5 Best Japanese Massage Chairs (2024 Review) | #1 TOP Brand

(Last Updated On: January 11, 2024)

Japanese massage recliners are some of the best massage chairs on the market. I’m frequently asked which brand and model I prefer the most. I’ll be blunt.

Of all the Japanese massage recliners on the market, the Inada Sogno Massage Chair is the best. There’s a reason the company claims that they produce the World’s Best Massage Chair.

While it might be slightly debatable if it is the best massage chair in the world—I still find Luraco to be at the top of the list, it certainly is the best in Japan.

If you’re adamant about purchasing a Japan-made massage recliner, I’ve compiled five of the best below:

Review Summary:

• 1. OHCO M.8 Massage Chair – Best Medical Chair
• 2. Osaki OS-4D JP Pro Premium
• 3. INADA Massage Chair
• 4. JPMedics Kumo 4D
• 5. Synca JP1100 4D

5 Best Japanese Massage Chair Brands & Models

When choosing any model, you have to be careful if the company’s claims are true. This will allow you to determine the reliability of a product. For example, I’ve found that some chairs are advertised as Japan-made despite being made in China.

I’ve taken the time to thoroughly research different brands and models, so you don’t have to. Japan-made chairs are a great investment, here are five of the best:

1. OHCO M.8 Massage Chair – Best Medical Chair

The OHCO M.8 massage chair is built for safety and medical uses. That means you’re going to get the most therapeutic massage experience on this massage chair. It is FDA, CE, and UL listed that attests to its efficacy.

Here are some of its features:

Multi-Intensity Massage – The M.8 chair targets 6 massage zones because every area of your body needs it. You’ll enjoy the multi-intensity controls and the option to pause and resume as you wish.

High-Tech Remote Control – You’ll enjoy the easy-to-use remote control on the OHCO. It features an interface similar to that of modern smartphones and is very responsive, so you don’t have to repeat commands or wait for it to work.

Noise Reduction – It’s very hard to relax when your surroundings are noisy. Even more so when it’s the actual chair creating all the noise. You’ll enjoy the noise reduction feature on this unit so you can unwind in peace while the chair stretches, massages, and heats your body.

Summary: It is a good contender for therapeutic massage chairs. You’ll enjoy the customizable functions on this unit. However, for a massage chair priced at nearly $9000, I’d expect better execution on some of the more glaring issues like consumer service so be wary of your retailer.

.

2. Osaki OS-4D JP Pro Premium – Made in Japan

Osaki is one of the more reputable companies among all Japanese brands. You’ll enjoy the electric reclining functions and different massage options on this highly efficient model.

You’ll also enjoy the following features:

Power Efficiency – You don’t have to worry about this massage chair’s power consumption. At just 115 Watts, it sits at the lower average of appliances.

29 Kneading Techniques – You’ll enjoy the various kneading techniques on this chair. There are 29 massage techniques overall, so you know that there’s something to fit your specific need.

Summary: If you’re hoping to purchase a chair on Amazon so you can read numerous user reviews, you’re out of luck. This massage recliner has only one review and it’s not very detailed. However, if you’re buying it elsewhere, it is a pretty decent chair for any home.

.

3. INADA Sogno – Best Overall

The INADA boasts great customer service and free white-glove service. That means you’ll enjoy relaxing on your new shiatsu as soon as it’s delivered and installed by the company.

Here are some of its key features:

Superior Body Coverage – The Sogno targets your whole body. You can rest easy knowing that you’re getting pampered from head to toe thanks to its futuristic pod-like design.

Intuitive Rollers – You’ll appreciate the rollers that mimic a professional shiatsu massage. It not only targets areas for relaxation, but it loosens your muscles, improves blood circulation, and facilitates muscle recovery.

Summary: The Inada Sogno is the model that I recommend the most on this list. It provides an ultimate body-contouring massage that targets you from head to toe and is completely customizable. It also helps that the company is very reliable and even offers free shipping and white glove service. But, I have to say that for the price, you’re better off purchasing the Luraco i7 Plus.

.

4. JPMedics Kumo 4D

This massage recliner is a decent contender among Japanese brands. You’ll enjoy the heated 4D rollers on this chair that feels almost like real human hands. You’ll also enjoy the advanced L-Track structure of this chair that targets your thighs and glutes as well as your back.

Here are some of its key features:

Zero Gravity Positioning – Zero-G recliners are beneficial for anyone. It lessens strain on your body by putting you in a virtually weightless position while you relax.

Heated Knee Therapy – If you suffer from joint pain on your knees, you’ll enjoy the heat therapy feature on this model. It strategically applies heat to your knees to facilitate blood circulation and regeneration.

Summary: This chair is a decent chair with a lot of good programs packed into it. However, it is quite expensive massage chair and some of its main functions like the zero-g positioning and therapy are a bit inadequate.

