Many of us have a routine of showering every morning to feel refreshed for the day ahead. This is also a common practice among Westerners.
However, the Japanese approach is different. They maintain the habit of taking a bath at night and often spend a considerable amount of time doing so. Scientifically, it has been proven that taking a hot bath at night can aid in better sleep, but not to the extent that the Japanese practice. As it turns out, they have a specific reason for doing so.
1. The Japanese are very busy in the mornings
The Japanese are known for their hard work, a result of the economic recovery after World War II, where a generation of hardworking workers forgot to rest, making Japan a force on the world map. And this habit has been maintained to this day.
Currently, an estimated 4.5 million Japanese work two or more jobs, with between six and 14 hours of overtime per week in addition to normal working hours. Also, Japanese culture places great emphasis on punctuality, and being even one minute late is considered bad. Therefore, the Japanese are really busy in the morning and have no free time to take a bath, forcing them to move to the evening.
2. Another reason is the warm climate.
Japan experiences hot and extremely humid summers. Many citizens opt for public transportation instead of using cars due to feeling the effect of the weather on themselves to the fullest. So, they feel refreshed, and they often take long showers at the end of the day
In the winter, Japanese homes can become quite chilly, especially since most lack central heating. As a way to stay warm, people often visit the bathroom before going to bed. They do this not only to bathe but also to warm up.
3. The Japanese have a tradition of "taking a long bath"
Japanese people usually have to follow many steps derived from ancient traditions when bathing. First, they'll shower under the tap to wash off the dirt and sweat before soaking in the bathtub. Even when making tea, they add tea or herbs to help relax the body, cleanse the skin, and improve the spirit.
The temperature of the water in Japanese baths is also strictly controlled and cannot exceed 40 degrees Celsius. This limitation is due to the potential of hot water causing dehydration and opening pores.
Japan's onsen culture is partly influenced by geography, as there are many volcanoes and hot springs. As a result, Japanese people often go to hot baths in public places, considering it a great stress reliever.
