At Onsen Hair Spa, our philosophy has always been inspired by the Japanese approach to wellbeing: thoughtful care, quiet attention and treatments that respect the individual. We are therefore delighted to welcome Hiroshi Inaba to Onsen, bringing his extensive experience in Traditional Japanese Bodywork to Malta.
Hiroshi holds a Ph.D. in Nursing Science and is a Nationally Licensed Judo Therapist in Japan. With more than 25 years of clinical experience, he has dedicated his career to hands-on care, professional education and the development of Japanese-style wellness treatments. His background also includes serving as official medical staff at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and training more than 100 therapists.
His arrival at Onsen offers our guests an opportunity to experience a deeply considered form of Japanese bodywork, delivered with skill, sensitivity and individual attention.
What is Traditional Japanese Bodywork?
Traditional Japanese Bodywork is a hands-on wellness treatment rooted in Japanese approaches to physical balance, relaxation and self-care. It is performed fully clothed and without oil, making it different from a conventional oil massage.
Each session begins with attentive observation and a short discussion about how you feel on the day. Hiroshi then adapts the treatment to your individual condition, paying particular attention to areas of tension, stiffness or fatigue.
Starting around the neck and shoulders, the session may continue through the back, lower body, arms and head. The pace, pressure and areas of focus are adjusted for each guest rather than following an identical routine every time.
The purpose is not simply to work on one isolated area. The treatment considers the body as a whole, encouraging a sense of comfortable movement, natural balance and calm.
What can the treatment be good for?
Traditional Japanese Bodywork may be particularly suitable for guests who experience:
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Everyday muscular tension or stiffness
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Tightness around the neck, shoulders or back
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Physical fatigue from work, travel or an active lifestyle
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A sense of heaviness or tiredness in the body
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Stress and difficulty slowing down
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Reduced comfort in everyday movement
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The need for restorative personal time and deeper relaxation
Many people spend long hours sitting at a desk, using digital devices, travelling or repeating the same physical movements. Over time, the body can begin to feel restricted or tired. Hiroshi’s attentive approach allows him to spend more time on the areas that need it while still supporting the balance of the whole body.
This is a wellness treatment and does not replace medical assessment or treatment. If you have an injury, medical condition or specific concern, please seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional and inform us before your appointment.
Care shaped around the individual
One of the defining qualities of Hiroshi’s work is that every session is adapted to the person receiving it. Before beginning, guests are encouraged to explain where they feel tension, stiffness, fatigue or discomfort and what they would most like the session to focus on.
Hiroshi combines his extensive clinical background with a calm and observant style of care. Rather than rushing through a fixed sequence, he responds to how the body feels during the treatment. Occasionally, a session may naturally require a little more time, which is why we recommend allowing approximately 10–15 minutes of flexibility around your appointment.
That same unhurried attention is given to every guest.
Traditional Japanese Head Treatment
Hiroshi’s Japanese Head Treatment offers focused care around the head, face, eyes, neck and shoulders. Gentle, precise pressure is used to create a calming experience that may be especially welcome after long periods of screen use, mental concentration or everyday stress.
It is a beautiful choice for guests seeking a shorter treatment centred on relaxation, tired eyes and tension around the upper body.
Traditional Japanese Foot Treatment
Japanese Foot Treatment focuses on feet and lower-body fatigue. It can be particularly enjoyable for guests who spend long hours standing, walking or travelling, or who simply want to give more attention to an often-overlooked part of the body.
As with Hiroshi’s other treatments, the experience is adjusted to the individual and approached as part of overall wellbeing rather than as an isolated routine.
An experienced Japanese practitioner in Malta
Hiroshi’s work extends beyond providing treatments. Throughout his career, he has contributed to therapist education, hands-on professional training and the development of Japanese-style treatment services. His wider vision is to introduce Japanese wellness culture internationally while preserving its values of balance, respect, attentiveness and self-care.
For Onsen, this is a natural extension of what we believe in: authentic Japanese inspiration, carefully selected expertise and experiences designed to help our guests pause and reconnect with themselves.
What to wear and how to prepare
Because Traditional Japanese Bodywork is performed fully clothed and without oil, we recommend arriving in soft, loose or flexible clothing. Please avoid tight jeans or restrictive garments that may limit comfortable movement.
There is no need to prepare your skin or change at the spa. We also recommend avoiding a heavy meal immediately before your appointment and arriving a few minutes early so you can settle in comfortably.
Experience Traditional Japanese Bodywork at Onsen
Hiroshi Inaba will be available at Onsen Hair Spa in Sliema from 7 September, three days per week. Advance booking is recommended, as availability is limited.
Discover an attentive treatment shaped around your body, your needs and how you feel on the day.