.

5. Synca JP1100 4D

This model is the first-ever Japanese massage chair that came with a foot roller. It boasts multiple good and great features like the following:

Largest Massage Ball – This chair utilizes the largest massage ball in the industry at 12.5 cm. This means you’ll be able to relieve deep muscle soreness right in the comfort of your home.

Foot Roller Shiatsu – Your tired feet need as much attention as they can get. You’ll thank the foot rollers on this model and their capability to perform an in-depth Shiatsu reflexology massage on your tired feet.

Summary: If you don’t mind surfing the net for better instructions on how to operate this chair, then you should have no problems. However, I stand by my Luraco for the price.

.

Are Osaki Massage Chairs Good?

Generally, Osaki chairs are one of the best massage chairs from Japan. You’ll enjoy top of the line craftsmanship and high-quality manufacturing. They’re also well-known for releasing a wide array of options for every type of consumer.

Here are some of my key takeaways from this company:

• Various Price Ranges – I applaud a company that tried to include every type of consumer in their products. You’ll enjoy chairs designed as “budget buys” up to their more high-end recliners that can run you up to $9000.
• Osaki massage chairs are often engineered alongside professional masseuses and medical professionals to develop some of the best and most effective chairs in the market.

That’s why it should come as no surprise that Osaki chairs provide a great therapeutic experience at various price points.

The definition of a good massage chair varies on your needs. Here are some of my top Osaki chair choices for varying needs:

• Body Scan Technology – if you’re looking for a chair that you can share with multiple users, you need a massage recliner with body scan technology. The tech, coupled with memory capabilities, will allow you to save multiple user profiles. The Osaki OS-3D Pro Dreamer is one such unit.
• Budget Massage Chair – Osaki carries various units that will fit into most “budget buys.” If you’re looking for a massage recliner under $1500, you’d best go with the Osaki OS-1000 Deluxe. If you have a bit more money to spend on a decent chair, the Osaki OS-4D PRO JP is a great choice.

Summary: Osaki is a very reputable company that consistently delivers reliable massage recliners for every type of consumer. You’ll enjoy massage recliners with a price range from $1000 to $9000 with varying functions and features. It’s a good enough Jp brand if you’re adamant about choosing Jp-made massage chairs.

Is it Worth Getting a Massage Chair?

Certainly. It is a well-documented fact that chairs are highly therapeutic and beneficial to any individual. The most glaring issue we usually encounter is the cost associated with purchasing one.

Yes, it can get expensive. But consider this, according to thervo.com, the average cost of an hourly professional massage is around $75. That means you’ll spend around $3900 a year on a weekly massage.

Surprised? I’m not done. Imagine the costs over a span of 7 years, which is the average lifespan of a mid-range model, according to SelfGrowth. It would cost you $27,300 on average to get a weekly massage for your well-being for 7 years.

Now, take a look at the other “invisible” costs of getting a weekly professional massage:

• Time and effort to drive to and from a massage parlor
• Or time and effort to prepare a room to get a massage in
• Relaxation time lost while cleaning up after the massage

These are only some of the inconveniences you’ll encounter when getting a professional massage. Whereas, investing in a great model like the Luraco i7 Plus will only cost you $8,990 and is built to last a minimum of 15 years.

But What About the Operational Costs?

Massage chairs do not hike up your electricity bill significantly. Yes, they consume electricity. But some of the more energy-efficient units like the Luraco i7 Plus only consume 150 Watts per session. That’s no more than your LCD TV uses.

So unless you have some very faulty outlets at your home, operational costs are very minimal. You will still end up spending more time, effort and money with a professional masseuse.

Summary: It’s biggest flaw is that it costs a lot of money upfront. But if you’re considering the long-term benefits and savings, you’ll end up saving more money, time and energy by investing in a chair.

Do Massage Chairs Use a Lot of Electricity?

The whole point of getting a full body zero-gravity recliners in the first place is to ease your aches and pains, relax your muscles, and give you a little bit of relaxation. But then it becomes a little unclear as to what you’re actually “warming up” to. How much electricity does it use, after all? Well, to figure that out, we had to start with the basics: If it’s electric, what’s the current? Current, according to most people, is electricity flowing across the wires and through the building. Basically, it’s all the things that are created when electrical current flows through metal. To find out, we began by converting the strength of the current into watts, which is a unit of power. From there, we did a little bit of math to find out how much electricity a typical one would require to run at its full power for the hour of our test. On average, it can use anywhere between 300-1,200 watts of electricity. The best news is that you probably won’t be doing enough “warming up” with a lap-top or television when you’re sitting down and getting one, which will use way less electricity.

