METOS
METOS is a Japanese specialist in commercial and home saunas, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, and universal-design care bathing systems, serving hotels, fitness chains, care facilities, and consumers across Japan with approximately 60% domestic sauna heater market share.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1947
- HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What METOS does
METOS Co., Ltd. (株式会社メトス) is a Japanese company specializing in sauna and bathing equipment, fireplace and wood-burning stoves, and universal-design care bathing systems. Founded in 1947 as Nakayama Sangyo Co., Ltd. and renamed METOS in 2006, the company has been active in the Japanese sauna market since introducing Finnish sauna heaters in 1966 and holds approximately 60% of the domestic sauna heater market, with over 20,000 facility installations across more than 60 years of operation. METOS's commercial sauna business serves hotels, resorts, fitness chains, public bathhouses, and public-sector facilities, providing end-to-end project services from planning and design through equipment supply, IoT-enabled remote management, installation, and ongoing maintenance.
METOS operates three core business pillars: (1) Sauna & Wellness, encompassing commercial sauna installations, the proprietary METOS Private Sauna home line (CLIMA and MOLLIS series), and the Karuban outdoor sauna series (Asema trailer sauna, Iglu dome, ICOYA and SAWU tent saunas); (2) Fireplace & Wood-Burning Stoves, distributing premium imported brands (Dovre, Contura, Nectre, Tulikivi) through dealer and franchise channels; and (3) Care Bath, manufacturing the Koiki (個粋) universal-design bathing system with integrated lifts. Supporting capabilities include an exclusive Japanese distribution network of approximately 100 dealers across all prefectures, six regional sales offices, an Atsugi logistics center (opened 2023), two direct Sauna Soppi retail stores plus e-commerce, and an AI-driven safety inspection subscription service (愛サ点検).
The company generates revenue primarily through hardware sales (custom-quoted commercial projects and premium home units priced at approximately ¥2.2–2.42M, plus a ¥4M trailer sauna variant), recurring maintenance contracts, retail/e-commerce (Sauna Soppi), and a subscription-based AI inspection app (¥3,300/month per facility). METOS has been a subsidiary of the PROSPER Japan Business Growth Fund No. 1 since January 2025, following its prior ownership by Showa Aircraft Industry. The company employs approximately 116 people and is headquartered in Tokyo, with an expanding ecosystem of partnerships including CAMPFIRE (Sauna Business Production Platform), Thermory AS (thermal wood), and BESS (log house channel integration).
METOS firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- METOS
- Legal name
- 株式会社メトス
- Website
- https://metos.co.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1947
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- METOS is a Japanese specialist in commercial and home saunas, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, and universal-design care bathing systems, serving hotels, fitness chains, care facilities, and consumers across Japan with approximately 60% domestic sauna heater market share.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
METOS industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Commercial and Residential Sauna Equipment & Bathing Systems
- NAICS
- Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (333415), Household and Institutional Furniture Manufacturing (33712)
- SIC
- Heating Equip, Except Elec & Warm Air; & Plumbing Fixtures (3430), Retail-Home Furniture, Furnishings & Equipment Stores (5700)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sauna & Steam Bath Facilities (HSADAKAC)
Keywords
Where METOS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices9 records
Markets served
METOS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Commercial Sauna Equipment & Installation: METOS designs, specifies equipment for, and installs commercial sauna and bathing facilities across Japan. Revenue is generated through equipment sales (heaters, benches, control systems), design/engineering fees, and construction/project management. The company has documented 20,000+ facility installations and serves hotels, resorts, fitness clubs, and public bathhouses. This is the company's largest revenue stream and core business, supported by 60 years of market presence.
- Home/Private Sauna Products: Sale of METOS Private Sauna units (CLIMA and MOLLIS series, priced at approximately ¥2.2–2.42 million per unit for the BESS partnership), outdoor saunas (tent saunas, trailer saunas), and related accessories through direct retail stores (Sauna Soppi), the online shop, and partner dealers. Home sauna products include both built and freestanding configurations.
