Stephanie Crohin – Life as Japanese Sento (Public Bath) Culture Ambassador Reference Video: https://youtu.be/_6bgTzfZMRYHeader credit @jordymeow Stephanie’s Connection with Sento Interviewer: Could you introduce yourself and tell us? Stephanie: My name is Stephanie, and I’m from the south of France. I’ve been living in Japan for almost 15 years now. Interviewer: What are your main activities in Japan? Stephanie: One of my specialties is Japanese bath culture, especially onsen and sento. Since discovering this in 2008, I’ve visited over 1,000 places across Japan, taking photos and interviewing owners. I’ve published two books in Japanese and one in French, and I’m planning an English version. Besides that, I work as an interior designer and sometimes as a guide, introducing Tokyo to foreign visitors. Interviewer: How did you first get into sento culture? Stephanie: I first experienced Japanese bath culture during my travels. In 2008, a friend took me to a sento near Rikkyo University. Initially, I was a bit shy, but I soon enjoyed the experience. The atmosphere is so natural and non-sexualized that you forget about any nudity. The benefits to the body, mind, and community are amazing, and it’s as affordable as a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Interviewer: Do you remember your first onsen visit? Stephanie: Yes, it was Myohoyu in Nishi Ikebukuro, near Shinamachi station. It’s still there, and I still visit occasionally. Enjoying Sento as a Foreigner and Important Considerations Interviewer: How do you manage being a foreigner with tattoos in sento? Stephanie: Despite common beliefs, I, as the official ambassador with tattoos, visit sento regularly without issues. Many of my customers with tattoos also have no problems. It depends on the establishment, but traditional sento are generally accepting. Interviewer: Do you have a favorite sento? Stephanie: It’s hard to pick a favorite. It depends on my mood and the type of day I’ve had. Sometimes, after a tough day, I prefer a nearby sento for relaxation. It’s common to go in pajamas and return home in them, adding to the relaxation experience. Insights into Japanese Culture Interviewer: What initially brought you to Japan? Stephanie: I was studying Japanese at a university in Lyon, France. My first trip to Japan was around 2004 or 2005, and I returned in 2008 for a one-year exchange at Rikkyo University in Tokyo. Interviewer: Can you share your thoughts on Japanese architecture? Stephanie: I love many aspects of Japanese architecture and have incorporated them into my home. I enjoy mixing Japanese styles with other cultural influences. In France, we have a very open-home culture, and I’ve brought that into my interior design in Japan. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of having a comfortable home, and I want to help people create spaces they love. Interviewer: What challenges have you faced living in Japan? Stephanie: Understanding “Tatemae,” the public facade, was challenging. It was hard to tell if people were sincere or just being polite. Balancing work and private life was also tough since work tends to dominate in Japan. Over time, I’ve adapted and now focus more on enjoying life here. Interviewer: Any final thoughts for our readers? Stephanie: I plan to stay in Tokyo for a while and continue promoting sento culture across Japan. I also want to expand my interior design work to help both foreigners and Japanese create homes they love. Meeting people from various backgrounds and sharing their stories is something I deeply enjoy and want to continue doing. Thank you, Stephanie, for sharing your fascinating journey and insights into Japanese sento culture and life in Japan! Reference Video: https://youtu.be/_6bgTzfZMRY