SAUNACHELIN
Saunner of the Year 2025

About11 SAUNNERS & SAUNA2025.11.11 11:11 Totonoe no hi

Saunner of the Year recognizes 11 individuals or organizations that contributed exceptionally to sauna culture during the year. Announced every November 11 (“Totonoe no hi”). Since 2018.

  • Saunner of the Year - Writer - Ryoko Iwata -
  • Saunner of the Year - Writer - Ryoko Iwata -
Ryoko Iwata
WriterRyoko Iwata

A writer who has supported sauna culture through writing, discerning, and storytelling.

  • Saunner of the Year - Festival - OSAKA SOUND BARTHE -
  • Saunner of the Year - Festival - OSAKA SOUND BARTHE -
OSAKA SOUND BARTHE
FestivalOSAKA SOUND BARTHE

Japan's largest sauna festival held September 27-28, 2025, at the former Namura Shipyard Osaka Factory site.

  • Saunner of the Year - Producer - Naoki Kawata -
  • Saunner of the Year - Producer - Naoki Kawata -
Naoki Kawata
ProducerNaoki Kawata

Co-representative of JAPAN SAUNA-BU ALLIANCE, connecting corporations, municipalities, and individuals through sauna culture.

  • Saunner of the Year - Sauna Consultant & Producer - Sauna King (Hiroshi Ota) -
  • Saunner of the Year - Sauna Consultant & Producer - Sauna King (Hiroshi Ota) -
Sauna King (Hiroshi Ota)
Sauna Consultant & ProducerSauna King (Hiroshi Ota)

Known as 'Sauna King', a sauna consultant and producer who has built the foundation of Japan's sauna culture over 30+ years.

  • Saunner of the Year - Gadget - Sadokei (Sauna Watch) -
  • Saunner of the Year - Gadget - Sadokei (Sauna Watch) -
Sadokei (Sauna Watch)
GadgetSadokei (Sauna Watch)

Casio's sauna-specific watch 'Sadokei' with heat/moisture resistance and 12-minute sauna mode.

  • Saunner of the Year - Aufgussmeister - Shake Noko -
  • Saunner of the Year - Aufgussmeister - Shake Noko -
Shake Noko
AufgussmeisterShake Noko

Aufguss duo of Minami Shakeyama and Nokono Kubota, competing as 'Shake Noko' on domestic and international stages.

  • Saunner of the Year - Mayor of Fukuoka - Soichiro Takashima -
  • Saunner of the Year - Mayor of Fukuoka - Soichiro Takashima -
Soichiro Takashima
Mayor of FukuokaSoichiro Takashima

As Mayor of Fukuoka, positioned sauna as a pillar of tourism and wellness policy - Japan's first leader to fuse policy with sauna culture.

  • Saunner of the Year - Actress - Rena Takeda -
  • Saunner of the Year - Actress - Rena Takeda -
Rena Takeda
ActressRena Takeda

Actress who shares her sauna experiences through SNS and media, attracting new sauna fans especially among beginners and younger demographics.

  • Saunner of the Year - Architect - Makoto Tanijiri -
  • Saunner of the Year - Architect - Makoto Tanijiri -
Makoto Tanijiri
ArchitectMakoto Tanijiri

Architect leading SUPPOSE DESIGN OFFICE, redefining sauna facility concepts through architectural design.

  • Saunner of the Year - Lifestyle Brand - NOT A HOTEL -
  • Saunner of the Year - Lifestyle Brand - NOT A HOTEL -
NOT A HOTEL
Lifestyle BrandNOT A HOTEL

NOT A HOTEL's sauna-equipped lifestyle facilities introduce a new dimension to sauna enjoyment through ownership-stay hybrid models.

  • Saunner of the Year - Future Sauna Mobility - Harvia × Toyota Hydrogen Sauna -
  • Saunner of the Year - Future Sauna Mobility - Harvia × Toyota Hydrogen Sauna -
Harvia × Toyota Hydrogen Sauna
Future Sauna MobilityHarvia × Toyota Hydrogen Sauna

Harvia and Toyota jointly developed the world's first hydrogen combustion sauna concept model. Premiered in Japan at Japan Mobility Show 2025.