Idol Leads “Bathing Cancel Clique” Trend Among Young in Japan

Why are so many young people in Japan hopping on the no-bathing bandwagon? Experts say smartphones and depression may be to blame.

Some only do it once every four days. Some are going a full month without it.

We are, unfortunately, talking about bathing.

An Internet trend that started last year in Japan has encouraged people to self-identify themselves as part of the “bathing cancel clique.” One idol has even made a name for herself by hopping on the bandwagon. Experts say that depression may be driving the trend — fueled, perhaps, by overuse of smartphones.

“It’s a hassle”

Idol Suzuki Mob., of the group Nippon Wachacha, has famously said she only bathes every four days or so.(Source: ABEMA Prime)

The term 風呂キャンセル界隈 (furo kyanseru kaiwai) — “bathing cancel clique” — is part of the growing trend of the use of the word kaiwai to identify one’s circle or clique online. “Bathing cancel clique” reportedly got its start from an April 28th, 2024 post lamenting that bathing sucks and promoting the use of dry shampoo to keep your hair clean. (The poster appears to have deleted the tweet and it won’t render in the Internet Archive.)