The Birth of Sauna Culture and “Totonou”
In recent years, Japan has seen a resurgence of the sauna boom, and a term that has become popular among many is “totonou.” This word refers to the state of being refreshed both physically and mentally in a sauna, and it was nominated for the New Words and Buzzwords Awards in 2021. “Totonou” is widely used to describe a sense of euphoria and mental stability that goes beyond mere relaxation effects.
The background of this word’s birth is influenced by a professional sauna enthusiast known as Nure Zukin-chan. He continuously shared this unique sensation through social media, gaining support from many sauna enthusiasts. Sauna culture in Japan, which began in the 1950s, has evolved through manga and private facilities, becoming deeply rooted in people’s daily lives. The expression “totonou” has spread as part of this culture and is now accepted by people of all ages.
The Background of “Totonou”‘s Birth
The word “totonou” spread within sauna culture and was nominated for the New Words and Buzzwords Awards in 2021. This term refers to the state of balance achieved in mind and body through the sauna. It particularly expresses the moment of deep relaxation and happiness gained from a series of processes combining sauna, cold bath, and outdoor air bath.
The background of this word’s birth involves the evolution of sauna culture in Japan. Saunas were first introduced in urban bathing facilities in the 1950s, and their recognition increased when they were installed in the athletes’ village during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Since then, they have continued to be adopted in public baths and health lands, permeating Japanese daily life.
A New Expression Born in a Yakiniku Restaurant
The word “totonou” itself was born in an unexpected place—a yakiniku restaurant. On the radio program ‘Koji Sakurai Insight,’ the creator of this term discussed its origins. This new expression was created to accurately convey a unique sensation that existing words like “pleasant” or “refreshing” couldn’t express.
Nure Zukin-chan, known as a professional sauna enthusiast, began using this phrase on social media, and it spread among many sauna enthusiasts (known as “sauners”). This grassroots spread eventually influenced popular culture.
The Connection Between the Third Sauna Boom and “Totonou”
Recently, Japan has seen a new trend called the third sauna boom. This boom was sparked by the manga ‘Sado.’ “Totonou” has become a symbolic keyword of this boom, being picked up by many young people and celebrities.
With lifestyle changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, new forms such as private and customizable home saunas have emerged to meet diverse needs. Amidst this evolution, “totonou” has become more than just a buzzword, integrating into people’s daily lives.
Diverse “Totonou” Experiences
Currently, “totonou” is appreciated as a diverse experience rather than just a temporary trend. It includes the flexibility to intuitively feel “it’s time to leave” and the value of time to face oneself. This process also requires self-management skills, offering fulfillment beyond mere relaxation.
Furthermore, this concept is expected to continue evolving and may become established as a new lifestyle or health method. It is being recognized internationally as a unique aspect of Japanese culture and could become a new tourist resource.
Summary: The Social Significance of “Totonou”
The word “totonou” holds more meaning than just a trendy word. It functions as an element that enriches people’s daily lives, born from Japan’s unique cultural background. The relaxation method indicated by this term provides healing for the mind and body in a busy society and serves as a new communication tool.
In the future, further evolved “totonou” experiences await. While exploring your favorite style, it’s worth watching how this trend develops. The buzzword “totonou” holds the potential to provide continuous value rather than being transient. Why not reaffirm its significance as a familiar presence in our daily lives?
When and How Was the Word “Totonou” Born?
The word “totonou,” proposed by sauna enthusiast blogger Nure Zukin-chan, was created to express the euphoria experienced after a sauna. Initially, it was written in kanji as “整う” (totonou). This term was discovered by Katsuki Tanaka on social media and introduced in his work ‘Sado.’ Before that, the same state was referred to as ecstasy, sauna trance, or nirvana.
What Is the Background of “Totonou” Becoming a Buzzword?
The recent sauna boom is one reason. Particularly, Katsuki Tanaka’s manga ‘Sado’ and its drama adaptation gained popularity, leading to widespread recognition of “totonou.” In 2021, this word was nominated for the New Words and Buzzwords Awards, becoming a topic of conversation among many people.
Why Is It Known as “TOTONOU” in Finland?
In Finland, where sauna culture is already established, this Japanese-origin term was naturally accepted and is known as “TOTONOU.” This phenomenon is a good example of Japanese cultural elements gaining attention on the international stage.
Are There Similar Words or Concepts?
Yes, there are words like “ecstasy” and “nirvana.” These also refer to extreme relaxation or happiness. However, “totonou” expresses this feeling more specifically and has permeated many people’s daily lives.
How Can You More Effectively “Totonou”?
First, sweat sufficiently in a high-temperature dry sauna, then lower your body temperature in a cold bath. Relaxing in a reclining chair afterward is said to provide a sense of euphoria through improved blood circulation. It’s also important to find the time and frequency that suits you.
Can You Tell Me About Recently Recommended Sauna Facilities?
There are facilities with unique features all over Japan. They range from luxury hotel facilities in Tokyo to those in regional cities. New attempts like camp-adjacent facilities also exist, offering diverse experiences. It’s recommended to find your favorite spot in various locations.
In this Q&A-style article, we have provided detailed information about the concept of “‘totonou’.” We hope this information is helpful. It’s an interesting theme, so please feel free to gather more information!
The Significance of the Sauna Term “Totonou”
“Totonou” is attracting attention as a word symbolizing the sauna boom that has reignited in Japan in recent years. Originally, this term expresses the refreshing feeling of mind and body achieved through a process combining sauna, cold bath, and outdoor air bath. It was nominated for the New Words and Buzzwords Awards in 2021, recognizing its social impact.
The birth of this word was significantly contributed to by professional sauna enthusiast Nure Zukin-chan, who spread it on social media. He conveyed the unique sensation of “totonou” to many people, gaining support from many sauners, and the term spread to the general public. It’s also interesting that the expression “totonou” itself was born in the unexpected setting of a yakiniku restaurant.
Today, with the backdrop of the third sauna boom, “totonou” has become more than just a trend, becoming a culture rooted in people’s daily lives. With the manga ‘Sado’ and new forms like private facilities emerging to meet diverse needs, options for enjoying it at home have increased. In this way, “totonou” is being evaluated as a new lifestyle and health method.
The experience provided by “totonou” holds meaning beyond mere relaxation, offering a moment of liberation from a busy daily life. This concept is expected to continue evolving and may be recognized internationally as Japanese culture. Therefore, this word is attracting attention as something that can provide continuous value rather than being transient.