The nature, expression and benefits of ofuro

• Main Authors: Co, Udy C., Huang, Mary Jane T., Midel, Aileen Gay C.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1993
• Subjects: Japan > Social life and customs; Bathing customs > Japan
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/16138
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study seeks to present the different types of bathing practices in Japan and its benefits. Specifically, it aims to find out the Japanese concept of cleanliness, the different types and benefits of ofuro. It also aims to find out which among the three known types are preferred by the Japanese as well as by Filipinos, the reasons why they engage in such practice, and which style of taking a bath, Japanese or Western, is more to their liking. The sample consisted of 10 Japanese and 10 Filipinos who have experienced any of the 3 types of ofuro. The data were gathered through library research and through a self-constructed interview questionnaire which consists of 8 open-ended questions. The interviews were conducted to supplement the findings obtained from research. The result of the study is that Japanese concept of cleanliness trace its root to their religious activities which involve some manner of purification. Evil and immorality is strongly identified with filth and pollution while virtue and goodness with cleanliness and purity. The 3 most common form of ofuro are the domestic bath, the public bath or sento and the hot-spring bath or onsen. Relaxation of body and mind, improve blood circulation, warm the body are some of the most common benefits cited. Ofuro is still practiced nowadays, primarily because of its physiological benefits. Japanese prefer the onsen over the other because of the opportunity it provides them to be in touch with nature. Filipinos, on the other hand, prefer the domestic bath because of the privacy it offers. Majority of the respondents, whether Japanese or Filipino, prefer the Japanese style over the Western style because aside from cleaning, it also induces relaxation.