Nagiko Shimooka
Sento in Contemporary Japan:
Redefining Connectedness &
A Sense of Belonging
Abstract
With the prevalence of home baths, the number of sento—traditional Japanese public bathhouses that historically served as social gathering places—has significantly decreased in Tokyo and across Japan. This decline parallels the erosion of social connectedness and a sense of belonging in contemporary Japanese society, driven by the weakening of family structures, reduced job security, the erosion of workplace culture, and increased social isolation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The diminishing role of sento underscores a broader social challenge, as many individuals lose important spaces for interaction and support. This research explores how contemporary sento—which offer additional value beyond traditional bathing services—provide alternative spaces for fostering connectedness and a sense of belonging outside conventional societal contexts. Through ethnographic fieldwork and case studies of three sento and sento-related establishments in Tokyo—Komae-yu in Komae City, Denki-yu in Sumida Ward, and Kosugi-yu Tonari in Suginami Ward—this study demonstrates how modern sento have redefined their roles, each creating diverse social spaces that address evolving societal dynamics. Despite their reconfigured social functions, these sento continue to encourage meaningful connections and a sense of belonging, adapting to the shifting social landscape.
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Background of the Research
The background of this research lies in my strong interest in people. In our society, there are countless individuals, each with their own unique life story. Learning how someone has lived, what kind of thoughts they hold, and how those thoughts are reflected in their everyday life and work — I find these personal stories endlessly interesting.
I also appreciate the spontaneous moments of encounter that occur in everyday life—during a trip, at restaurant—when I unexpectedly meet someone and a conversation develops naturally, or when such interactions provide insight into a perspective or social world that I previously did not know. These experiences highlight the dynamics of human connection, and this research represents an effort to examine and express my interest in people and social connections through the lens of research.
The ways in which people connect with others vary considerably. Some individuals actively seek frequent social interaction, while others prefer more limited engagement. Even within a single individual, the extent of social involvement may fluctuate; one day they may wish to spend time with others, and the next they may prefer solitude. Additionally, some individuals may not seek direct interaction, but still find value in being present in environments where the presence of others can be sensed, thereby maintaining a form of connectedness.
It is particularly important, I believe, that when someone wants to connect with others or to find a place of belonging, there exist environments capable of supporting and accommodating that need. In contemporary society, opportunities for direct, face-to-face interaction are gradually diminishing. I argue that sento (Japanese public bathhouses) can function as environments that provide such opportunities for social connections in a flexible and inclusive manner.
This thesis focuses on three sento and sento-related places that foster a sense of belonging and connectedness in ways that reflect their own preferences. The insights and reflections shared by Ryuichi Nishikawa of Komae-yu, Katsuhito Okubo of Denki-yu, and Ami Shirai of Kosugi-yu Tonari provided numerous new perspectives and were both informative and inspiring for this research.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Professors James Farrer and David Slater for their invaluable guidance throughout this study. I am also deeply grateful to Ryuichi Nishikawa, Katsuhito Okubo, Ami Shirai, and Yuichi Kato of Kosugi-yu Tonari for their generous cooperation.
Through this research, I hope to demonstrate the importance of social spaces that enable people to connect with one another in diverse ways, and I hope that this study will contribute to a broader understanding of such environments.
Nagiko Shimooka