Focus Keyword: What is the history of Japanese massage?
Massage in Japan is not merely a wellness trend—it is a deeply rooted cultural and healing practice that has evolved for more than a millennium. Asking “What is the history of Japanese massage?” invites us to explore the intersection of ancient healing philosophies, religious beliefs, societal transformations, and scientific progress. This timeline reflects not only the development of physical techniques but also the evolution of holistic approaches to health, emotional well-being, and spiritual balance that remain relevant in modern times.
Japanese massage stands apart in the global world of therapeutic bodywork for its philosophical foundation, refined technique, and cultural significance. From its early influences in Chinese medicine and Buddhist doctrine, to the formalization of Anma as Japan’s first indigenous massage system, and later the development of Shiatsu as a global healing method, each era of Japanese massage history reveals a profound adaptation to changing times while preserving essential principles of balance, touch, and energetic flow. In this article, we take a closer look at key historical milestones that have defined and shaped the identity of Japanese massage—transforming it from a sacred healing ritual into a globally respected wellness discipline.
1. 6th Century CE – Chinese Medicine and Buddhism Enter Japan: The Origins of Japanese Healing Philosophy
The roots of Japanese massage can be traced to the 6th century, during a period of intense cultural exchange between China, Korea, and Japan. Along with the spread of Mahayana Buddhism, Japan began importing Chinese traditional medicine practices, including acupuncture, herbal remedies, Qi theory, and manual bodywork such as Tuina, an early Chinese massage technique. These medical and spiritual systems did not arrive in isolation—they came embedded within philosophical frameworks that emphasized harmony between mind, body, and nature.
This initial transmission formed the intellectual and philosophical foundation upon which Japanese massage would eventually develop. The introduction of concepts such as meridian lines, Yin-Yang balance, and Qi energy flow provided the structure for Japanese interpretations of health and disease. These teachings became integrated with native Japanese beliefs and gradually evolved into localized healing practices.
By the late Asuka and Nara periods, Buddhist monks had already begun incorporating therapeutic touch into their monastic care, especially in temples and meditation centers, where physical and spiritual ailments were treated simultaneously. Healing through the hands was not only medical—it was also compassionate, aligning with the Buddhist principle of karuna (universal compassion), and would remain a hallmark of Japanese massage for centuries to come.
2. 14th–17th Century – Anma: The Formal Birth of Japanese Massage
The next critical milestone in the history of Japanese massage is the development of Anma, which took place during the Muromachi to early Edo period. Although its name and roots are Chinese in origin, Anma (按摩) emerged as Japan’s first distinct massage system, formalizing various therapeutic touch techniques into a coherent framework.
Anma focused on manipulating the body’s energy through rhythmic hand movements, including techniques like kneading (Junen), pressing (An), tapping (Koda), vibration (Haaku), and joint manipulation (Kyokushin). Unlike Western-style massages that prioritize muscles and fascia, Anma was grounded in the theory of energy flow through meridians (Keiraku), aiming to restore balance and relieve internal disorders ranging from digestive issues to fatigue, anxiety, and chronic pain.
One pivotal figure in Anma’s development was Akashi Kan Ichi, who in the early 1600s compiled one of the earliest written manuals on massage therapy. This formalization helped Anma gain widespread acceptance, allowing it to spread across different social classes and geographic regions. Over time, Anma became more than just a treatment method—it became a social institution, a daily health ritual, and a culturally embedded practice tied to preventive wellness.
Moreover, Anma became closely associated with the blind community in Japan. Government-supported training programs specifically designated massage as a profession for the blind, offering not just employment but also social status. Blind Anma practitioners became highly respected, and their contributions preserved the tradition through oral instruction, apprenticeship, and disciplined practice for generations.
3. 1603–1868: Edo Period – Institutionalization and Cultural Integration of Massage Therapy
The Edo period represents a time of unprecedented peace, economic growth, and cultural refinement in Japan. It was during this era that Anma reached its peak institutional development and social integration. The Tokugawa shogunate implemented regulations that helped professionalize the Anma trade, especially for the visually impaired. Massage schools and guilds, such as the Todo-za, were established to ensure quality training and ethical practice.
Anma therapists became a ubiquitous presence in daily Japanese life. It was not uncommon for families to have regular visits from mobile Anma practitioners who provided therapy for fatigue, insomnia, emotional imbalance, and recovery from minor ailments. Massage was not perceived solely as a luxury or occasional treatment—it was part of everyday health care.
