[Towels] The Fluffy "Imabari" vs. The Absorbent "Senshu"
Japan's two major towel producing regions have distinctly different personalities. Using them according to your preference is the correct answer.
1. Imabari Towels (Ehime): The King of Gifts
A brand clearing its unique quality standard called the "5-Second Rule (must sink within 5 seconds when floated on water)."
Its greatest feature is the "Sakizarashi (Pre-bleaching)" method, bleaching before twisting the threads. The cotton's original softness remains, and its voluminous "fluffy touch" holds the highest status as a gift.
2. Senshu Towels (Osaka): The Master of Practicality
The "Atozarashi (Post-bleaching)" method, washing away impurities and oils after weaving.
They exhibit phenomenal absorbency from the first use and remain clean. Because the piles are shorter and dry easily, they boast the strongest cost performance as household towels washed vigorously every day.
[Bath Goods] The Magic of "Hinoki" Turning the Bathroom into a Forest
Plastic chairs are cold and prone to mold, but Japanese bath chairs like "Kiso Hinoki" are in a league of their own.
・Natural Aromatherapy Effect:
Pouring hot water releases the scent of Hinoki filling the entire bathroom. The relaxing effect, as if taking a forest bath, is an experience unique to the Japanese bath.
・Resistant to Slime:
Because Hinoki contains powerful antibacterial and sterilizing components, it suppresses the occurrence of mold and slime. The touch on the skin is also warm, preventing cold shocks even in winter.
[Soaps & Body Towels] Artisan Skills Changing "Washing"
・Kettle-Cooked Soaps (Matsuyama Yushi, Cow Brand, etc.):
Soaps made using the traditional "Kettle-Cooking Method (Saponification)" retain natural moisturizing ingredients (glycerin). Unlike soaps mass-produced by machines, the skin doesn't feel tight after washing, featuring a moist finish.
・Washi (Japanese Paper) and Silk Body Towels:
Nylon towels damage the skin, but natural materials are different.
"Washi" thoroughly washes refreshingly by adsorbing oils, while "Silk" polishes the skin with protein components. Concerns over back acne or dry skin can sometimes be solved simply by changing the washing towel.
[Hair Care] "Tsubaki Oil" and "Scalp Brushes" Protecting the Scalp
・Tsubaki (Camellia) Oil:
A natural oil supporting Japanese beautiful hair since the Heian period. Used for scalp massages before shampooing or for protection before blow-drying, it restores natural gloss to the hair.
・Kenzan-type Scalp Brushes (uka, etc.):
Currently a global hit are silicone scalp brushes. You can recreate the pleasantness of a hair salon shampoo at home, dropping pore dirt while loosening scalp stiffness, expecting facial lifting effects.
Laundry Techniques for Raising Towels (Q&A)
Q. My towels become stiff very quickly.
A. The cause is "crushed piles (loops)."
Before drying, hold the towel with both hands and snap it vigorously about 10 times. Centrifugal force makes the piles stand up, and since it dries holding air, the volume returns like brand new even without fabric softener.
Q. Should I use fabric softener every time?
A. Actually, the opposite. Fabric softeners coat fibers with oil, so overusing lowers "absorbency" and causes threads to slip, leading to fluff shedding. The secret elongating towel life dictates utilizing solely sensing stiffness.
