2026 Oricon Customer Satisfaction Ranking: Raffine Relaxation Space Wins 1st Place! Revealing the Secrets of Their Success
Bodywork Holdings' brand 'Raffine' has secured the top spot in the Oricon Customer Satisfaction survey for relaxation salons. The company reveals its unique 'centripetal' treatment philosophy and its 'Heartful Relaxation' service concept that has supported its growth since 1987.
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- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 23:10
Bodywork Holdings Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nakano-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Hidefumi Shimizu), which strives to create a society where people can live healthily in both mind and body, is proud to announce that its relaxation brand 'Raffine' has won 1st place overall in the 2026 Oricon Customer Satisfaction Ranking for relaxation salons.
The reason behind this No.1 evaluation lies in Raffine's unique service philosophy, which has been nurtured through relationships of trust with each customer for over 40 years since its founding in 1987. This release reveals the 'secrets of their results' and introduces the principles and mechanisms that support Raffine's growth.
### The Philosophy of 'Regulating the Flow' rather than 'Strong Pressure'
Raffine's treatments differ from the common image of relaxation as 'relieving tension through strong pressure.' Their approach focuses on the body's natural flow and aims to harmonize the body's rhythm without strain. Based on the circulatory system where blood returns to the heart via veins, Raffine adopts a 'centripetal' base, approaching from the feet to the rest of the body.
Specifically, as about 70% of muscle mass and blood are concentrated in the lower body, treatments are performed step-by-step from the legs. Furthermore, since the reflex area for the heart is located on the left sole, starting treatment from the left foot is believed to better promote blood flow. They avoid strong stimulation when muscles are cold, instead warming the body gradually to achieve deep relaxation with minimal burden.
### 'Pleasant Pressure' and Natural Healing Power
Raffine emphasizes 'pleasant pressure' rather than 'working harder through pain.' By applying moderate pressure, they aim to dissolve physical and mental tension while maintaining bodily balance. Excessive stimulation can cause defensive reactions and increased tension. This approach supports the body's natural recovery power and aims for harmony of mind and body rather than just fatigue recovery.
### The 'Four Great Principles' of Technique
Raffine's treatments are based on four principles:
- **Direct Pressure:** Precise approach with stable pressure.
- **Weight Shift:** Efficient transmission of pressure without strain.
- **Rhythmical:** Reassurance through a steady rhythm.
- **Heartful:** Treatment that stays close to the heart.
'Heartful' is the core concept of their entire service, emphasizing the attitude of empathizing with the customer's state and feelings through communication.
### Reflexology Fusing West and East
Raffine's reflexology is a unique style incorporating Western and Eastern elements. By treating from below the knee to the calf as one unit, it prevents waste buildup and promotes smoother blood flow. Their 'all-hand' approach without tools resonates warmth and comfort, achieving deeper relaxation.
### 'A Moment of Luxury' Felt Through Five Senses
Raffine stores are designed with the theme of Provence, Southern France. Inspired by blue skies and lavender fields, they provide an experience that stimulates all five senses through interior design, music, and post-treatment herbal tea. The name 'Raffine' means 'refined' in French, and the logo features a marguerite motif with the wish to 'make flowers of healing bloom in the heart.'
### A Journey Since 1987, Changing Industry Norms
The Raffine Group began in 1987, founded by Hidefumi Shimizu. At the time, relaxation services often had images of being 'hard to enter' or 'male-oriented.' Raffine focused on opening stores in accessible commercial facilities, railway stations, and airports. Today, they operate over 700 stores nationwide.
### The Essence of Service Centered on Human Connection
Founder Hidefumi Shimizu's experience of struggling to find meaning in work led to the philosophy that 'true stability is having the power to survive on your own.' Based on this, Raffine uses an outsourcing model to support therapists in becoming independent. This is their 'Heartful Relaxation' philosophy, where human connection is the foundation of all service.
### Future Outlook
The Raffine Group will celebrate its 45th anniversary next year. Aiming to be a '100-year company,' they will continue to contribute to a society full of health and smiles through their relaxation business.
