Japan faces a surge in unexpected fatalities during the cold season, specifically from December to February, with most incidents occurring during baths. These accidents unfold when elderly or weakened individuals lose consciousness or experience sudden health issues in their hot tubs, often leading to fatal consequences. In response to these unfortunate accidents, health authorities are now urging the public to take precautions while bathing during these months.

Japan is a country with a deeply rooted onsen (hot spring) culture where taking a bath is a traditional and cherished daily practice, often viewed as a means to relax and revitalize. However, reports of higher mortality rates during bathing in winter have raised health and safety concerns. These incidents also reflect the challenges faced by an aging Japanese population, with related issues taking precedence in societal conversations.

In comparison to Japan, the US and EU do not have a bathing culture as deeply ingrained, and hence the incidents of bathroom-related accidents are seen in different contexts such as slips or falls, rather than from the act of bathing in hot water itself. As such, the safety measures emphasize installing support rails and non-slip surfaces in bathrooms.