I heard that the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan has exceeded 2 million for the first time in three and a half years. Actually, I see many foreigners when I go out on the street. Now, it seems that one of the things that impresses foreigners visiting Japan is “Japanese toilets (High-tech toilet)”. Living in Japan, it is easy to forget this, but it certainly made me nostalgic when I was in Cebu.
While studying abroad in Cebu, I had an opportunity to give a presentation in English, and I would like to introduce a few of my presentations on the theme of Japanese toilets (High-tech toilet).
Japanese toilets ranked second on the list
*REFERANCES: ANA / IS JAPAN COOL?
In a survey conducted by a major Japanese airline for foreigners, Japanese toilets ranked second on the list. This ranks ahead of Karaoke, Sumo (wrestler), and Hot springs.
About function of High-tech toilets
*REFERANCES: ANA / IS JAPAN COOL?
1. Innovative toilet system featuring the broad range of cutting-edge technology available in Japan.
2. One toilet with a simple washer function introduced in 1967 represented a pioneering effort in high-tech development. Ever since, toilet innovation has been remarkably progressive and heavily promoted by Japanese manufacturers.
3. Ordinary features include warm water washer, automatic up/down lavatory seating, seat warmer, and deodorizer. Some models even provide automatic self-cleaning, noise cancellation, water-saver functions, and even memory card slots for playing favorite music, LED illumination, auto fragrance function, etc.
4. Found in most Japanese buildings, including regular households. The latest avant-garde toilets in newly built, sophisticated commercial facilities can be experienced in Japan.
In fact, being familiar with Japanese toilets (especially washlets), I brought my own portable washlet.
Toilets Manners in JAPAN
In addition to the functional aspect, I would also like to mention a few things about toilet manners. One day, a Filipino teacher asked me, “Why do Japanese close the toilet lid?” The question was asked. (In the Philippines, people generally do not close the toilet lid.)
As far as I can tell, the reasons are as follows.
- Prevent the spread of gems and viruses
- Prevent things from dropping in the toilet
- Prevent noise during cleaning
- Save electricity (bill)
- Good looking
- One of the Japanese superstitions, if you leave the lid of the toilet open, you will lose your luck
For these reasons, I feel we Japanese have been trained to close the lid after using the toilet.
Hopefully, I sometimes think that Japanese toilets (High-tech toilet) will become the standard in the world. How is the toilet situation in your country?
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