Culturally, Anma appeared in literature, kabuki theater, and woodblock prints (Ukiyo-e), reflecting its place in the popular imagination. These artistic depictions not only documented the practice but also helped legitimize and romanticize the Anma profession. It was seen as an act of tenderness, patience, and mutual respect between therapist and client—a symbolic representation of harmony between body and mind.
4. 1868–1912: Meiji Restoration – Westernization and the Challenge to Traditional Healing
The Meiji Restoration marked a radical turning point in Japanese history. Determined to modernize, Japan adopted Western scientific medicine and began restructuring its national healthcare system. As hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical research gained favor, traditional therapies like Anma and Kampo (Japanese herbal medicine) were increasingly viewed as outdated or unscientific.
Anma practitioners faced marginalization, and many lost their professional licenses under new regulations that prioritized Western-trained physicians. However, this crisis triggered innovation. Some traditional practitioners began studying anatomy and physiology from Western textbooks to strengthen the scientific credibility of their methods.
Thus began the hybridization of Japanese massage: a quiet revolution that attempted to reconcile centuries of energetic theory with modern biomedical models. This hybrid approach would soon evolve into a brand-new therapeutic discipline that merged the best of both worlds.
5. Early to Mid-20th Century – The Birth of Shiatsu: Bridging East and West
Out of the post-Meiji medical landscape emerged Shiatsu, arguably the most globally recognized form of Japanese massage today. Meaning “finger pressure,” Shiatsu was pioneered in the early 20th century by Tokujiro Namikoshi, who developed the technique to treat his mother’s rheumatoid arthritis.
Unlike Anma, which relied heavily on flowing sequences and energy concepts, Shiatsu introduced structured, anatomical precision. Namikoshi’s method was based on the idea that applying pressure to specific points on the body could activate the body’s self-healing mechanisms. His method combined the intuition of touch with Western anatomical knowledge, thereby creating a scientifically acceptable and therapeutically effective approach.
In 1940, Namikoshi established the Japan Shiatsu College, offering formal training and certification for Shiatsu practitioners. Shiatsu was eventually recognized in 1964 by the Japanese Ministry of Health as a distinct form of medical therapy, separate from Anma and acupuncture.
Further variations of Shiatsu emerged, such as Zen Shiatsu by Shizuto Masunaga, which integrated deeper psychological and emotional elements. Masunaga’s work reintroduced aspects of traditional Chinese medicine, particularly the holistic view of health as a reflection of internal and external balance.
6. Post-War Era to Present Day – Global Recognition, Scientific Validation, and Integrative Medicine
Following World War II, Japanese massage—especially Shiatsu—began to gain international popularity. Practitioners introduced the therapy to Western countries, where it was received with enthusiasm as part of the growing interest in Eastern wellness practices. By the 1970s and 1980s, Shiatsu schools had been established in North America and Europe, adapting the method to local cultural and clinical contexts.
Meanwhile, scientific studies began to confirm the physical and psychological benefits of Japanese massage. Research indicated that Shiatsu can help reduce stress, muscle tension, fatigue, insomnia, and anxiety, while also promoting circulation, immune response, and relaxation.
Japanese massage techniques are now used in hospitals, physical therapy centers, wellness resorts, and spas worldwide. They continue to evolve, influenced by new understandings in psychosomatics, fascia research, and trauma-informed therapy, yet they remain grounded in the essential values of compassionate touch, mind-body unity, and restorative balance.
A Legacy of Healing that Transcends Time
So, what is the history of Japanese massage? It is a multifaceted journey that reflects the evolution of medicine, culture, and the human understanding of wellness. From the spiritual doctrines of ancient China and the compassionate hands of Buddhist monks, to the skilled Anma therapists of Edo Japan, and the scientific rigor of Shiatsu pioneers in the modern era—Japanese massage continues to inspire trust, healing, and respect across borders.
Its history is not merely a sequence of technical developments, but a testament to the enduring power of human touch as medicine, adaptable to every age yet rooted in timeless wisdom. Today, as the world seeks more holistic and personalized healthcare solutions, Japanese massage remains a beacon of harmony, balance, and healing that speaks to both body and soul.
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References
- Zhou, W., & Long, T. (2013). Cross-cultural Transmission of Medical Practices: The Influence of Chinese Medicine on Japan and Korea. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 11(2), 93–99. https://doi.org/10.3736/jim2013.0205
- Stollberg, G. (2009). Shiatsu and the Question of Efficacy: A Japanese Therapy in European Contexts. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 6(3), 345–352. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/nem186
