what is special about japanese toilets

by Antonina Mayer Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

20 Features of Japanese Toilets

1. Posterior Wash
2. Front Wash (Bidet)

3. Adjustable Water Temperature
4. Nozzle Sterilization

5. Air Deodorizer
6. Adjustable Water Pressure

7. Heated Seats
8. Noisemaker

A Japanese toilet or smart toilet, as it's often referred to, is a toilet built with smart technology. Put simply, this means smart toilets can interact with their user via remote control access. With a press of the button, you can flush, spray and dry. As the name suggests, Japanese toilets originated in Japan.

Full Answer

What do you need to know about Japanese toilets?

What to Look for in a Japanese Toilet

Features. Japanese toilets have dozens of exciting features, and the key to finding the right one for you is simply to choose one that has the features you want in ...
Price. The price range of Japanese toilets is varied. ...
Brand. ...
Shape. ...
Installation. ...

What are toilets like in Japan?

The Japanese toilet is sunken into the ground, with a hood covering part of it to prevent water from splashing up when you flush. To use it, you squat or kneel facing the hood with your legs on either side of the toilet. A lever or button near the hood flushes the toilet.

Does Japan have toilets?

In Japan, you’re likely to encounter toilets and cleaning devices you would have never dreamed of using in your own country. These include familiar Western-style sitting toilets to older Japanese-style squatting toilets, not to mention the high-tech toilets featuring multiple functions that may make you laugh, cry, or sit up in your seat.

Does Japan have toilet paper?

Toilet paper is used in Japan, even by those who own toilets with bidets and washlet functions (see below). In Japan, toilet paper is thrown directly into the toilet after use. However, please be sure to put just the toilet paper provided in the toilet. Everything else should be placed into the small trashcan located within the cubicle.

Why are Japanese toilets so good?

Japanese toilets are marvels of technological innovation. They have integrated bidets, which squirt water to clean your private parts. They have dryers and heated seats. They use water efficiently, clean themselves and deodorize the air, so bathrooms actually smell good.

Are toilets in Japan different?

There are two types of toilets in Japan: Japanese-style and Western-style. Public washrooms are often equipped with both toilet styles, although some older facilities might have only Japanese-style toilets, while some newer facilities might have only Western-style toilets.

How effective are Japanese toilets?

Unless you've been fortunate enough to visit Japan recently, you may be surprised to learn that Japanese toilets differ significantly from American toilets, and even from toilets in other Western countries, such as European toilets. Japanese toilets accomplish the same basic task as toilets the world over: eliminating ...

Are Japanese toilets hygienic?

Japanese toilets are very hygienic, both for the users and for the household. With the aforementioned self-cleaning features, you don't have to roll up your sleeves and brush inside of the toilet. In addition, the nozzle enables you to experience a pleasant feeling of purity every time you've finished using the toilet.

Why is there no soap in Japanese bathrooms?

No one knows the reason why, but seem to guess that it's to save money in the public restrooms (both the cost of soap and of water). And a lot of Japanese homes have (or used to have) the toilets with the faucet on top and (for some reason) you wouldn't want the hand soap to run back into the tank.

Why do people put a red cup under the toilet seat?

What is this? Placing a red cup under the toilet seat at night or even during the day can let others know that there is no toilet paper. This will save people an embarrassing and frustrating moment when they need toilet paper the most.

How long do Japanese toilets last?

20 yearsPerfect for contemporary homes, you can have all the smart technology without style being compromised. Our Japanese toilets come with a lifetime guarantee of 20 years.

Do you need toilet paper with a Japanese toilet?

Why do Japanese toilets have sinks?

Many toilets in Japan with a water tank include a built-in sink. This is a simple water-saving grey water system: clean municipal water is used to wash the hands, then the waste water from hand washing is used to fill the tank for flushing. It also is a space saving feature in small, older bathrooms.

Is there a downside to using a bidet?

Standalone bidets take up more bathroom space. May require minor renovations to install. Risk wetting your clothes (if you're not careful!)

Do you wipe after using a bidet?

