Osaka, 14 October.A people known for its technological savvy, the Japanese spare no effort or imagination when it comes to toilet design. Whether nestled into a private residence or lining massive train station restrooms, the toilet experience is intense, and no two are alike. The toilets are often programmable, with options that include heated seats, A/C or heating vents (at the back on the tank, blowing air onto you as desired), a button that imitates the flush sound (to cover up other noises), a bidet, a butt wash, a timed flush, and other things I have yet to figure out and am afraid to try. Many toilets are dual flush, and I have now memorized the characters associated with each option. In addition, there is frequently a faucet on top of the tank, allowing you to wash your hands with the fresh water that is about to refill the bowl.
I have spent considerable time researching water efficient toilets for my projects, so I speak as an expert: Japan is far more advanced than the United States in this area. Now if only they would apply their talents to developing systems that prevent toilets from shifting around on unsteady trains…
Follow-up note: during my final hours in Japan -- in the Tokyo airport -- I found fully translated instructions for the buttons that have confused me for the last three weeks. (Click image to enlargen. )
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