The history of Japan and soap
Soap was introduced to Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, when Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi were active. It is thought to have been brought over from Portugal or Spain rather than via the Asian route.
Before soap was introduced to Japan, lye, rice washing water, rice bran, and boiled seaweed water served as soap. Some people may be surprised to learn that lye and boiled seaweed contain alkaline ingredients that contain natural surfactants, and although they are not rice bran facial cleansers, they were still effective at removing dirt at the time.
However, when soap was first introduced, it was introduced as a medicine, and the first soap made in Japan in 1824 (Bunsei 7) was made for medicinal purposes by Udagawa Shinsai and Udagawa Yoan, Dutch scholars of the Edo period. Soap began to spread into everyday life, such as in public baths, around 1877, and mass production was necessary for widespread use, but it was Tsutsumi Isoemon, the founder of the soap industry in Japan, who achieved commercial-level production of soap.
In 1873, he succeeded in producing laundry soap and cosmetic soap; at the time, laundry soap was called "washing soap" and face soap was called "face soap." His students went on to work in soap manufacturing at current companies such as Kao and Shiseido, leading to the various soaps we use today.
The world and the history of soap
How was soap created? Was it by the hands of ancient shamans or superhuman alchemists? If so, it would certainly open up a new world, but in reality it was a product of chance.
The origin of soap dates back to ancient Rome, about 5,000 years ago. In ancient Rome, there was a custom of sacrificing sheep to the gods, and by mixing the fat from roasted sheep with ashes, something resembling soap was born.
The place where this mysterious dirt-removing soil was born is called "Sapo Hill," and it is thought to be the origin of the word "soap." It could be said to be the ultimate additive-free soap, but since it is made from animal fat and ash, it must have had quite a strong smell.
The ancient Romans didn't really understand it, but they wanted to try it out. Should we say they were inquisitive or just curious?
Clay tablets record that soap-like substances were being made in the ancient Orient. They mixed wood ash with various fats (oils) and boiled them to make a soap-like substance, which was used for bleaching and cleaning, as well as for ointments. This is perhaps a testament to the Sumerians, who built the Mesopotamian civilization with cutting-edge technology.
Specialist soap makers began to appear, and soap made from olive oil and seaweed ash began to be produced in the 12th century. However, these ingredients could not be mass-produced, and it never became widely used.
Soap began to become popular in ordinary households at the end of the 18th century. The Industrial Revolution made it possible to mass-produce alkaline agents, so companies also used advertising to promote soap.
The History of Cold-Pressed Soap
Let's also talk about the simple method of making soap and the history of cold-pressed soap. The cold-pressed method refers to a method of making soap without applying heat. In other words, it follows the ancient method of making soap.
Cold-pressed soap is basically handmade soap without any additives, so it takes time and effort. The time it takes to complete varies depending on the ingredients, but it generally takes more than a month. It is not suitable for mass production, which is why many companies do not use the cold-pressed method.
Looking back at history, the outbreak of war also cast a shadow over the cold press method, as there was a shortage of the raw materials, fats and oils. As a substitute, synthetic detergents made from surfactants and additives were born. Their convenience made them extremely popular, and they are now mainstream.
Of course, there are also small-scale companies that stubbornly adhere to manufacturing methods that utilize natural ingredients. Also, in recent years, there has been an increasing trend in people wanting to use pure soap that is gentle on the skin.
summary
So far, we have looked at the history of soap, which is an integral part of our daily lives. It was surprising to learn that soap's origins were a product of chance, but if no one had tried to use something that resembled soap, the history that followed might have been different.
Today's soaps not only protect your health and hygiene, but also offer enjoyable designs and scents. They also make great gifts for people who care about ingredients. When you look at the soap you have at home or a new soap you have in your hands, we hope you will feel the flow of history that dates back 5,000 years.