Use a bidet after you poop, but before you wipe. Some people like to wipe with toilet paper after using a bidet, but it's a matter of personal preference. The bidet should do a good job at cleaning your bottom, so toilet paper isn't necessary.

Can you overuse a bidet?

Over the years, a smattering of bidet-related injuries, from burns to rectal prolapse and anal fissures, have surfaced, often linked to overuse. Even pruritis ani can (re)appear when the anus is too frequently washed. “You just need sensible cleaning and hygiene,” Duldulao says. “You don't need a power-washing.”

What is a Japanese toilet like?

A Japanese toilet or smart toilet, as it's often referred to, is a toilet built with smart technology. Put simply, this means smart toilets can interact with their user via remote control access. With a press of the button, you can flush, spray and dry.

Does Japan only have squat toilets?

Many train stations in the Tokyo area and public schools throughout Japan, for example, only have squat toilets. In addition, parks, temples, traditional Japanese restaurants, and older buildings typically only have squat toilets.

Why does Japan have squat toilets?

Japan converts squat toilets to western-style because foreigners are shunning them as 'unsanitary' | South China Morning Post.

Are all toilets in Japan bidets?

One thing you should definitely try out when using Japanese toilets is the washlet bidet function. Although not available with all toilets, these functions are common in Japan. Toto is the most famous brand offering washlet and bidet technology.

How much does a Japanese toilet cost?

Once you become accustomed to Japanese toilets it's difficult to go back.Electronic Japanese toilets are designed to enhance comfort, privacy and cleanliness. They range in price from 40,000 yen to 400,000 yen (roughly USD $500 ~ $5000). There's a big difference from one model to the next. These are the most common features.

What is a nozzle in a toilet?

A nozzle (often referred to as a cleaning wand) makes an appearance below the toilet seat and sprays your bottom. Most people who've tried it consider it a superior level of cleanliness (as compared with paper alone).

What is a travel washlet?

Travel Washlets are used to cleanse on a regular toilet with a powerful jet of water. Such devices are usually handheld. 20. Experimental Features. Japanese manufactures are experimenting with toilets that can run medical tests. Such toilets are internet connected to deliver results to you (or perhaps your doctor).

What is the button called that deodorizes toilets?

Many toilets deodorize by default. Some have a special button called "power deodorize" that pushes the electronic deodorizer to its limits.

Why do toilets have timers?

Toilets often have a timer that's used to save power. For example, you can set your toilet seat to be nice and warm in the morning but cold while you're at work. Advanced toilets automatically record usage patterns and power systems up at times the toilet is most likely to be used.

Why do toilets make noise?

Noisemaker. Some toilets feature a noisemaker that can emit a white noise that drowns out other sounds. This is intended to enhance privacy . The sound is either triggered by sitting on the seat or pressing a button.In the past, noise makers sounded like a continuously flushing toilet.

Where is the toilet nozzle held?

The nozzle is held in a protected compartment. It only makes an appearance for the cleansing phase. Even then the nozzle is well back (safe from splash back). Most toilets have self cleansing (or self sterilizing) nozzles.

Additional features of Japanese toilets

The integrated bidet may be the defining feature, but it's really only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the bells and whistles of Japanese toilets. One feature even more common than the bidet is the heated seat.

Automation and proximity sensing

Feeling a little overwhelmed at all these toilets can do? Not to worry — one of their most impressive aspects is how much of their operation is completely automated, so there are very few features you actually have to manage yourself.

Cleaning and maintenance of Japanese toilets

All those fancy features must make it pretty complicated to keep Japanese toilets clean, right? Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. Many Japanese toilets have additional features designed to help keep themselves clean, meaning you would probably spend less time cleaning these toilets than you would an American model.

Drawbacks of Japanese toilets

Okay, Japanese toilets are pretty cool. But that doesn't mean that there aren't some negative aspects to Toilet Nirvana.

Additional Features Of Japanese Toilets

Automation And Proximity Sensing

Feeling a little overwhelmed at all these toilets can do? Not to worry -- one of their most impressive aspects is how much of their operation is completely automated, so there are very few features you actually have to manage yourself.

