Momoko Takai from Japanese Popular Culture, BINUS

On August 13, 2025, the Language Center at BINUS @Senayan proudly hosted another series of the 2025 EPSO Speaker Talks, an annual platform designed to inspire students through thought-provoking discussions. This year’s theme, “Culture Through Experience,” invited participants to reflect on how cultural awareness shapes communication in today’s interconnected world.

The second session of the EPSO Speaker Talks 2025, hosted by the Language Center at BINUS @Senayan, offered students a fascinating glimpse into Japanese culture. Led by Momoko, the talk explored the tradition of hot baths (onsen and sento)—a practice that goes far beyond hygiene.

Momoko explained that in Japan, hot baths are not merely about cleanliness. They are deeply embedded in social life and cultural values:

  • Social Interaction: Bathhouses serve as communal spaces where people connect, relax, and build relationships.
  • Symbolic Meaning: The act of bathing together reflects trust, equality, and shared humanity.
  • Cultural Reflection: This tradition embodies broader aspects of Japanese society, including respect for nature, mindfulness, and harmony.