Forget everything you think you know about medieval times. While most of the world was... let's just say, hygienically challenged, Japan's elite samurai warriors were literally making cleanliness an art form. And yes, the women absolutely noticed.
Let's be real: medieval Europe was kinda gross. People rarely bathed, and basic hygiene wasn't a top priority. But in Japan? It was a completely different story. A 16th-century European missionary, Luís Fróis, was so shocked he wrote home about it. He noted, "Europeans seldom wash their bodies; the Japanese bathe frequently in hot water."
Can you even imagine the difference? While European knights were clanking around in smelly armor, samurai were basically living a spa life. This wasn't just about looking good; it was a core part of their identity.
For a samurai, discipline wasn't just for the battlefield. It was a 24/7 commitment. They applied that same laser focus to their personal lives, and that included hygiene. Bathing wasn't a luxury; it was a ritual. It was a way to purify the body and soul, a sign of respect for oneself and others. 🗡️
This culture of cleanliness was so intense that samurai generals would even build baths in their military camps during campaigns. One legendary warrior, Katô Kiyomasa, even had a bath built on his ship. No excuses. That's how seriously they took it. 🤯
Okay, so why was this such a big deal for women? Put yourself in their shoes. In a world where most men didn't prioritize hygiene, a man who bathed daily was a total catch. It wasn't just that he smelled good (which, let's be honest, was a HUGE plus). It was what the cleanliness represented.
It showed discipline, honor, and a level of personal refinement that was incredibly attractive. It was a sign that this man took care of himself and respected the world around him. It was the ancient version of having your life together. And who doesn't find that attractive? It was a total power move. 👑
So next time you picture a samurai, don't just think of the sword and the armor. Remember the hot baths, the incredible discipline, and the fact that they were basically the cleanest, most respected heartthrobs of the medieval world. ⚡
Bathing in Medieval Japan - SamuraiWiki
What 16th-Century Europeans Saw in Japan - Medium
Washing Off the Dust: Baths and Bathing in Late Medieval Japan - Monumenta Nipponica
