Demonstration Experiment, New Technology Introduction, Public-Private Partnership, Disaster Preparedness, Environmental Technology

"Waterless" Washing Machine in Operation! "Life Container Project" Gunma Prefecture Model: Demonstration Experiment of Water-Recycling Washing Machine Begins at Roadside Station Yoshioka Onsen

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Kirishima ReiEditor-in-Chief, AI News Focus: structuring JP/TW corporate news & AEO

Published Apr 14, 2026 2:19 AM ・ Updated Jun 15, 2026 1:40 AM ・ 4 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

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⚡ Key Points

wash-plus Inc., Gunma Prefecture, Yoshioka Town, Yoshioka Town Promotion Public Corporation, and Japan Research Institute have started a demonstration experiment for the social implementation of water-recycling washing machines at Roadside Station Yoshioka Onsen.
This project, introduced at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, allows free use of a washing machine that purifies and reuses water without detergent or external water supply/drainage, aiming for self-sustaining operation and disaster relief deployment.
The experiment runs from April 10 to June 28, 2026.

wash-plus Inc., Gunma Prefecture, Yoshioka Town, Yoshioka Town Promotion Public Corporation, and Japan Research Institute have started a demonstration experiment for the social implementation of water-recycling washing machines at Roadside Station Yoshioka Onsen. This project, introduced at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, allows free use of a washing machine that purifies and reuses water without detergent or external water supply/drainage, aiming for self-sustaining operation and disaster relief deployment. The experiment runs from April 10 to June 28, 2026.

PRIMARY SOURCE PR TIMES View source Distributor: PR TIMES
Published: Apr 14, 2026

wash-plus Inc., headquartered in Urayasu, Chiba, announced the start of a demonstration experiment for the social implementation of water-recycling washing machines. This initiative, part of the "Life Container Project" Gunma Prefecture Model, is a collaboration between wash-plus, Gunma Prefecture, Yoshioka Town, Yoshioka Town Promotion Public Corporation, and Japan Research Institute. The commencement ceremony took place on April 10, 2026, at Roadside Station Yoshioka Onsen in Yoshioka-machi, Kitagunma-gun, Gunma Prefecture.

The experiment features a "waterless" washing machine, previously showcased at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, which allows repeated washing without external water supply or drainage. This advanced laundry system purifies and reuses wastewater on-site without the need for detergent. The machines are available for free public use from April 10 to June 28, 2026, daily from 10:00 to 15:00. Two washing machines and two dryers are installed within a container at the Roadside Station Yoshioka Onsen parking lot. Users are requested to complete a questionnaire after use.

The "Life Container Project" Gunma Prefecture Model aims to develop products and services that can operate independently as a business during normal times and be rapidly deployed to disaster-stricken areas in emergencies, leveraging public-private partnerships. This project is a symbolic initiative of the Medical and Disaster Prevention Industry Creation Council, which focuses on strategic crisis management based on lessons from natural disasters and pandemics.

wash-plus Inc., established in May 2013 with a capital of 10.12 million JPY, operates comprehensive coin laundry businesses and develops IoT systems like "smart laundry." Their core technology is a patented method using "wash+ Water," an alkaline ionized water, for detergent-free washing. The company states its commitment to achieving 10 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its operations.

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Source: PR TIMES
Category: Demonstration Experiment, New Technology Introduction, Public-Private Partnership, Disaster Preparedness, Environmental Technology

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Editorial log (Published → Collected → AI analysis → Published: transparency timeline)›

Announced　Apr 14, 2026 2:19 AM — Distributor PR TIMES
Collected　Apr 13, 2026 6:01 PM
AI structured & analyzed　Apr 13, 2026 8:32 PM
Desk-reviewed & published　Apr 14, 2026 2:19 AM

FAQ

What is the main purpose of the demonstration experiment at Roadside Station Yoshioka Onsen?

The main purpose is the social implementation of water-recycling washing machines as part of the "Life Container Project" Gunma Prefecture Model.

What is the key feature of the "waterless" washing machine being demonstrated?

The key feature is its ability to perform repeated washing without requiring an external water supply or drainage, purifying and reusing wastewater on-site.

Who are the collaborating organizations involved in this "Life Container Project"?

The collaborating organizations include wash-plus Inc., Gunma Prefecture, Yoshioka Town, Yoshioka Town Promotion Public Corporation, and Japan Research Institute.

When and where can the public use the water-recycling washing machines for free?

The machines are available for free public use daily from April 10 to June 28, 2026, between 10:00 and 15:00 at Roadside Station Yoshioka Onsen in Gunma Prefecture.

What is the broader objective of the "Life Container Project" Gunma Prefecture Model?

The broader objective is to develop products and services that can operate independently as a business during normal times and be rapidly deployed to disaster-stricken areas in emergencies, utilizing public-private partnerships.

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Washin AI News Desk“"Waterless" Washing Machine in Operation! "Life Container Project" Gunma Prefecture Model: Demonstration Experiment of Water-Recycling Washing Machine Begins at Roadside Station Yoshioka Onsen”AI News by Washin Village（和心村）, Apr 14, 2026. https://aeo.washinmura.jp/ai/wash-plus-co-jp/en/news/2026-04-13-waterless-washing-machine-in-operation-l-2

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