In collaboration with the support of Hiyoshiya Craft Lab, the Osaka Towel Industry Association, in 2022, launched a new brand, "Living with Water - Senshu Towel." Starting from 2023, the association will embark on a new project under Senshu Towel, called "Onsen-shu," aimed at expanding and transmitting Japan's bathing culture through towels.

Visit the project here: https://www.senshutowel.jp/onsenshu

As part of the new series, a specialized towel for hot springs, public baths, and saunas, known as "Onsen-shu Towel," will be introduced. In celebration of Bath Day (February 6), a "Relaxing Onsen-shu Journey" campaign will be held from February 4 (Saturday) to February 6 (Monday) at seven hot springs and public baths in Osaka.

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The Beginning of Japanese Towels is Senshu Towel

The Osaka-Senshu region was originally known for its thriving cotton cultivation, and hand towels, known as tenugui, were produced from plain-woven cotton. Before towels were imported to Japan, it was customary to use a hand towel called "yokujin" for washing and wiping the body at bathhouses and public baths. Towels were first imported to Japan in the early Meiji period, and after several years of research, the production of the first piled towel was successful in 1887 starting in Senshu (present-day Senshuano City). As an alternative to hand towels, thin towels gradually became popular nationwide.

Returning to the Origin, the "Onsen-shu Towel" is Born

The thin towel born in Osaka-Senshu as an alternative to hand towels became widely used in both households and commercial settings during the post-war reconstruction period, establishing itself as a hot spring towel. Reassessing the ease of use and comfort of this ultra-thin towel led to the creation of the "Onsen-shu Towel." The length of about 100cm, an extension of the face towel, makes it easy to wash the back and securely wrap around the head—a size that provides peace of mind.

The short pile, similar to that of hand towels, allows easy wringing even when saturated with water. Ideal for quick wet use, this towel is perfect for swiftly wiping away moisture. (＊Used when wet)

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Eight types of towels crafted by the member companies of the association exhibit various characteristics. The color lineup includes off-white, aqua, blue, and navy—four colors unique to Senshu. All towels are finished using Senshu's distinctive "atozara" technique. Beyond the basic bath purposes of washing, wringing, and wiping, these towels demonstrate their ease of use in various scenarios.

01 Almost Tenugui / 02 Yuragi / 03 Yukemuri

04 Mix Line / 05 Muko Long and Short / 06・07 Washi Matou Fam

08 YUFU / 09 Sheer Gauze / Common Package for All Companies

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Osaka Prefecture: 3-Day Limited Campaign at 7 Hot Springs and Public Baths

As a launch event for the "Onsen-shu" project, a campaign will be held from February 3rd (Friday) to 6th (Monday), 2023, for three days at seven hot springs and public baths in Osaka City and Senshuano City. During the campaign period, special Onsen-shu curtains made from towel fabric will be displayed at the participating facilities, and 1200 novelty towels will be distributed within the facilities (while supplies last). It's a campaign where you can experience the feel of using Onsen-shu towels in the bath.

Overview of "Yuttari Yuttabi Onsen-shu" Campaign
Duration: February 4th (Saturday) to February 6th (Monday), 2023
Participating Facilities: 7 facilities in Osaka Prefecture

(Note: The times in parentheses indicate the campaign hours. Please refer to each facility for specific operating hours.)

• Aqua Ignis Kansai Airport Senshu Onsen (15:00 - 20:00)
• Address: 1-23 Linku Orai Kita, Izumisano City, Osaka
• Asahi Onsen in Sumiyoshi Ward (15:00 - 20:00)
• Address: 3-11-8 Minamisumiyoshi, Osaka City, Osaka
• Inunakiyama Onsen Fudoguchi-kan (14:30 - 19:00)
• Address: Oki 7, Izumisano City, Osaka
• Jonan Onsen (15:00 - 20:00) Closed on the 6th
• Address: 1-2-14 Jonan, Ikeda City, Osaka
• Nihon Kanko Ryokan Minami-tei (15:00 - 20:00)
• Address: 2236 Oki, Izumisano City, Osaka (Inunakiyama Onsen)
• Yudokoro Abenobashi (16:00 - 20:00)
• Address: 1-7-25 Abeno-suji, Abeno Ward, Osaka City, Osaka (Abeno Grantour Low-rise Building 1F)
• Heiwa Onsen (15:00 - 20:00) Closed on the 6th
• Address: 1-1-5 Ishibashi, Ikeda City, Osaka

Campaign Details:

• Follow the official Instagram account "@senshutowel_official" at the participating hot springs and public baths.
• Receive a complimentary original Onsen-shu towel (limited to 60 towels per facility per day, available until stocks last).
  
  

Campaign Details Continued:

② Capture a Photo of the Onsen-shu Curtain, Post it with "#ゆったりゆったび温泉州," and Enter the Drawing for a Chance to Win a Senshu Towel

Submission Period: February 4th to 8th
Participants who photograph the Onsen-shu curtain, post it on social media with the hashtag "#ゆったりゆったび温泉州," will be entered into a lottery to win Senshu Towels.

POP UP SHOP Concurrently Held at the Following Facilities:
Aqua Ignis Kansai Airport Senshu Onsen
Inunakiyama Onsen Fudoguchi-kan
Yudokoro Abenobashi

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About "Living with Water - Senshu Towel":

Originating from the birthplace of Japanese towels in Osaka-Senshu, towels crafted through a unique "atozara" technique that has continued for over 130 years exhibit excellent absorbency and quick-drying properties from the very first use. These towels have a moderate volume and are created with the goal of seamlessly fitting into everyday life - easy to use, wash, fold, and store.

Moreover, a key focus in towel production is the appreciation for water, an indispensable element. The "atozara" technique minimizes the use of water and energy in the production process, and careful filtration of wastewater ensures it returns to the Osaka Bay as clean water. The production of thin towels also contributes to water conservation during washing, aligning with environmental protection goals at home.

The newly launched brand in 2022, "Living with Water - Senshu Towel," redefines the values and strengths of Senshu Towels. For the sake of the Earth's future nurtured by water, the brand donates 3 yen to environmental protection organizations such as the Japan Committee for UNICEF for every piece under the brand name.

Living with Water - Senshu Towel

Brand Website: https://www.senshutowel.jp/