A revived public bathhouse in Chofu, Tokyo, is facing a financial crisis due to surging fuel costs driven by geopolitical tensions in Iran [4].
This situation highlights the vulnerability of small, traditional Japanese businesses to global energy markets, where a sudden spike in overhead can erase the gains of a costly restoration.
Tsurunoyu, a bathhouse with a history of 74 years [1], originally closed in July 2025 due to aging facilities [2]. The establishment was saved when Masayuki Sagara, 27, a longtime patron and enthusiast of public baths, stepped in as the successor to revive the business [1]. After months of preparation, the facility reopened for business on April 4, 2026 [3].
Despite the successful reopening, Sagara said the business is now struggling with the volatility of oil prices. The cost of utilities and fuel constitutes a significant portion of the bathhouse's fixed expenses. According to Sagara, fuel costs have increased by 1.2 to 1.3 times [4].
"Public baths have a very high ratio of utility costs within their fixed expenses," Sagara said. "Fuel costs are the largest. When that increases by 1.2 or 1.3 times, the damage is quite significant" [4].
The bathhouse serves as a community hub in Chofu, but the current economic pressure threatens the sustainability of the new ownership. Sagara's effort to preserve a 74-year-old local landmark now depends on navigating an energy crisis beyond his control.
“Fuel costs have increased by 1.2 to 1.3 times”
The struggle of Tsurunoyu reflects a broader trend in Japan where 'Sento' (public baths) are disappearing due to aging infrastructure and high operational costs. While youth succession provides a path for cultural preservation, the reliance on fossil fuels for heating water leaves these heritage businesses exposed to international geopolitical shocks, making them precarious investments despite community support.
