No bog-standard toilets in Japan
HIGH-TECH: FRUSTRATED FANS ARE HAVING HOT FLUSHES
Japan may not win their home Rugby World Cup but they have already proved themselves world-beaters when it comes to toilets. Going to the loo is a much more futuristic experience in the Land of the Rising Sun and touring fans have been fascinated by their visit to these high-tech “washlets”.
These Japanese toilets offer a wide variety of functions. Some open automatically when you approach them and many offer a warm seat for a bit of comfort on cold winter nights.
The numerous options on the control panel, however, can be confusing.
Two hours after landing at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, French fan Alex Weimer would not call his first experience a great one.
“There were something like 15 buttons in Japanese and I didn’t know which one to press. there were strange symbols with sprays going every direction...” he said.
“The flush was on the other side, I frantically pressed all the buttons and it made strange noises.”
It’s obviously not to everyone’s liking.
“A bit too sophisticated for me. I just like the simple one, push the button without all the other experiences,” said All Blacks fan Brent York, although his friend Bernard James felt differently.
“When you first encounter them it’s a bit intimidating but we’ve been to Japan many times, we’re used to them,” said James.
“Japan leads the way in toilets technology.”
Hygiene is very important in Japan. People wash their bodies before entering a bath and they take off their shoes when entering their home.
At toilet manufacturer Toto’s showroom in Tokyo, the latest toilet technology is on display. From the normal one to the most advanced, there’s a choice for everyone. –