No, it’s not a new form of parental discipline.  It’s a recommendation for helping mum’s do their laundry.  In a country where uniforms, whether they be business shirts and school uniforms, are worn sometimes 7 days a week, mum’s often need help keeping those dreaded collars clean in humid, sweaty Japan.  

KA mum, Emily, writes “DD’s uniform shirts have been causing me despair lately. With rainy season, she’s had all these mud stains on her shirts that even Utamaro can’t fix. A J-mom friend suggested a washboard. I was like, “A washboard?!? Like from the 1800s?” And she said, yes, a washboard. Plastic and from the 100 yen shop. I was skeptical, but with the suds from Utamaro and a scrub on the washboard, DD’s shirts are pika-pika again.”

Yes, you read that correctly.  The ￥100 store sells mini washboards.   They are quite small but do the job perfectly.  In my local ￥100 store I found them in the craft section (I have no idea why) so keep you eyes open and you’ll be sure to find one.

In writing this article, I have to admit, I had no idea of even how to use a washboard; so for those like me, here is a Video Demonstration, and a link to visual tips on washboarding.  😉

Picture courtesy of Emily S.

Photo Courtesy of Debbra O.

There are also lots of different washboards available, including plastic, wooden and metal.   I’ll be sure to keep an eye out this summer for a cool washboard for my laundry.  Thank you for the tip Emily.  I’m sure lots of other mums appreciate it too.