Arun posted a video showing the wonders of the modern Japanese toilet. This reminded me of the traditional squat toilet Heather and I came across while visiting Happiness Dairy back in 2000:
While it is not as fancy as its more modern counterpart it was equally confusing to try and use as a foreigner. I must say I prefer the modern variety.
We saw some of these too, which way do you face
The “modern” toilet you posted a link on is over 15 years old. A close friend of mine had one with a heated seat and all sorts of touch controls on the sides. I’ve been going to Japan for decades and have used probably every type in many many travels there.
I would agree with you that foreigners would have a problem with the one you pictured above, since most Americans can’t bend at their knees without folding over – especially the fat ones (of which there are many).
Many of the traditional toilets like you pictured have decorative water displays on top of the tank – like water wheels or tiny fountains to entertain the user after they flush.
BTW – you would face toward the pipes since that is where the raised splash shield is.
lol, yeah there are lots of these squatters still around in Japan, thought they are pretty much an hold style. Some people say they are more sanitary because you don’t actually touch anything, others would disagree with the inherit risk of falling in! I never could get used to them.
Its funny because if you go into a mall, airport or other public place, there are usually a bunch of Western style toilets and a few Japanese style ones. The Western ones are always the ones occupied first…by Japanese people.
I remember our trip to Happiness Dairy, good times. It’s hard to believe that was seven years ago already!