- Care Bath Products (介護浴槽): METOS designs, manufactures, and installs universal design care bathing systems (個粋 series: 個粋プラス, 個粋コンパクト, 個粋システムバス, etc.) for nursing homes, hospitals, and welfare facilities. Revenue includes both product sales and associated installation/consulting services. The company absorbed Showa Aircraft Industries' bathing equipment division in 2023, expanding in-house manufacturing capacity.
- Fireplace & Wood Stove Products: Import and sale of premium European fireplaces and wood-burning stoves (Dovre from Belgium, Contura from Sweden, Nectre from Australia, Tulikivi from Finland, and others) along with METOS-branded accessories, chimneys, maintenance products, and cookware (FERLEON brand). The company also sells kiln-dried firewood. Sales occur through dealers and the METOS direct sales network.
- Sauna Soppi Retail & E-commerce: METOS operates direct physical stores (Sauna Soppi in Kobe and Akishima) and an online shop (saunasoppi.shop) selling Finnish-imported sauna accessories, heater parts, oils, hats, towels, speakers, and other sauna consumables. This is a retail/consumer revenue stream targeting both individual sauna enthusiasts and commercial customers.
- Maintenance & After-sales Services: METOS provides ongoing maintenance services for installed equipment, including chimney sweeping, heater inspections, part replacements, and safety checks. The company operates regional customer service centers and a free-call support line (0120-113-799). Maintenance contracts are a recurring revenue component, particularly for commercial clients.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | METOS Private Sauna CLIMA series — home sauna units with exposed heater |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | METOS Private Sauna MOLLIS series — home sauna units with under-bench heater |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | METOS ASEMA — trailer sauna for outdoor use |
| Subscription | Monthly | AI Sauna Safety Inspection App (愛サ点検) — monthly subscription |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | ZONE Bluetooth Speaker — multi-functional sauna speaker |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Commercial Sauna Project — custom project pricing |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
METOS product offering
Product offeringCore offering
METOS designs, supplies, installs, and services sauna systems for commercial facilities and homes; distributes Finnish and European fireplaces and wood-burning stoves; and manufactures universal-design care bathing equipment for nursing homes and hospitals. It also operates direct-to-consumer retail stores and an e-commerce site (Sauna Soppi), and runs a joint platform with CAMPFIRE to support sauna business entrepreneurs. Its largest segment is commercial and home saunas, where it holds roughly 60% of Japan's domestic sauna heater market with more than 20,000 installed facilities over 60 years.
Product overview
METOS (株式会社メトス) is a Japanese company with three core business pillars: (1) Sauna & Wellness (サウナ・温浴), (2) Fireplace & Wood-Burning Stoves (暖炉・薪ストーブ), and (3) Care Bath / Universal Design Bathing (介護浴槽). METOS's sauna business is its largest segment, holding approximately 60% domestic market share for sauna heaters, and includes the Metos Private Sauna home-use line (available in CLIMA and Mollis interior types, including an outdoor variant launched in 2026), commercial sauna design/construction/renovation services with IoT remote management capabilities, and the Karluban Series of outdoor saunas (Metos Asema trailer sauna, Iglu Sauna dome, ICOYA and SAWU tent saunas). METOS also distributes internationally sourced fireplace and wood-stove brands (Dovre, Contura, Nectre, Tulikivi, PECAN) and manufactures the Koiki (個粋) universal design care bathtub series (including Koiki Plus, Compact, Concerto, Junior, and Elise Rose). Supporting the core products, METOS operates the Sauna Soppi retail chain and e-commerce site, provides an AI-powered sauna safety inspection app (愛サ点検), and has launched a joint business platform with CAMPFIRE for sauna entrepreneurship support. Recent new offerings include Metos Thermal Wood (thermal modification wood for sauna interiors, via Thermory AS partnership) and the ZONE Bluetooth speaker with LED lighting for sauna rooms.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Quantifiable outcome
- METOS holds approximately 60% of domestic sauna heater market share in Japan.
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use METOS
Customer profileNamed customers19 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
METOS technology and API
TechnologyAPI detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability1 record
Feature6 records
METOS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.
