New designs of mechanical “massage chairs” that provide soothing massages for tired muscles have been coming in for increasing attention over the past year or so in Japan. In the past, there was a widespread image of massage chairs as somewhat expensive gadgets bought mostly by the elderly. But as the performance of the chairs has improved, increasing numbers of new hi-tech models aimed at younger consumers have appeared on the market, specifically designed to meet the needs of the Japanese home environment.

Stylish Designs for the HomeMassage chairs that provide invigorating relief from aches and pains have been a familiar part of life in Japan for many years. Until recently, however, they were mainly popular among the older generation. Many people thought of massage chairs as functional, bulky items found in places like gyms and hot spring resort hotels, rather than something you would buy to use at home. Since around 2009, however, a new generation of massage chairs with a modern, stylish sensibility has begun to appear on the market, specially designed for use in the home.

Many Japanese consumers have been looking for a massage chair that can be used as furniture in the home, just like a regular sofa. Recently, numerous groundbreaking new designs have appeared on the market to meet this consumer demand. More affordable prices have also brought the new generation of chairs within reach of more customers than ever before: typical massage chairs have come down in price by 25 to 50 percent in recent years. Basic models can now be bought quite cheaply, bringing massage chairs within the budgets of younger people too.

The Ken Okuyama model is the latest from Fujiiryoki, a company that has been in the business for 56 years and remains a market-leader today. The chair was designed by Okuyama Kiyoyuki, a world-renowned industrial designer. The result is a beautiful and sleekly shaped piece of furniture that redefines the idea of what massage chairs can look like. The foot massage panels can be removed when not in use, making the model ideal for use as a regular sofa.

Another popular model is Panasonic’s Massage Sofa, a comfortable and sophisticated design made to fit right in with the interior design of the modern Japanese living room. In addition to the conventional white and black, the chair comes in vibrant colors such as blue and yellow. In all, the sofa covers are available in 14 different colors.

A New Level of ComfortMassage chairs have improved hugely in terms of comfort over the past five years. One major development has been the incorporation of air bags. In the past, the massage functions were mainly provided by either two or four massage balls that focused mostly on the back. The introduction of air bags that massage the back, legs, arms, and seat areas has added more complex stretching and twisting operations to the repertoire, allowing a much more thorough massage.

Sensors are another major step forward. The latest massage chairs now come equipped with sensors that measure the shape of an individual’s body to provide a personalized massage. When a user sits down in the chair, the sensors scan the area from the neck to the hips, precisely analyzing every curve in the body. Upscale models equipped with heat massage functions aim to provide a rub-down that more closely approximates the feel of a traditional massage by hand.

The latest Japanese massage chairs combine the comfort and convenience of hi-tech massage technology with the high-quality characteristics of fine furniture. Expert product developers known in-house as “meisters” have worked for years to find the most comfortable massaging rhythms possible. Several companies overseas have tried to create massage chairs with similar designs. But so far no one has managed to match the massage technology of Japanese developers, who are coming closer and closer to achieving a chair that gives a massage just like the one you might get from a flesh and blood massage professional. (March 2011)