Fuji Automatic Massage Machine

The machine was manufactured in 1954 by Nobuo Fujimoto, who established Fuji Seisakusho (presently Fuji Medical Instruments Mfg. Co., Ltd.) and is the first massproduction type massaging machine in the world. Through trial and error, by modifying parts of conventional machines, including the use of softballs as massaging balls, they finally completed the chair. Massaging chairs were installed in public bathhouses, department stores, etc. in the early years. As a result of their expanded use since then, they became installed even in households as what is referred to as ‘health-oriented household appliances.’ This machine is symbolic of the origin of the massaging chair.