Some Japanese toilets are an attraction in their own right, boasting a range of technological features that can surprise—or even alarm—first-time users.
These high-tech toilets, found in most homes, hotels, and shopping centres, feature an electronic control panel that operates an array of luxurious functions, including seat warmers, hot air dryers, and tiny robotic arms that spray warm water for cleansing. These technological marvels are commonly referred to as washlets, a name that is actually a trademark of Toto, Japan’s largest manufacturer of high-tech bidets.
Japan is the world leader in toilet technology, and some models feature up to 30 buttons—most labelled only in Japanese. Fortunately, many have humorous icons to help first-time users navigate their functions.
Generally, there are three main buttons:
- Oshiri (おしり) – meaning “Honourable Buttocks” (yes, really). This sprays water for rear cleansing and is typically represented by an icon that resembles a backside.
- Bidet (ビデ) – designed for women, this function is often indicated in pink.
- Kansō (乾燥) – the drying function, usually marked by a yellow wavy air icon.
More advanced models offer additional buttons for adjusting water pressure, temperature, and spray angle, and some even automatically raise or lower the seat at the press of a button. This is why it’s not a great idea to press buttons mid-stream—you might end up activating an unexpected feature!
If you accidentally activate the wrong function, don’t panic—there is usually a red “stop” button to halt the water or blower. Fortunately, most washlets require pressure on the seat before activating, so you won’t get sprayed unexpectedly.
The flush button is typically located on the top or side of the toilet, similar to a Western-style toilet. Some models include a built-in washbasin on top of the cistern, allowing users to rinse their hands with the water that will then refill the cistern—a simple yet clever water-saving feature.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Japanese public urinals are often housed in open cubicles, allowing passersby to see inside—a design intended to deter loitering. The idea is simple: get in, do your business, and get out quickly.
You may also encounter traditional Japanese squat toilets, which, although becoming less common, can still be found in some public restrooms. To use one, the person faces away from the toilet and squats down. These basic facilities lack fancy features, and it’s advisable to carry your own toilet paper, as many are not stocked.
The “Otohime” or “Sound Princess”
One of Japan’s more unusual toilet innovations is the Otohime (音姫), or “Sound Princess”. Japanese women often felt embarrassed by the noises they made in the restroom, leading them to flush repeatedly to mask the sound—a wasteful use of water. To solve this, the Otohime device was introduced, playing a continuous flushing sound to provide privacy without wasting water.