- CAMPFIRE (株式会社CAMPFIRE)majorMETOS and CAMPFIRE (Japan's largest crowdfunding platform with ~600 cumulative sauna project completions) launched a joint 'Sauna Business Production Platform' on August 3, 2026. The platform supports aspiring sauna entrepreneurs by combining CAMPFIRE's crowdfunding and marketing expertise with METOS's design, construction, regulatory compliance, and maintenance capabilities. The partnership addresses the fragmentation entrepreneurs face when coordinating multiple vendors across business stages.
- Thermory AS (エストニア)majorMETOS entered a formal partnership with Thermory AS (Estonia), the world's largest thermally modified wood manufacturer (13 production bases, exports to 50+ countries, €153M annual revenue in 2022), to develop and sell 'METOS Thermal Wood' (メトスサーマルウッド) — Japan's first domestic premium thermally treated wood specifically engineered for Japanese sauna room environments. Products are planned for rollout starting autumn 2026. METOS will use the product in its own sauna installations and distribute through its dealer network.
- RC Core Co., Ltd. (BESS log house brand)coreBESS, a log house brand operated by RC Core Co., Ltd., launched indoor sauna options for its standard home series starting March 7, 2026, partnering with METOS to offer the 'Metos Private Sauna' product in two models (CLIMA and Mollis) priced at approximately ¥2.2–2.42 million yen. The partnership targets homeowners combining Finnish sauna traditions with natural wooden living, positioning METOS saunas as extensions of BESS's log house lifestyle concept.
- Helo (Finland)coreMETOS holds the Japan sales agency for Helo sauna heaters (Finland's oldest sauna heater manufacturer, 100+ years of production). Helo electric and wood-burning heaters are distributed exclusively through METOS's commercial and dealer network in Japan. METOS also entered a partnership with Sauna360 in 2022 for the 'helo' and 'Kastor' brands.
- iki (Finland)coreMETOS is the Japanese distributor for IKI electric and wood-burning sauna heaters, premium Finnish products. IKI heaters are known for their authentic löyly experience and distinctive design. METOS also began selling Finnish-made IKI heaters (Pillar, Wall, Corner, IKI-FIN, IKI-3.3 models) from January 2025.
- Kastor (Finland)coreMETOS secured Japanese distribution rights for Kastor sauna heaters (wood-burning, known for the Karhu 22 model) as part of its 2022 partnership expansion with Sauna360.
- Dovre (Belgium)coreMETOS imports and distributes Dovre wood-burning stoves (Belgium) as its flagship fireplace brand, having handled the relationship since 1979. The Dovre WD series, ROCK series, and vintage series are core to METOS's fireplace business. Dovre is distributed exclusively through METOS's dealer network.
- Contura (Sweden)coreMETOS has imported and distributed Contura (Swedish wood stove manufacturer) since 1979, offering models including C35L Linné, C51 Janson, C620G Bragi, C810G Marni, and others through its fireplace dealer network. Contura is promoted as the 'king of wood stoves' with premium design and engineering.
- Showa Aircraft Industries (昭和飛行機工業)majorMETOS became a subsidiary of Showa Aircraft Industries (昭和飛行機工業株式会社) in 2005 and received the transfer of its bathing equipment division business in March 2023, expanding METOS's in-house manufacturing, sales, and maintenance capabilities for welfare bathing equipment. Showa Aircraft continues as the parent company.
- DePortrait Technologies (デポルターレ・テクノロジーズ)minorDePortrait Technologies collaborated with METOS on the sauna book 'METOSが教える！悩み別サウナの入り方 最高に仕上がるサウナの法則' (published January 2026). DePortrait's representative served as a co-author, and METOS sponsored the book's launch event at its headquarters.
- General Incorporated Association Outdoor Sauna Association (一般社団法人アウトドエアサウナ協会)minorMETOS co-founded the General Incorporated Association Outdoor Sauna Association in December 2022, serving the outdoor sauna market. METOS President Yoshinaga Shoichiro serves as the founding representative director. The association establishes product safety standards and promotes safe outdoor sauna practices.
