You may have raised an eyebrow the first time a fully clothed spa staff member ambled into the sauna and whistled while she worked in front of you and the other sweaty, naked dudes.

You’re a pro by now, though, and you hardly bat an eyelash while the spa staff simply blend into the background.

A new Japanese female idol group is out to change the status quo. OFR48 is comprised of women who actually work at hot springs resorts, saunas and other public bathing facilities throughout Japan. The women sing and dance on stage at spa facilities, entertaining customers and fostering deeper communication and familiarity with them.

The performances have created a warmer, friendlier atmosphere at spa facilities and could provide a boost to the industry. The group was originally formed to perform at low-budget events, but the women’s performances had such an effect on hot springs clientele that they decided to brand themselves as pop idols and go on tour. As a result, customers are feeling more at ease speaking with spa staff, and spa staff are more aware of how important and enjoyable it is to please customers.

The members of OFR48 (OFR = Ofuro (bath)) all say that they are 48 years of age or younger, and they all keep their day jobs as spa staff. The 15 members are from the Kanto Region, Nagoya, Mie, Wakayama and Fukuoka and are looking for more women to join the group.

OFR48 has decided to release its first single, “Okyaku-sama wa Hadaka desu” (Our Customers Are Naked), on May 4. Check out a video of the catchy tune below. Their arrangement of the Drifters’ hit song “Ii Yu Dana” (What a Great Bath) will be sold with the single.

All 15 members will assemble and perform live for the first time to promote their release at Shin-Kiba 1stRing on April 16.

CD Promotion Event at “Yu-niverse”

April 16 at Shin-Kiba 1stRing (1-6-24 Shin-Kiba, Koto-ku, Tokyo)

Source: narinari.com