In a country famous for innovative technology, are we really justified in being shocked that they have the most complicated public toilets as well? Concentrating on comfort, cleanliness and even attempting to ease embarrassment, Japanese toilets are far beyond what most expect, though for anybody living there, these should be fast turning into the norm.
Of course we can’t go into the health befits of the squat toilets from yesteryears that are still common here, but are actually not as inventive as you’d hope from the Japanese. Those you’d find in other Asian states as well, often in villages though.
When it comes to a touch of invention, it starts here by dumping humiliation. Talk about the discomfort of knowing someone is in a stall next to you and can essentially hear you making some funny sounds; funny to them but embarrassing for you. Eastern tech folks have cured this by creating a device frequently known as a ‘Sound Princess’. Found in just about all the newer public restrooms, the newer public restrooms, the device, when turned on, literally sounds like a flushing toilet, drowning out any other sound that might be made when using the facilities. This ensures that even the shyest of folk can relax, knowing no-one can hear them.
What Japan actually has to offer in modern toilets industry, if you need to call it that, are the washlets possessing a variety of features to please everyone (yes, we are still chatting toilets ). The control panel for the Washlet might remind you of something you might see in a rocket ship ; these toilets may look ordinary, but are anything but normal.
A common feature on each is a bidet, which can be combined with toilet paper, or used on its own to clean everything and everything. Most have two nozzles, with adjustable water pressure to each area, gently cleansing without being uncomfortable. Many Washlets have built in dryers, making toilet paper pointless. Comfort does not stop here though, with heaters attached, cold seats are a thing of the past. Some models even have automated lid opening, closing and flushing, catering to males and females with the push of a button.
Making those certain visits to the loo is never welcomed by anyone, but Japanese have made the whole thing an experience worth trying. The sole main problem that most travellers face in these toilets is the language barrier. The control panels have Eastern instructions and once seated getting up can become tough. There’s no question though that these toilets are catching up in the rest of the world as well, even the high tech man in black, Will Smith, when building his house got the Japanese to provide his toilets.
Thinking about traveling outside of the country? Famouswonders.com can help you decide where to go on your next vacation, or you can view Hakone Lake District Japan.
