The iroha brand (they write it in small letters themselves) is part of Tenga. While Tenga focuses on sex toys for penises, iroha focuses more on sex toys for vulvas. Their vision is that sexuality is part of a healthy lifestyle, in which you take good care of yourself. And the new ukidama line (also in lowercase) from iroha fits in perfectly.

What is the iroha ukidama: Inspiration from Japanese culture

All iroha toys are inspired by Japanese traditions. Often these are rituals that you and I – as a Westerner – may not be very familiar with. The iroha ukidama, for example, is linked to Japanese bathing traditions.

Tenga wanted to make a toy for bath time masturbation. The idea soon arose to incorporate a bath light, in the style of Edo Kiriko glass. Kiriko is a traditional form of glass cutting with colored glass. If you put a tea light in these types of glasses, it projects beautiful patterns and colors.

The name ukidama (浮 き 玉) comes from Japanese floating glass balls, which were used as a float in fishing. They floated nets of up to 80 km long. The antique glass balls are now very popular with collectors as a decorative object.

For many Japanese, bathing is more than cleaning yourself. It is a ritual related to meditation; a time to renew, revive, relax and purify the soul. In addition to cleansing the body, the bath is seen as a time and place to wash away the worries of the day. Japanese bathing rituals can be divided into two parts: cleaning and soaking, or cleaning and relaxing. Before you bathe, make sure you have been washed first (you read that right). In Japan there are many volcanic baths with natural hot water. So after showering with soap and shampoo, you soak and relax in such a natural hot water bath (or onsen).

Tenga wants to take a step to a somewhat different place in the market with the iroha ukidama; the kind of product that is not purely for masturbation, but more of an everyday item.

The iroha ukidama specs

The iroha ukidama series consists of three floating luminous vibrators, which fit in perfectly with the atmosphere and tradition of the Japanese bath ritual; The TAKE (take means bamboo), the HOSHI (star) and the HANA (flower). The models mainly differ in color and pattern in the glass. The function is always the same.

Each model contains a light that can shine in three different strengths and one pattern. In addition, the ukidama can also vibrate in three speeds and one pattern. You can control the light and vibrations separately.

All models are 57 mm in diameter and 69 mm high. They weigh only 72 grams. The ukidama works on a rechargeable battery. If you only use the light, the battery lasts more than 200 minutes. As a vibrator it works for about 60 minutes. And if you use both at the same time, you can play for 45 minutes before it needs another 60 minutes to recharge. It goes without saying that the iroha ukidama is waterproof (up to 50 centimeters).

Unboxing the iroha ukidama HOSHI

The iroha ukidama comes in a cube-shaped transparent box. On the back is a short explanation with photos of the functionality. What you see is what you get.

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The box contains the HOSHI, a magnetic USB cable, a ring with which you can place the device on the edge of the bath and an extensive manual in several languages.

Taking the iroha ukidama HOSHI for a test drive

Tenga comes at just the right time with this new product. It is precisely in these uncertain times as a result of the Covid-19 crisis that many people are dealing with stress. A bath ritual and a lot of self-love (read: masturbation) can of course help to combat stress.

Now I am in the fortunate position of having a large bath at home that you can be used by two adults with ease. Although we are very down to earth and not at all spiritual, taking a bath to relax is a given for me and my partner.

The operation of the ukidama is quite simple. The left button is for the vibrations and the right one for the light. You activate the function in question by pressing the button for a while. By then pressing it you go through the four different positions (four for the light and four for the vibrations). You turn it off by pressing the button for a while.

With the light dimmed, a nice fragrant bath oil in the hot water and some music, the right atmosphere is quickly created. As a floating bath light, the iroha ukidama is a nice addition.

And as a vibrator? Hmmm … Honestly, there are better lay-on vibrators. The vibrations are a bit superficial and not very deep. This is not a toy for some hard porn in the bathroom. But it does fit in an atmosphere of relaxation, massage and meditation.

Conclusion

For a down-to-earth Dutchman, the iroha ukidama may be a somewhat far-fetched concept. But if you feel at home in bathing rituals, saunas, meditation, relaxation, Japanese culture, eroticism, … then this might be a nice luxury gadget. Do not expect miracles from the vibrations. My partner (female) would not orgasm from this device alone, without further stimulation. But perhaps that is not the aim of this concept at all?

The PROS of the iroha ukidama:

• Beautiful, unique and well thought out concept of a bath light combined with vibrations
• Easy operation
• Waterproof (also easy to clean)

The CONS:

• Quite pricey (€ 90) for what it offers. For that money, I would almost expect it to be able to connect to Google Home.
• Superficial vibrations

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The iroha ukidama was made available to me by Tenga in exchange for an honest review. For the time being it is only for sale in the Netherlands at Tenga itself. I expect it will soon be available through other channels.