For about ten years, there was something I'd always wanted to experience. However, embarrassment always won over curiosity, preventing me from taking the plunge. That something was a Korean body scrub—"akasuri." A Korean body scrub is a relaxation treatment that uses specialized gloves, towels, and oils to scrub away accumulated dead skin cells—the so-called "dirt"—from your body. The result is a clean, silky-smooth body from head to toe. Originating in Korea, it has long been a beloved tradition in Seoul's jjimjilbangs (large-scale bathing facilities) and Korean-style saunas. It spread to Japan after the war and has now become a standard menu item readily available at super sentos and hot spring facilities. Hearing this, you might think what a wonderful service it sounds like. I knew that much already. So why had I been unable to experience a body scrub for so many years? The reason lay in the methodology. Typically, body scrub practitioners are women. And you must receive the treatment in a nearly naked state. Furthermore, since body scrubs target the "entire body," treatment around sensitive areas is also involved. Due to these circumstances, I'd been too embarrassed to book one. On this day, having resolved to get a body scrub, I thoroughly researched the typical flow of the treatment beforehand. I found an article stating that wearing paper underwear (simple underwear to cover male genitalia) during treatment was standard practice, which gave me some reassurance. However, this was merely general information. I also found testimonials stating that regarding physical reactions from treatment around sensitive areas, the practitioners are professionals, so even if you do react, they don't mind and act as if nothing happened. I was collecting only information that was convenient for me and feeling completely reassured. I arrived at Nara Health Land around 10 AM. It wasn't particularly crowded at this hour. At reception, I said, "Excuse me, I'd like to experience a body scrub..." The response was, "Body scrubs start from 11 AM, and there's a dedicated reception on the second floor where you can make a reservation." I completed the bathing reception first and went up to the second floor. There was something called a "Relaxation Dedicated Reception," so I went there. I told the receptionist, "I'd like to make a body scrub reservation." She replied, "The earliest available slot is from 12 PM." I immediately responded, "T-then, please book me for that time." "Which course would you prefer?" she asked, presenting me with a menu. There were too many options to understand, so I asked back, "This is my first body scrub experience—is there a course suitable for first-timers?" She kindly replied, "In that case, I'd recommend the 40-minute course!" "Thank you. I'll take that one, please," and just like that, my reservation was complete. There was no backing out now. With over an hour until the treatment began, I decided to enjoy the hot springs and sauna first. While the focus has been on the body scrub story, Nara Health Land is one of the largest bathing facilities in the Kansai region, with exceptionally well-equipped saunas and natural hot springs. Actually experiencing it, the quality was remarkable. First, the entire facility uses "nano water." Nano water refers to regular water molecules that have been further broken down and processed, refined to the nano level (1 nanometer = 1 billionth of a meter). Because the particles are smaller, it has high penetration power and easily provides moisture to skin and hair. For saunas, paying an additional 330 yen allows you to enjoy five different types of saunas, including bedrock baths. I completed three sauna and cold bath cycles in the liberating space, achieving a great state of relaxation. Checking the time, my body scrub appointment was approaching. I was told it's better to thoroughly warm your body in the bath before treatment, so I spent about 15 minutes in the carbonated bath. Finally, the time had come to step into unknown territory. Body scrub time. I headed to the dedicated room, but entering completely naked felt too awkward, so I wore the facility's pants and opened the door. The woman in charge said in broken Japanese, "You're Mr. ○○, right? Why are you wearing pants? Haven't you bathed?" She appeared to be a native Korean. "No, I enjoyed the hot springs leisurely for about an hour," I replied. She instructed, "Take off your pants and lie face-up on the table." "So that means... getting completely naked? *laugh* Don't I wear paper underwear?" I asked. The woman said, "You don't need that! Let's start!" Thinking "whatever happens, happens," I removed my pants, got completely naked, and lay face-up on the treatment table. Instantly, a towel was placed over my groin area. I felt somewhat relieved. "Is this your first body scrub?" she asked, so I replied, "Yes, it's my first time. I'm nervous." "Your body will become clean! In Korea, body scrubs are so common they're called massages," she explained thoroughly. "Now let's begin," she said, and simultaneously, specialized oil was applied all over my body. Then, using gloves and towels, she vigorously scrubbed my entire body. There was no pain. Rather, it felt pleasant. After a while, she said, "Want to check it out?" She removed the towel covering my eyes, and I looked to see massive amounts of "dead skin" that looked like giant eraser shavings. I was amazed that so much dead skin had accumulated on my body. The professional continued purifying my body, and by the time the treatment ended, my entire body was silky smooth. She even thoughtfully shampooed my hair, making me feel like I'd been reborn as a completely new person. I regretted not doing this sooner when it felt so amazing. I thanked the Korean woman who treated me: "That was incredibly good. Thank you so much!" She gave me kind words: "Come back again!" The refreshing feeling was incredible, so I got dressed and decided to eat.

The facility's food court was crowded, so I decided to have the lunch buffet instead. It was pricey, but comfort comes first. I selected mainly Japanese dishes from the menu, and after the meal, I also had dessert and coffee. Starting the morning with sauna relaxation, getting my whole body cleaned with a body scrub, and becoming full from delicious food—the perfect happiness was complete. Feeling a bit sleepy, I moved to the massive reclining room for a nap. I slept for about an hour and woke up refreshed and clear-headed. It was already 3 PM. Going for another sauna session would be fine, but I was already quite satisfied for the day. At times like this, it's better not to add unnecessary sets and instead head home while savoring the afterglow. I finished changing and paying, then left Nara Health Land. I had shed a layer. Climbed a step up the ladder. This trip left such a strong impression. By experiencing my first body scrub, I was able to see a new world. Learning that body scrubs are basically received completely naked was also valuable knowledge. Next time, I won't wear pants when entering the body scrub room, and with more mental composure, I might even request additional treatments. Thinking about such things, I drove toward my home in Tokushima.