Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

I am a firm believer in respecting the culture of other lands. Here you see how important is the communal bath in Japanese households. Men and women together. (Though this picture is just of women, as you can tell!) I don't know if this tradition is just as valuable as it once was, but it is important and should be honored.

 

 

The photo is from CRY FOR HAPPY, a 1961 film with, for the male roles, Glenn Ford, Donald O'Connor, and James Shigeta. Taking a bath and honoring tradition are, pictured from left to right, are Miyoshi Umeki, Michi Kobi, Tsuruko Kobayashi, and Miiko Taka. Miyoshi is so far the only Asian actress to win an Oscar. She received it for SAYONARA, which also starred Miiko Taka.