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Coronavirus dampens Japanese man's plan to save bathhouse culture

23 Comments
By Elaine Lies

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© Thomson Reuters 2020.

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23 Comments
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Preserve the culture of bathing with a bunch of naked men. Won’t be signing the petition thanks

There are naked women there too.

I never understood the idea of paying to bathe with other men. Why would anyone do that? What does one get out of that?

It's a chance to relax in a big tub of hot water for way less than staying in even a cheap hotel with a tiny bath tub.

What is there to even chat about during such a time?

Almost anything. Best to stay away from sex and religion though.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Mocheake

There is something about me, being a heterosexual male, bathing with men around me or staring at me, that I just find quite upsetting. I wonder what it could be?

Feelings of inadequacy? Paranoia? Fear of awakening suppressed feelings?

The list of possibilities is almost endless. A mental health professional would be better able to address your query.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

There is something about me, being a heterosexual male, bathing with men around me or staring at me, that I just find quite upsetting. I wonder what it could be?

I wonder as well. I'm a heterosexual man, and I have no problem with public bathing with other men. Why do you have this hangup? It must be something psychological, after all, why would it be a problem is someone sees parts of your skin, when they can already see other parts of your skin from day to day?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

There is something about me, being a heterosexual male, bathing with men around me or staring at me, that I just find quite upsetting. I wonder what it could be?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I love  sentos they are great especially in the winter, I met many interesting people and made many friends over the years, Hate to see them close . it's part of what japan is for me.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Nevermind the basic cleanliness, theres STDs and other communicables, its just gross to wash ur butt in the same tub as 50 other guys.

Nobody should be washing their butt in the ofuro.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

What is there to even chat about during such a time?

The same thing there is to chat about at any time in a public setting - the weather, sports, current events, politics, etc.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

@Reckless

I hope you sorted her out?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I never understood the idea of paying to bathe with other men. Why would anyone do that? What does one get out of that?

I used to stay in several capsule hotels through my travels. And at times had to take a bath in a room full of men. It did nothing for me. I just went in, cleaned up and got out as soon as possible.

What is there to even chat about during such a time?

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

I use the Sento near my place after quitting the gym for one reason, the two Saunas!

But agree with other posters, sitting in tubs with other people, or wherr many strangers have been...

Nevermind the basic cleanliness, theres STDs and other communicables, its just gross to wash ur butt in the same tub as 50 other guys.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

There was a lady sitting in the middle watching everyone the whole time.

theyre normally old grandmas, they're certaining not there to gawk or be gawked at

5 ( +6 / -1 )

you know im not a stranger to men showering together since Ive done that many times during my football years, but the thought of sweating men using the same hot tub, no thanks, prefer to have one by myself at home far more relaxing. Having a well Ive got all the free water Ill ever need

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Sme will learn alas crowfinding is not profitable with bankruptcies as I don't see recovery before long.

I wish him success in his project.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

"Coronavirus dampens Japanese man's plan to save bathhouse culture."

I certainly hope he is not washed up!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

With the addition of shared work spaces, a place to eat (usually called a café), a place to drink (bar), and a place to sleep (hotel), I wouldn't be surprised if the actual place to bathe (bath) disappears if the other features prove to be more profitable. I suppose next would be a place to play (bowling alley?).

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Preserve the culture of bathing with a bunch of naked men. Won’t be signing the petition thanks

4 ( +11 / -7 )

I would like to know if the environment of a bathhouse slows, speeds or has no effect on the spread of Covid 19. We have heard of Covid 19 clusters coming from various places but bathhouses?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I’m out in an onsen or sento every week.

This sento might be having a rough time but the Japanese are still going out to them!

7 ( +7 / -0 )

My decrepit apartment in Kyoto when I first came to Japan lacked a bathroom, so I cycled to the sento every day with my newly made friends. Now I have a house and bathe alone - it's much more utilitarian, in and out as quickly as possible. I miss the old days.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

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