and healing purposes. By the Edo period, this practice evolved further as people began to add medicinal herbs directly to bathwater, creating seasonal customs such as shobu-yu (iris baths) on Boys’ Day and yuzu-yu (citrus baths) during the winter solstice. These herbal baths were not only seen as a means of relaxation and rejuvenation but also served as a symbolic acknowledgment of the seasons, reflecting the Japanese cultural reverence for nature and ritual in daily life.

The Birth of Modern Bath Additives in the Meiji Era

The prototype for today’s bath additives emerged during the Meiji era with the invention of Chujoto by Tsumura Juntendo, now Tsumura Pharmaceuticals, a prominent herbal medicine manufacturer. Legend has it that in the process of creating Chujoto, a worker had the innovative idea to bring home some byproducts and use them in the bath, discovering they worked wonders for summer heat…