The reason behind this No.1 evaluation lies in Raffine's unique service philosophy, which has been nurtured through relationships of trust with each customer for over 40 years since its founding in 1987. This release reveals the 'secrets of their results' and introduces the principles and mechanisms that support Raffine's growth.
### The Philosophy of 'Regulating the Flow' rather than 'Strong Pressure'
Raffine's treatments differ from the common image of relaxation as 'relieving tension through strong pressure.' Their approach focuses on the body's natural flow and aims to harmonize the body's rhythm without strain. Based on the circulatory system where blood returns to the heart via veins, Raffine adopts a 'centripetal' base, approaching from the feet to the rest of the body.
Specifically, as about 70% of muscle mass and blood are concentrated in the lower body, treatments are performed step-by-step from the legs. Furthermore, since the reflex area for the heart is located on the left sole, starting treatment from the left foot is believed to better promote blood flow. They avoid strong stimulation when muscles are cold, instead warming the body gradually to achieve deep relaxation with minimal burden.
### 'Pleasant Pressure' and Natural Healing Power
Raffine emphasizes 'pleasant pressure' rather than 'working harder through pain.' By applying moderate pressure, they aim to dissolve physical and mental tension while maintaining bodily balance. Excessive stimulation can cause defensive reactions and increased tension. This approach supports the body's natural recovery power and aims for harmony of mind and body rather than just fatigue recovery.
### The 'Four Great Principles' of Technique
Raffine's treatments are based on four principles:
- **Direct Pressure:** Precise approach with stable pressure.
- **Weight Shift:** Efficient transmission of pressure without strain.
- **Rhythmical:** Reassurance through a steady rhythm.
- **Heartful:** Treatment that stays close to the heart.
'Heartful' is the core concept of their entire service, emphasizing the attitude of empathizing with the customer's state and feelings through communication.
### Reflexology Fusing West and East
Raffine's reflexology is a unique style incorporating Western and Eastern elements. By treating from below the knee to the calf as one unit, it prevents waste buildup and promotes smoother blood flow. Their 'all-hand' approach without tools resonates warmth and comfort, achieving deeper relaxation.
### 'A Moment of Luxury' Felt Through Five Senses
Raffine stores are designed with the theme of Provence, Southern France. Inspired by blue skies and lavender fields, they provide an experience that stimulates all five senses through interior design, music, and post-treatment herbal tea. The name 'Raffine' means 'refined' in French, and the logo features a marguerite motif with the wish to 'make flowers of healing bloom in the heart.'
### A Journey Since 1987, Changing Industry Norms
The Raffine Group began in 1987, founded by Hidefumi Shimizu. At the time, relaxation services often had images of being 'hard to enter' or 'male-oriented.' Raffine focused on opening stores in accessible commercial facilities, railway stations, and airports. Today, they operate over 700 stores nationwide.
### The Essence of Service Centered on Human Connection
Founder Hidefumi Shimizu's experience of struggling to find meaning in work led to the philosophy that 'true stability is having the power to survive on your own.' Based on this, Raffine uses an outsourcing model to support therapists in becoming independent. This is their 'Heartful Relaxation' philosophy, where human connection is the foundation of all service.
### Future Outlook
The Raffine Group will celebrate its 45th anniversary next year. Aiming to be a '100-year company,' they will continue to contribute to a society full of health and smiles through their relaxation business.
FAQ
What are the characteristics of Raffine's treatments?
Unlike typical deep-tissue massages, Raffine focuses on a 'centripetal' approach that considers the body's blood flow. It starts from the lower body to gradually warm the muscles, minimizing burden while leading to deep relaxation.
What led to their 1st place Oricon ranking?
Key factors include their technical principles, their 'Heartful' philosophy of emotional hospitality, and their Provence-inspired store environments that appeal to all five senses.
How do therapists work at Raffine?
Based on the founder's belief that 'true stability comes from the power to survive independently,' they use an outsourcing model. This supports therapists in growing as independent professionals.