The History of Mobile Massage in Japan
- Oneclass 大阪出張マッサージ
- Mar 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 6
The History of Mobile Massage in Japan
When people hear the term "mobile massage," they often think of a convenient service that can be booked easily with a smartphone. However, tracing its history reveals that mobile massage in Japan is closely connected to traditional culture and the evolution of medical practices. In this article, we will take a fun and easy-to-understand look at the history of mobile massage in Japan.
1. The Origins of Massage
The history of massage in Japan dates back to the Asuka period (6th–8th century). During this time, techniques such as "Anpuku" (abdominal massage) and "Anma" (traditional Japanese massage) were introduced from China and the Korean Peninsula along with Buddhism. Buddhist monks, in particular, learned massage techniques as part of their medical knowledge and used them for treating illnesses and maintaining health.
2. The Culture of Anma in the Edo Period
By the Edo period (1603–1868), Anma massage had become widely popular among the general public, and many massage practitioners were active. During this era, massage performed by blind practitioners became common, and the perception that "massage is a profession for the blind" spread. This belief arose because it was thought that blind practitioners could develop a heightened sense of touch, leading to superior massage techniques. Mobile massage was also prevalent, with practitioners walking around town calling out, "Anma, Anma," to offer their services.
3. Integration with Medicine in the Meiji Period
During the Meiji period (1868–1912), the influence of Western medicine led to further development in massage techniques. The word "massage" itself was introduced from the West, and traditional Japanese Anma techniques evolved through integration with Western methods. Mobile massage remained popular, especially among wealthy households, where it was common to call a personal massage practitioner.
4. The Evolution of Massage in the Taisho and Showa Periods
In the Taisho (1912–1926) and Showa (1926–1989) periods, massage services expanded alongside osteopathy clinics and acupuncture practices. During this time, relaxation-focused massages became more common, and massage services began to appear in hot spring resorts. This marked the beginning of massage as a service for tourists, and mobile massage became an established service at inns and hotels.
5. Mobile Massage in the Heisei Period and Modern Times
With the advent of the Heisei period (1989–2019), the rise of the internet significantly transformed the mobile massage industry. Traditional phone reservations were replaced by web and app-based booking systems, making services more accessible. Deep-tissue massage services catering to business professionals working late hours and aromatherapy-focused relaxation massages became particularly popular.
6. The Future of Mobile Massage
Today, advancements in AI and robotics are expected to bring further evolution to massage services. For example, AI-driven health analysis could recommend optimal treatments, and robotic massage devices could be developed. However, as long as people continue to seek the warmth of human touch, the demand for mobile massage will likely persist.
Conclusion
The history of mobile massage in Japan has evolved alongside cultural and technological advancements. While traveling massage practitioners were once the norm, today, people can book a massage with just a smartphone. As new technologies continue to be introduced, the core value of "healing" remains unchanged, supporting people's health and relaxation.
The next time you use a mobile massage service, why not take a moment to appreciate its rich history while enjoying a moment of relaxation?
@osaka9894
HP
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