OFURO is not a single tub or a decorative “Japanese-style bathroom.” It is a coordinated residential system. For contractors working across different countries, the 13 Essential Elements provide a practical brief for designing the bathing space, equipment and daily use together.
The 13 Essential Elements for Contractors
Use these elements as a project checklist. Materials, brands and layouts may vary, but each function should be considered as part of the whole.
- Deep Soaking Tub — A tub deep enough for comfortable full-body warm-water immersion.
- Clean Tub After Emptying — The tub is emptied and cleaned after use, ready for the next bath. The surrounding wet room should also be easy to rinse and maintain.
- Auto-Fill & Reheat — Integrated controls fill the tub and restore the selected temperature without continuous monitoring.
- Scrub Space — A dedicated washing area beside the tub supports cleansing before soaking.
- Hose Attachment — A flexible shower supports body washing and rinsing the wet room.
- Enclosed Wetroom — A waterproof bathing room contains water and supports whole-room rinsing.
- Connected Laundry Space — An adjacent changing and laundry zone supports a dry transition and possible reuse of bath water.
- Climate Control — Ventilation and temperature management support moisture control and everyday usability.
- Separate Toilet — The toilet remains outside and separate from the bathing space.
- Chair & Basin — A stable, seated setup supports comfortable and controlled washing.
- Tub Drainage Plug — The tub can be filled and emptied simply.
- Tub Cover — A fitted cover helps retain warmth and supports efficient repeated use.
- Water Reuse — Where local systems and rules permit, remaining bath water can be reused for laundry, cleaning or plants.
Download the Contractor Checklist
Use this printable two-page checklist during early conversations with clients, architects, equipment suppliers and project teams. It can also be used to record which OFURO elements are already supported and which need further planning.
Download the 13-Element Contractor Checklist (PDF)
Why the Checklist Matters Before Construction
Many overseas projects begin with the appearance of a deep tub. The expensive problems often appear later: incompatible voltage or water pressure, inadequate reheating, missing drainage, insufficient waterproofing, poor ventilation or no practical space to wash outside the tub. Reviewing the thirteen elements before drawings and purchases are finalized helps the owner, architect, contractor and equipment provider work from the same brief.
- Verify local building codes, plumbing rules and safety requirements.
- Confirm voltage, water pressure and heater compatibility.
- Coordinate plumbing, drainage, waterproofing and ventilation.
- Plan a separate toilet and a dry changing transition.
- Document which elements are present, supported or planned for the client.
Complete OFURO Can Adapt to the Project
A complete OFURO does not require one material, brand or price level. It may be created in an existing home, a new residence, a hotel or another place where people stay and restore. What matters is understanding the functions and designing their relationships deliberately.
Register Your Company with OFURO
You do not need to offer all thirteen elements today. Contractors, builders and equipment providers may register if they already support one or more elements—or are prepared to consider complete OFURO requirements when a client asks.
Your profile can show the regions you serve, the elements you currently support and the capabilities you are willing to develop. This helps homeowners, architects and hospitality projects find professionals who understand that OFURO is a coordinated system, not simply a decorative tub.
Provider registration and directory features are being developed. Registering now creates the first step toward a future listing.