Between “onsen,” “sento” and daily dips in the tub at home, the Japanese don’t seem to mind being up to their necks in hot water. But why settle for plain, boring H2O? It’s time to spice up your soak — literally — with these two products, which are top-sellers at Ranking Ranqueen shops.

Bokun Habanero, known for making the hottest chili pepper chips in the world, has come out with a blood orange-scented capsaicin powder that will make you sweat like crazy when dissolved in bathwater.

And remember Pop Rocks, aka Space Dust? That’s the sensation Bakkanto was going for when it designed these bath salts that crackle and melt away the flab thanks to a fat-decomposition enzyme. The calories burned in a few 2-3-minute dips are equal to at least an hours worth of walking — but this way, afterward you’re already fresh ‘n’ clean!

9 Comments

• 

  sappquest at 09:13 AM JST - 14th April

  Why isn't more attention paid to possible links between the japanese hot-spring tradition and declining birth rate? It is a known fact that heat reduces sperm count in men yet there is no problem soaking for long periods regularly. Does no-one else think that it merits investigation?

• 

  dat5h at 09:23 AM JST - 14th April

  You make an interesting observation, though, I don't think that there is much need for an investigation. Heat can reduce sperm count, but this is a temporary problem that only lasts up to 24 hours I believe (though daily bath would basically reduce the count). Also, I believe a lot of research has been interested in social reasons why the birth count is down and has found that it is societal, business, and money issues that are main factors in why the Japanese generally don't try to have more children. I think that it's more of a do they WANT more children and not about CAN they have more children.

• 

  cleo at 09:26 AM JST - 14th April

  The declining birth rate in Japan isn't a case of people not being able to have children; it's a case of people choosing not to have children. It's not a fertility problem, but (mainly) a financial and social problem.

  252 yen for a single 'dose' seems a bit steep.

• 

  WhatJapanThinks at 09:40 AM JST - 14th April

  area drugstores

  What on earth is an area drugstore?

  As for declining rates, hot tubs have long been a staple of Japan, so it's hardly a new phenomenon.

• 

  Nessie at 10:03 AM JST - 14th April

  Sappquest, that sounds a hell of a Master's thesis topic. Hot springs followed by shagging. I'll get right on it.

• 

  roughneck at 11:28 AM JST - 14th April

  Bokun Habanero, known for making the hottest chili pepper chips in the world, has come out with a blood orange-scented capsaicin powder that will make you sweat like crazy when dissolved in bathwater.

  So what happens when this Chili pepper mixed water touches your eyes or other soft tissues? Is the health insurance going to cover injuries and treatment caused by intentional hazardous bath?

• 

  breechan at 05:19 PM JST - 14th April

  How can they make these claims of fat burning? If sitting in a tub with some powder equalled exercise, wouldnt it be some kind of miracle? It just seems so hokey to me. Aren't there controls over what kind of claims a product can make?

• 

  capone at 05:51 PM JST - 14th April

  breechan: not in japan

• 

  capone at 11:05 PM JST - 14th April

  if they love their baths so much why do they stink on the trains in the morning ?

Register or login to add a comment!