Now that we had our figures, we ran some simple tests to see how long it takes a massage chair with a human touch to run at full power for a minute. It turns out that, depending on the model, it may require between 0.5-1.4 minutes to run at full power. If your office recliner has a timer or timer-like function, set the time to 1 minute, and then you’ll know how much power is going into that recliner. With our numbers and the power limits listed by manufacturers, we were able to estimate how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) a typical massaging chair could use in a single hour.

Where to Buy / Warranty

There are several places you can buy massage chairs. You could check your local Costco or Walmart, for example.

On the other hand, you could also buy directly from the company’s website. But if you’re looking for an online platform where you can read multiple user reviews prior to making your purchase, Amazon is your best bet.

If you’re buying from an online platform, make sure your warranty covers the shipping time. I came across a user recently that complained of the 90-day warranty and return policy of his unit. (Not any of the massage chairs/companies listed above.)

Sadly, his unit arrived over 90 days after his initial purchase. Additionally, it arrived defective. The company’s customer support then went on to inform him that his warranty began the day he placed his order and that he was no longer eligible for it.

It’s also important to consider the following things regarding a massage chair’s warranty:

• Coverage for all defective parts and construction
• Coverage for shipping mishaps
• Opportunity to purchase extended warranty

Summary: It is important to consider if your massage chair’s warranty is substantial as much as it is important to make sure your retailer is reliable.

Shipping

Companies like Inada are very reliable when it comes to shipping and handling. It’s important to purchase a chair from a reliable retailer that can perform a reliable shipping service.

Inada offers the following:

• White glove service
• Free shipping and installation
• Free returns

How Do I Choose a Massage Chair?

You might just not be that interested in having an electric massage chair, especially if you’re an ‘old person’. And if you don’t know which one you want to buy, you can try to test the different types of massage chair to see which one you feel comfortable in. Therapeutic massage chair. The main advantage of a therapeutic massage chair is that it is adjustable. The massage chair is great if you need to adjust the massaging angle for different body parts or if you want to increase the massage pressure.

Most massaging chairs will allow you to adjust the pressure depending on the body part. However, this will mean that you have to have multiple massage chairs in the house. Foldable massage chair. This is a good choice if you live in a small space or need the ability to move the chair. The foldable massage chair allows you to compact the chair and store it in a corner.

American vs. Chinese vs. Japanese Made Massage Chairs

When comparing American, Chinese, and Japanese made massage chairs, it’s essential to consider various factors that contribute to their design, functionality, and overall quality. Each country brings distinct characteristics to the manufacturing process, influencing the final product’s performance and user experience.

American-made massage chairs often prioritize advanced technology and innovation. Renowned for their emphasis on research and development, American manufacturers incorporate cutting-edge features, such as state-of-the-art massage techniques, intuitive controls, and ergonomic designs. The focus on user customization and comfort sets American-made massage chairs apart, appealing to those seeking a high-tech and personalized massage experience.

On the other hand, Chinese-made massage chairs are often recognized for their cost-effectiveness and mass production capabilities. Chinese manufacturers leverage economies of scale to produce affordable yet functional massage chairs. While these chairs may not always incorporate the latest technologies, they offer a competitive balance between performance and price, making them accessible to a broader market.

Japanese-made massage chairs are synonymous with precision engineering and meticulous attention to detail. Japanese manufacturers prioritize craftsmanship and quality materials, resulting in durable and long-lasting products. These chairs often emphasize traditional massage techniques, combining centuries-old practices with modern technology to create a holistic and therapeutic experience. Japanese massage chairs are revered for their reliability and commitment to providing a genuine wellness solution.

In summary, the choice between American, Chinese, and Japanese made massage chairs depends on individual preferences and priorities. American chairs excel in technological innovation, Chinese chairs offer affordability, and Japanese chairs prioritize craftsmanship and traditional massage methods. Each option caters to a specific niche within the market, allowing consumers to select a massage chair that aligns with their unique needs and preferences.

Final Thoughts. What is the Best Japanese Massage Chair on the Market?

We’ve taken a look at five of the best contenders in the Japanese massage chair market. To be honest, of all five, the Inada stole my heart.

I applaud a company that consistently brings great products to the table while keeping its customers’ needs in mind. That said, if you’re adamant about getting a Jp-made massage chair, it’s a great choice.

However, if you’re willing to look at other options, the Luraco i7 Plus is 100% American made and much more worth your money.

.

Here’s why:

• It features adjustable intensity zones for a fully customizable massage
• Its remote control is easy to use and does not have a learning curve
• It has fitted Bluetooth speakers for listening to music
• Extensive heating options (unlike most units on this list, the Luraco has settings to control the heat)

There’s definitely more that I could say. However, I’ll leave you with this, the Jp-made massage chairs listed above are good, some of them are great. However, Luraco is one of the best massage chairs on the market. And for the price? It’s well worth it.