| To begin with, the current form of Sento were originally established in the Edo period. As I'm sure you know, Japanese houses are easily destroyed by fire, as they are made of paper and wood. As a result, bathing at home was banned by the Edo Bakufu (government) as a fire prevention measure, and sento's were made in the town instead. Rather surprisingly, it suited the Japanese sense very well, a 'perfect fit' you might say in English. Besides being a bathroom for cleansing the body, the sento became a meeting place for the masses to enjoy social intercourse and naked fellowship. It is also a relaxing place to refresh our spirits and restore our energy for the morrow.
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Onna or Otoko (Ladies or Gentlemen). Which do you use? |