Toilets

Japan is famous for its high-tech toilets with water spray functions and lots more, and toilet technology continues to evolve in unique ways. After months of research, a Japanese toilet manufacturer found the ideal temperature for a cleansing water jet. When short-circuiting became a concern, a solution was found in a surprising place. Western-style toilets are commonplace in Japan, but many public restrooms are still fitted with traditional squat toilets. These can be baffling for foreigners who don't know which direction to face when using them. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we take a look at toilets and how they relate to Japan's love of cleanliness.