Tokyo Goes for Clean Ears

Being confronted with a magnified image of your own filthy ears might not be everyone's idea of relaxation, but a thorough dewaxing at the hands of an expert is proving a big hit with Tokyoites.

Massage parlours and oxygen bars are making way for salons offering expert ear cleaning using hi-tech equipment that can remove even the most recalcitrant clumps of wax.

One of the most popular is Mimi Kurin (Ear Clean), which opened in December in the Shinjuku district. It charges 500 yen (£2.45) for a simple five-minute clean, or 2,000 yen with head-and-shoulder massage.

Plastic picks fitted with a microscopic camera are used to reveal bits of wax beyond the reach of an ordinary cotton bud. The wax is removed with a miniature scoop, with any remaining detritus picked up by a pick with an adhesive head. A monitor mounted on the wall allows customers to watch every scoop and scrape.

"You would be surprised how many people don't keep their ears clean," said Maria Yamada, a Mimi Kurin employee. But far from being disgusted, customers say the cleaning is therapeutic. "It felt great," said Miyako Tanaka, 66, as she emerged from her first session. "You can see absolutely everything, including the bits you've missed. I'd be too scared to do it that thoroughly myself."

The service, designated a non-medical therapy by Japan's health ministry, could soon be introduced into nursing homes for the elderly and made part of courses at bridal finishing schools.