Energy Cost Increases from Middle East Disruptions Threaten the Future of Japanese Public Bathhouses
Introduction
Traditional Japanese public bathhouses, called sento, are facing serious operational problems because of rising fuel oil prices and supply disruptions. These challenges, which are linked to tensions in the Middle East, are adding to existing structural issues such as a falling number of customers and aging owners who have no one to take over their businesses.
Main Body
The sento industry has been declining for many years. According to the Japan National Sento Association, the number of bathhouses has dropped to about one-twelfth of its highest level from almost sixty years ago. Owners have dealt with fewer customers and a shortage of people to take over their businesses. Furthermore, government-set prices stop bathhouses from raising their fees, so they are easily affected by sudden changes in the cost of supplies. The current energy crisis has made these pressures worse. At Ikesu Onsen, a family-run sento founded in 1919 in Tsushima, Aichi Prefecture, the business delayed its opening time by one hour from late March because of unreliable fuel oil deliveries. Monthly fuel deliveries were cut by about half, from roughly one tonne, which caused a loss of around ten customers each day. Atsuko Matsui, a 57-year-old who helps run the bathhouse, said that the supplier decides both the amount and the price, and the business has no choice but to accept these terms. In Aomori, Katsuragi Onsen has decided to close at the end of May. The owner, Masayoshi Yamaguchi, also 57, explained that fuel oil prices go up every week and do not seem to be getting stable. He added that continuing to operate is impossible, even though they have enough customers. The fuel supply problems in Japan are caused by the crisis in the Middle East, which sources say is due to attacks by the US and Israel on Iran. This conflict has disrupted the movement of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz and increased global oil prices. According to the Japan National Sento Association, about 30% of sento use fuel oil boilers, so they are directly affected by these supply and price shocks. The combination of outside geopolitical factors and domestic rules has left owners with little ability to change their situation.
Conclusion
The combination of long-term decline and severe energy cost pressures is forcing sento owners to reduce their hours or close down for good. Unless fuel supply becomes more stable or pricing rules become more flexible, the survival of many remaining public bathhouses is uncertain.