| #ffffff;" /> | | | | relax, knowing no one can hear them. |
| In a country known for innovative technology, are | | | | What Japan really has to offer in modern toilets |
| we really justified in being surprised that they have | | | | industry, if you want to call it that, are the washlets |
| the most advanced public toilets as well? | | | | that have a variety of features to please everyone |
| Concentrating on comfort, cleanliness and even | | | | (…yes, we are still talking toilets). The control |
| attempting to ease embarrassment, Japanese toilets | | | | panel for the Washlet might remind you of something |
| are far beyond what most expect, though for | | | | you might see in a spaceship; these toilets may look |
| anyone living there, these should be fast becoming | | | | ordinary, but are anything but normal. |
| the norm. | | | | A common feature on each is a bidet, which can be |
| Of course we won’t go into the health befits | | | | combined with toilet paper, or used on its own to |
| of the squat toilets from yesteryears that are still | | | | wash anything and everything. Most have two |
| common here, but are really not as innovative as | | | | nozzles, with adjustable water pressure to each area, |
| you’d hope from the Japanese. Those | | | | gently cleansing without being uncomfortable. Many |
| you’d find in other Asian countries as well, | | | | Washlets have built in dryers, making toilet paper |
| mostly in villages though. | | | | unnecessary. Comfort doesn't stop here though, with |
| When it comes to a bit of innovation, it starts here | | | | heaters attached, cold seats are a thing of the past. |
| by eliminating embarrassment. Talk about the | | | | Some models even have automated lid opening, |
| discomfort of knowing someone is in a stall next to | | | | closing and flushing, catering to males and females |
| you and can actually hear you making some funny | | | | with the push of a button. |
| sounds; funny to them but embarrassing for you. | | | | Making those unavoidable trips to the loo is never |
| Japanese tech people have remedied this by creating | | | | welcomed by anyone, but Japanese have made the |
| a device commonly referred to as a ‘Sound | | | | whole thing an experience worth trying. The only |
| Princess’. Found in almost all of the newer | | | | main problem that most tourists face in these toilets |
| public restrooms, the device, when turned on, literally | | | | is the language barrier. The control panels have |
| sounds like a flushing toilet, drowning out any other | | | | Japanese instructions and once seated getting up can |
| sound that might be made when using the facilities. | | | | become tricky. |
| This ensures that even the shyest of people can | | | | |