Around 800 AD, the use of chugi, or smooth wooden sticks, along with water, became common in Japan for personal hygiene practices. This method reflected the cultural emphasis on cleanliness and health in historical Japanese society. The adoption of these practices illustrates the intersection of technology and daily life in ancient Japan, influencing subsequent hygiene standards.

The Japanese use of smooth sticks and water not only influenced minimalist aesthetics in haiku and waka poetry but also led to a deeper appreciation of nature's transient beauty. Poets like Matsuo Bashō utilized these elements to evoke emotions and capture fleeting moments, emphasizing simplicity and the essence of existence.