In Monkey Bath, five Japanese macaques recline within the steaming waters of a natural hot spring. The scene draws direct inspiration from Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Snow Monkey Park), nestled in the Yokoyu River Valley in Nagano Prefecture, where wild macaques are renowned for bathing in geothermal pools to find respite from the biting winter cold.

For Kogachi, this imagery fulfils a long-held longing to witness these snow monkeys in person, noting, “I have ALWAYS wanted to go and see [them] myself but never have.” Rather than faithfully depicting the landscape, however, Kogachi deliberately reimagines it. Although Mount Fuji is not visible from Nagano's hot springs, she collapses real-world boundaries to by placing the iconic peak at the centre of the composition and sneakily embedding her face within its summit.

Within Japanese folklore and Shinto belief, monkeys occupy an important spiritual role as intermediaries between the human and divine realms. Their sacred symbolism is balanced by their endearing, languid poses, lending the composition both spiritual gravitas and a sense of whimsy.