Hyoubu no Aufgießer: New Manga About the German Sauna Art 'Aufguss' Released with First Volume

The manga world continues to take sports and daily life themes beyond the conventional. The first volume of the series Hyoubu no Aufgießer (The Ice Dance Aufgießer), prepared by writer Hiroyuki Kasama and illustrator Hajime Soma, officially hit shelves in Japan on May 12, 2026. Serialized in Houbunsha's Manga Time Kirara Forward magazine, this new series tells the story of young girls practicing the art of Aufguss, a sauna tradition originating from Germany that has turned into a major trend in Japan in recent years.

So, what is this Aufguss? This term, which means "pouring" in German, refers to the process where water is poured onto hot stones in a sauna, and the resulting steam is directed toward those inside by an Aufgießer (towel master) using rhythmic and artistic towel movements. This process is considered not just a method of sweating, but also a physical performance involving choreography and music. Hyoubu no Aufgießer presents the struggle of a young girl who had to say goodbye to her dreams due to an injury, as she tries to find herself again in this steamy and passionate world.

One of the names behind the series, Hiroyuki Kasama, is a writer already known for his work on sauna culture and niche hobbies. Illustrator Hajime Soma, on the other hand, captures the characters' towel movements and the intense, steamy atmosphere of the sauna with a dynamic visual language. As part of the social trend that has exploded in Japan in recent years, known as Sa-katsu (sauna activities), this manga offers readers both technical information and a focus on the personal development of the characters.

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