Cleaning And Maintenance Of Japanese Toilets

Drawbacks Of Japanese Toilets

Okay, Japanese toilets are pretty cool. But that doesn't mean that there aren't some negative aspects to Toilet Nirvana.

What Are Japanese Toilets Called?

A modern Japanese toilet has many names, and people all over the world have a name in their own dialect. But in Japan, most people refer to it as a Washlet ( ウォシュレット ) and pronounce it as “Woshuretto”.

Why Are Bidets Popular in Japan?

So the many features of a bidet that provide better personal hygiene, overall cleanliness, and efficiency make it an attractive choice over a traditional western toilet.

What Is the Difference Between a Washlet and a Bidet?

No house is truly complete without a washlet. If you are looking to install a modern Japanese toilet, choosing the right one is a must. If you want the best quality cleaning capabilities and trust that comes with a reliable brand, you cannot go wrong with Toto. I’m biased as I own two of them at home and can’t imagine not having a warm seat at 2 am on a cold winters morning

What are the features of a Japanese toilet?

The feature set commonly found on washlets are anal hygiene, bidet washing, seat warming, and deodorization. Japanese toilets are well known in popular culture and often parodied in comedic works set in Japan.

Why are toilets in Japanese houses?

In the often crowded living conditions of Japanese cities and with the lack of rooms that can be locked from inside in a traditional Japanese house, the toilet is one of the few rooms in the house that allows for privacy. Some toilet rooms are equipped with a bookshelf, in others people may enter with a newspaper, and some are even filled with character goods and posters. Even so, these toilets are, whenever possible, in rooms separate from those for bathing. This is due to the ethic in separating clean from unclean, and this fact is a selling point in properties for rent.

How do toilets measure blood sugar?

Recently, researchers have added medical sensors into these toilets, which can measure the blood sugar based on the urine, and also measure the pulse, blood pressure, and the body fat content of the user. Talking toilets that greet the user have also started being made. Other measurements are currently being researched. The data may automatically be sent to a doctor through a built-in internet -capable cellular telephone. However, these devices are still very rare in Japan, and their future commercial success is difficult to predict. A voice-operated toilet that understands verbal commands is under development. TOTO, NAiS (a division of Panasonic ), and other companies also produce portable, battery-operated travel washlets, which must be filled with warm water before use.

What is a bidet toilet?

The current state of the art for Western-style toilets in Japan is the bidet toilet, which, as of March 2016, is installed in 81% of Japanese households. In Japan, these bidets are commonly called washlets, a brand name of Toto Ltd., and include many advanced features rarely seen outside of Asia. The feature set commonly found on washlets are anal ...

How does a toilet affect the environment?

The environmental impact of modern style washlets differs from regular flush toilets. Modern toilets use less water than old toilets, and the self-cleaning options also reduce the amount of detergent. Some toilets even change the amount of water for the flush depending if the seat was flipped up (indicating male urination) or not. They also cause less toilet paper to be used. On the other hand, these toilets also consume energy, and are estimated to consume 5% of the energy of the average Japanese household. In rural areas, toilets that use very little or no water have also been designed. These are also considered as emergency toilets in case of earthquakes.

Why do Japanese toilets have washlets?

Japanese toilets with washlets increasingly have features intended to reduce the frequency with which cleaning is required.

How to separate clean and unclean areas in Japanese?

For example, the inside of the house is considered a clean area, whereas the outside of the house is considered unclean. To keep the two areas separated, shoes are taken off before entering the house so that the unclean shoes do not touch the clean area inside of the house. Historically, toilets were located outside of the house, and shoes were worn for a trip to the toilet. Nowadays, the toilet is almost always inside the home and hygienic conditions have improved significantly, but the toilet is still considered an unclean area. To minimize contact between the unclean toilet floor and the clean floor in the rest of the house, many private homes and also some public toilets have toilet slippers (トイレスリッパ, toire surippa) in front of the toilet door that should be used when in the toilet and removed immediately after leaving the toilet. This also indicates if the toilet is in use. They can be as simple as a pair of rubber slippers, decorated slippers with prints of anime characters for small children, or even animal fur slippers. A frequent faux pas of foreigners is to forget to take off the toilet slippers after a visit to the restroom, and then use these in the non-toilet areas, hence mixing the clean and unclean areas.

