i just came back from two weeks' visit to japan, and had the pleasure of visiting 3 different onsen (hot spring) hotels, and from what i can see, the latest fad in japan is "sumi" (coal) shampoo and soap. i tried them out and loved it! so i bought some back. if you are interested in a new shower experience...i recommend it.

 

Is this an invitation?????

 

Coal shampoo and soap? Your gonna have to elaborate on that.

 

Mmmmm... Mingster wants to wash my back! I thought he would never ask, but with coal? I have been bad, but not that bad, have I?

 

coal??? Are you serious??? Elaborate Rich!

 

Is it like that Lava soap?

 

Isn't "sumi" more like ash???? My Japanes is a bit rusty, but I thought sumi meant ash. Oh well, coal or ash soap sure is funky.

 

You can call ash from the charcoal "sumi", but sumi generally means charcoal. My wife says that it is the popular thing at the moment in Japan. They even have specially treated "sumi" that they use to prepare food (in the food). Yummy!

 

Rich-

After a long day of playing in the dirt with drilling or excavating equipment, this sounds good. How about being more specific over a bowl of Pho at the Golden Deli next week?

 

"sumi" is charcoal rather than coal. Coal is "sekitan" and ash is "hai". My girlfriend says that there's a special kind you put in rice that gives it a nice taste like the little burned bits on yakitori etc.