“This book is a physical work of art-as it should be, because the Japanese bath is an aesthetic event.”- Whole Earth Review Since its first publication in 1992, this book has become a curious classic, taking a -simple (yet often incorrectly performed) activity and depicting it with a graphic, manga-style edge. In twelve drawings a young Japanese man is shown preparing, rinsing, soaking, communing, relaxing, contemplating-all an encouragement to readers to slow down, ease into the hot water, and enjoy this timeless ritual of purity and release.