Why are toilets so popular in Japan?

Besides, in the Japanese traditional houses where sliding doors still outnumber locked doors, and in the crowded cities where shared houses are common, toilets may be among the few places offering privacy. Some people customize their own space by decorating them with character goods and posters or equip the toilet with a bookshelf, newspaper. Last but not least, as much as Japanese care about cleanliness, we are really self-conscious and hate to disturb others. All these reasons along with the cutting-edge technology make Japan a pioneer in this field. Whatever innovations you see in a smart toilet ranging from hands-free automatic flushing to a water sound simulator, probably originate from Japan.

What are the new features of Japanese toilets?

This information should be automatically sent to the doctors. Other possible advances are the verbal command toilet and portable, battery-operated travel washlets.

How much did Toto make in 2017?

In fact, the leader of the market and the largest toilet manufacturer worldwide, TOTO corporation claimed to earn approximately $311 million in profits with 50 million in sales in 2017. There are washlets in train stations restrooms, hotels, department stores, and almost 80% Japanese condos.

How do Japanese toilets keep you warm?

Since Japanese toilets nowadays can keep your rump warm by the heated seat. When the summer comes, you simply switch the function off and save energy. In some cases, a smart sensor will be able to analyze the time you most likely use the toilet and heat it beforehand.

How many toilets are there in Japan?

42% of the 24,525 toilets in Japan’s major tourist attractions are squat toilets.

What is the Japanese word for cleanliness?

First and foremost, we have to understand that the Japanese are obsessive about cleanliness. There is even a word “kirei” (きれい, 綺麗) for both “beautiful” and “clean, pure”. So this explains why the market for deodorants, air fresheners is huge and of course, in Japan, toilets are taken seriously. People may have conversations related to their toilets, like how they upgrade them, how to sanitize, …etc. What may surprise you, even more, is the existence of TOTO Museum in Kitakyushu and Unko Museum (Unko means “poop” in Japanese) in Tokyo, which honor … the private business and the toilet.

What is a western style toilet?

Compared to the squat toilet, western-style toilet (洋式, yōshiki) includes a pedestal for sitting.

What is the Japanese toilet known for?

Maritomo [Profile] Japan is renowned for the quality of its toilets, perhaps best symbolized by its invention of toilet seats with warm water jets. In the second installation of this series, which puts the spotlight on Japanese toilets—rare and unusual restrooms, as well as customs and remarkable ideas involving the lavatory—“toilet hunter” ...

When did the Japanese squat toilet start?

What is a sometsuke toilet made of?

The middle of the Meiji era (1868–1912) saw the rise of sometsuke toilets, made of white ceramic decorated with blue glaze. The photograph below gives a visual idea of how kinukake evolved into kinkakushi. The former became obsolete as more and more Japanese shed their kimono in favor of Western clothes, and moving the structure to the front presumably gave it new purpose as a hood for obscuring one’s private parts and keeping urine from splashing out. The delicate artwork on the sometsuke toilets speaks to the Japanese obsession with the loo that would eventually spawn high-tech toilets. Japanese-style toilets made of ceramics, which are still in use today, came into production in the 1900s.

What are the two types of toilets?

Toilets of the world can be roughly classified into two types: sitting toilets, referred to as Western-style toilets in Japan, and squat toilets, including traditional Japanese-style toilets. Sitting toilets prevail in predominantly Christian regions like the United States and Europe, whereas squat toilets are common in African, Arab, ...

Where did the squat toilet originate?

The roots of the Japanese squat toilet lie in the hibako, a portable toilet that first came into widespread use in the Heian period (794–1185). The kinukake at the back of this chamber pot transformed over time into the kinkakushi of the present day. Shaped like the torii gate found at the entrance to a Shintō shrine, the kinukake was where users would hang the hems of their garments to keep them from being soiled.

