Photo/Illutration The Kusatsu onsen’s symbolic “yubatake” (hot spring field) in Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture, in April (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

MAEBASHI--The top leaders of prefectures that host the nation’s popular hot spring resorts want the world to recognize and appreciate the soothing mineral waters that Japanese have enjoyed for centuries.

The 17 governors have established an association to concentrate their efforts to push for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage status for Japan’s onsen culture.

“We want to win the status as early as 2026,” said Gunma Governor Ichita Yamamoto, who serves as director-general, told the association’s inaugural general meeting held online on Nov. 21. “It is important to create a “story” that can win sympathy from all onsen resorts.”

In addition to Gunma, the association brings together Hokkaido, Fukushima, Tochigi, Kanagawa, Ishikawa, Fukui, Gifu, Shizuoka, Hyogo, Wakayama, Shimane, Tottori, Ehime, Oita, Kumamoto and Kagoshima prefectures.

Kumamoto Governor Ikuo Kabashima, who was appointed chair of the association, describes onsen as an “essential component of Japanese culture.”

“Onsen has refreshed Japanese people both mentally and physically and has been cherished since ancient times,” he said. “It is also an attractive content for people from abroad.”

The governors shared their opinions during the meeting. Tottori Governor Shinji Hirai said, “We must come up with reasons to convince UNESCO.”

The association members agreed to set up an advisory panel of experts, work with municipalities to build momentum for winning the recognition and make efforts to forward requests to government agencies.

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The traditional bathing method at the Kusatsu onsen involved “yumomi.” Hot spring water was stirred with wooden paddles to cool the temperature under the guidance of a “yucho” chief. The photo was taken around December 1934. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Tourism-related organizations in Gunma Prefecture established a council in 2018 to have onsen culture registered as a UNESCO Intangible Heritage.

Takashi Nakazawa, 73, head of the Gunma prefectural onsen association, said how people bathe in hot springs is one of the characteristics of onsen culture in Japan, which boasts about 3,000 hot spring areas.

“We rinse and wash ourselves with hot water before entering the bathtub and take time to warm up in the water. We let hot spring minerals absorb into our skin to feel refreshed both mentally and physically,” he said.

“This bathing practice is rarely observed outside of Japan. I think it is a form of culture unique to Japan and is worthy of Intangible Cultural Heritage status.”

Nakazawa said the group intends to define onsen culture and analyze the conditions of hot spring areas around the country to clarify what is needed to foster support from UNESCO.

“It remains a challenge how to set the mood as a national campaign,” he said. “We want to make efforts with a determination to collect signatures from 100 million people.”

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