- rento (Finland)minorMETOS is the exclusive Japan distributor for the Finnish sauna accessory brand rento, selling aromatherapy products, sauna scoops (rental ladles), and related wellness items. Products are available at METOS Sauna Soppi stores and the e-commerce platform.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves12 records
Expansion highlights8 records
METOS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Tulikivi Oyj: Finnish soapstone fireplace and sauna heater manufacturer with premium positioning in both categories. Directly comparable to METOS's combined fireplace/wood-stove and sauna heater business; also a METOS distribution partner in Japan since May 2024.
- Tylö AB (Tylö-Helo Group): Swedish sauna and steam equipment manufacturer; part of the same Tylö-Helo group that produces Helo and Kastor brands (which METOS distributes in Japan). Directly comparable product portfolio spanning residential and commercial sauna equipment.
- KLAFS GmbH: Germany-based premium sauna, spa, and wellness equipment manufacturer with strong commercial and residential footprint in Europe. Directly comparable to METOS in commercial sauna project design and installation; also a METOS Japanese distribution partner.
- Harvia Oyj: Helsinki-listed global leader in sauna heaters and sauna rooms, with broad product portfolio spanning residential, commercial, and infrared segments. Directly comparable to METOS as the world's largest dedicated sauna equipment company, competing for premium Finnish sauna heater distribution.
- Narvi Oy: Finnish manufacturer of wood-burning and electric sauna heaters with strong heritage in the European market. Directly comparable to METOS's wood-burning and electric heater offerings for residential and light commercial use.
- Sawo Oy: Finnish sauna heater and steam generator manufacturer serving both consumer and commercial markets globally. Directly comparable to METOS's heater product line and competes for commercial facility specifications outside Japan.
Broad incumbents
- Rinnai Corporation: Japanese global leader in gas water heaters, boilers, and heating appliances. Comparable to METOS as a broader Japanese HVAC/heating incumbent; overlaps with METOS in residential heating equipment but does not specialize in saunas.
- LIXIL Corporation: Major Japanese manufacturer of housing and building materials including bath units, sanitary ware, and welfare equipment. Comparable to METOS's care bath and bathroom-related business but operates across the much broader housing products portfolio.
- TOTO Ltd. Japan's leading sanitary ware and bathroom equipment manufacturer with significant presence in welfare and accessible bathing products. Comparable to METOS's care bath business; competes in nursing and welfare facility specifications.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
METOS social profiles
Digital presenceMETOS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
METOS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
METOS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
METOS M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about METOS
What does METOS do?
METOS designs, supplies, installs, and services sauna systems for commercial facilities and homes; distributes Finnish and European fireplaces and wood-burning stoves; and manufactures universal-design care bathing equipment for nursing homes and hospitals. It also operates direct-to-consumer retail stores and an e-commerce site (Sauna Soppi), and runs a joint platform with CAMPFIRE to support sauna business entrepreneurs. Its largest segment is commercial and home saunas, where it holds roughly 60% of Japan's domestic sauna heater market with more than 20,000 installed facilities over 60 years.
Is METOS a public or private company?
METOS is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was METOS founded?
METOS was founded in 1947. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is METOS based?
METOS is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does METOS make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Commercial Sauna Equipment & Installation is the primary driver. The others are home/Private Sauna Products, care Bath Products (介護浴槽), fireplace & Wood Stove Products, sauna Soppi Retail & E-commerce and maintenance & After-sales Services.
Who are METOS's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Tulikivi Oyj, Tylö AB (Tylö-Helo Group), KLAFS GmbH, Harvia Oyj, Narvi Oy and Sawo Oy. Broad incumbents are Rinnai Corporation, LIXIL Corporation and TOTO Ltd..
Does METOS have an API?
No public API is recorded for METOS.
What industry is METOS in?
METOS's product category is Commercial and Residential Sauna Equipment & Bathing Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSADAKAC, Sauna & Steam Bath Facilities. Its NAICS code is 333415 and its SIC code is 3430.