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