Not Even Japanese Bathhouses Are Immune From Shocks of Iran War – The New York Times
Not Even Japanese Bathhouses Are Immune From Shocks of Iran War – The New York Times
In the mid-20th century, most sento switched from firewood to gas and oil boilers. In Tokyo, bathhouses tend to use city gas, but for regional sento, oil is the standard. Since the war began nine weeks ago, oil prices have surged, driving up costs by as much as 50 percent for bathhouse owners, according to the Japan National Sento Association.
Operators face unique limitations in passing on higher costs to their customers. Historically, these bathhouses were designated as essential infrastructure for people without private baths. Because of this legacy, sento are still classified as public welfare services, with prefectural governments capping entry fees at roughly 500 yen, or about $3.