Is the toilet going down in Tokyo 2020?

Japanese-style toilets are expected to keep decreasing, particularly in the capital, in the run-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is proceeding with a plan to raise the percentage of Western-style toilets to 90% in stations on the municipal Toei subway lines and 80% in public elementary ...

Do Japanese have toilets?

This policy is not just for the sake of international visitors. Most Japanese homes today have Western-style toilets, leading to a growing number of children who do not know their way around Japanese-style toilets. The aging of Japan’s society also means that more and more elderly people are avoiding traditional toilets on account ...

What Are The Best Japanese Toilets: Reviewed

One word comes to mind after you use a Japanese high-tech toilet: Luxury, the experience, the convenience, and the feeling of cleanliness.

WOODBRIDGE B-0960S Smart Toilet With Bidet Seat

As we promised, our first Japanese-style toilet will have an elongated design with a built-in bidet and heated seat.

WOODBRIDGE T-0008 Luxury Bidet Toilet-Elongated One piece

Woodbridge T-0008s offers some of the most innovative designs around — but they’re not just pretty faces; these products do provide the ultimate cleaning experience.

ALPHA JX Elongated Bidet Toilet Seat

The Alpha JX is an elongated bidet toilet seat with a self-cleaning nozzle.

Final Thoughts

We listed the best Japanese-style toilets on the market you can get. The toilets are easy to install and use. In addition, These products have been tested over and over to ensure their quality.

What is the Japanese toilet famous for?

Japanese toilets are famous for their special features. They were ahead of the rest of the world in adding dual-flush systems, heated seats, washlets, and built-in sinks, and are now leading the way on remote control toilet technology. And we can’t forget the button you can push to make a flushing sound (don’t worry, we’ll explain).

How to get a Japanese toilet?

The best way to get a Japanese toilet is to buy either from an online store — Amazon has plenty, and we’ve shared the links above. You can also go directly to the manufacturer if you prefer. Companies like Brondell are attempting to apply the startup model to Japanese toilets, and are only too happy to help out.

What is a Toto C100 washlet?

Another entry on our list from Japan’s king of toilets, the Toto C100 Washlet is a great choice for people who want Toto luxury but can’t afford to import an entire toilet. It’s a seat attachment that offers a comfortable bidet cleanse — and you don’t need a contractor to install it. We like the visual design, the heated seat, and the soft-close lid.

Why do toilets have UV lights?

As an added bonus, some Toto and Toto-inspired toilets come with UV lights to destroy any microbes on the bowl.

What does "toire wa doko desu ka" mean?

As they say in Japan: Toire wa doko desu ka! (“Where’s the bathroom?” )

Why is Japan so clean?

Whether because of its Buddhist and Shinto heritage emphasizing cleanliness, because it’s blessed with abundant natural water, or just because summer gets hot and sticky, the people of Japan place a high value on proper hygiene. This leads not only to their luxurious culture of onsen (public hot springs) but also to some of the world’s most advanced toilets.

Who makes the B0960S toilet?

California-based Woodbridge Bath is the US company that best captures the Japanese spirit of bathroom innovation. Their B0960S smart toilet has all the features we could ever wish for: totally hands-free operation, a remote-control bidet which can oscillate to massage your posterior, and a heated seat, deodorizer, and air dryer. It’s even got a night light, and its own dedicated tech support team.

What Makes Japanese Toilets Unique?

The Famous Bidets

Additional Features of Japanese Toilets

Automation and Proximity Sensing

Environmental Impact of Japanese Toilets

Cleaning and Maintenance of Japanese Toilets

Drawbacks of Japanese Toilets

Okay, Japanese toilets are pretty cool. But that doesn't mean that there aren't some negative aspects to Toilet Nirvana. One of the biggest drawbacks of using a Japanese toilet was already mentioned above: They run on electricity, meaning they need to be plugged in. As noted in the Taipei Times, most American bathrooms don't have electronic outlets...

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