This paper describes a study on Japanese public bathhouses (Sento) in Kumamoto City as an example of a regional city. This research was conducted using field surveys and hearings from owners of public bathhouses and local government.
Kumamoto City had 141 public bathhouses in 1976, but only 19 in 2006. The layouts of these public bathhouses changed along with advances in facilities and the owners' desire to increase the number of visitors. However, the numbers of public bathhouse owners and visitors are decreasing, and the age of both is increasing. Changes in society influence the function of public bathhouses.
