Human washing machine that 'cleans body and soul' now on sale in Japan

Japan has put on sale a human washing machine', which remained a major attraction at the recent World Expo in Osaka.

The capsule-like unit lets users lie inside, lower the lid and experience a full-body wash accompanied by calming music. The process resembls a laundry cycle but without any spinning.

The futuristic pod, shown throughout the six-month Expo that ended in October, consistently drew long lines of curious visitors.

It has been developed by Osaka-based company Science as a modern take on a device displayed at the 1970 Osaka Expo.

Company spokeswoman Sachiko Maekura said that the idea stayed with the firm’s president since he first saw it as a child. This updated machine “not only washes the body but also the soul,” she said, adding that it even monitors heartbeats and other vital signs during use.

The first unit has been purchased by a hotel in Osaka, which plans to offer the service to guests. Electronics retailer Yamada Denki has also placed an order, hoping the novelty will help attract shoppers.

The company plans to manufacture only about 50 units. Local reports say each machine will be priced at 60 million yen (approximately $385,000).