Sauna-related accidents have been rising in recent years, prompting Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency to call on people to exercise caution to avoid severe injuries.
Saunas have been increasing in popularity in Japan for their health benefits and relaxation effects, driven by appearances in manga, dramas and other media. They are now commonly found in both bathing facilities and sports centers, many of which offer various types of saunas.
However, this increased usage has led to a spike in accidents. Up until the end of April, a total of 78 cases have been reported to the agency since it started compiling records in 2010, with 82 people getting injured. The number of reported accidents averaged at four per year between fiscal 2014 and 2021, but surged to 10 each in fiscal 2022 and 2023.