The older Japanese-style toilets are less common and not very familiar even to Japanese people. You might assume that there are almost none left in the country. However, according to a survey conducted by the Japan Tourism Agency in 2016, 10,181 units—or 42% of the 24,525 toilets at Japan's major tourist attractions—are the so-called “Japanese-style” toilets.

Surprisingly, this is far more than one might expect! What do foreigners think when they encounter this kind of toilet for the first time?

“I've been to China before, so when I saw a Japanese-style toilet in Japan, I was already used to it. But I was a little surprised! I don’t really want to use a Japanese-style toilet for long, though, because my knees would hurt. If I can choose between a Japanese-style toilet and a Western-style one, I’d go for the Western one.” (Australian man)

“I have never used a Japanese-style toilet.” (American man)

“I have never used Japanese-style toilets, but so far, I have never had any issues with bathrooms in Japan.” (Italian woman)

It seems that many foreigners don’t know how to use a Japanese-style toilet when they first see one. For those accustomed only to Western toilets, it may be difficult to imagine how to use a Japanese-style toilet.

Japanese-style toilets are also referred to as “squat toilets” by foreigners. This nickname likely comes from the squatting position required to use them and the strain on the thighs, making it similar to the leg exercise of the same name.

Toilet seats with built-in hot water bidets are a common feature of Japanese Western-style toilets. Did you know that these TOTO bidets and other warm-water jet toilet seats are actually not very popular overseas? I asked some foreigners if they use hot water jet toilet seats in their home countries.

“There are no warm water toilet seats in Australia. I’ve never seen one. I wonder if it’s considered too weird…” (Australian man)

“In the United States, warm water toilet seats are not common. Most people use standard toilets. If you want to use a warm water toilet seat, you’d need to install or order a custom one.” (American man)

“I was surprised when I used one for the first time because in Italy we have ordinary bidets, but not automatic hot water jet toilets like in Japan! Many Italians have a similar reaction when they encounter these toilets for the first time, and it’s a popular topic. Hot water bidet toilets were introduced in Italy about three years ago, but they’re not nearly as popular as they are in Japan.” (Italian woman)

It seems there are many things that surprise foreigners when they visit Japan, and Japanese warm-water toilet seats are definitely one of them. With the press of a button, you can wash yourself with comfortably warm water. These bidet toilets have won over the hearts of many foreigners.

This enthusiasm might be difficult for Japanese people to understand since these toilets are so common in Japan—not just in private homes, but also in public restrooms.

However, overseas, these seats are rarely used, and many foreigners have never encountered or used hot water jet toilets before coming to Japan. For many, their first experience with these high-tech toilets in Japan leaves a lasting impression.

There are even accounts of foreigners who were initially hesitant about using these toilet seats but later became so accustomed to them that they couldn’t imagine life without them. In this interview, an Australian man admitted that he had some resistance at first, but after trying it, his perspective changed completely.

“Japanese public toilets are really nice and clean. They’re not like the ones in Australia!” (Australian man)

“Japanese public toilets are cleaner than the ones in America! However, the ones in crowded stations like Shinjuku or Shibuya are an exception.” (American man)

“Japanese public toilets are very clean, and I love them! Some even have a nice smell, which is really wonderful. If I had only one complaint, it would be that soap is sometimes nowhere to be found. I don’t like not being able to wash my hands properly after using the bathroom.” (Italian woman)

One of the things that surprises foreigners is the cleanliness of Japanese public bathrooms. The reason for this may be tied to the Japanese custom of “cleaning toilets” instilled from childhood. In Japanese schools, unlike many schools abroad, children are responsible for cleaning classrooms and bathrooms as part of their daily routine. In contrast, schools overseas often rely on professional cleaning services.

In Japan’s customer-service industry, maintaining clean restrooms is seen as an essential aspect of good service. Many managers believe that the state of the restroom reflects the business’s attention to detail and care for its customers. As a result, public restrooms are cleaned several times a day and are consistently kept spotless.

This way of thinking is likely why Japanese public restrooms are so remarkably clean.

“In Australia, there are ‘eco toilets’ in national parks. An eco-toilet is an environmentally friendly toilet with a recycling function that processes waste back into the soil.” (Australian man)

“In America, toilets are made in a standard way, and there are very few unique or unusual designs.” (American man)

“In Italy, most station bathrooms charge 70 cents to 1 Euro to use. Public toilets in famous tourist destinations like Rome and Venice are also pay-to-use. When you use the bathroom in a café or bar, you need to buy something. In Italy, the cheapest item you can get in a café is an espresso, so if you want to use the bathroom, make sure you buy a coffee first.” (Italian woman)

Pay-to-use toilets are bathrooms that require payment to access. The fee is not for the toilet itself but to cover the cost of toilet paper, soap, water, and hand dryers. Free-to-use toilets are common in Japan, but pay-to-use toilets are more prevalent in many other countries. In some places, you may even be expected to tip after using the bathroom, even if access itself is free.

One of the reasons for the prevalence of pay-to-use toilets overseas is to help fund the maintenance of public restroom facilities. Additionally, the payment system can serve as a deterrent to crime by limiting access to restrooms, as the doors often open only after payment is made.

The Japanese government has undertaken efforts to install more Western-style toilets, particularly in tourist areas. This decision stems from the belief that Japanese-style toilets may be “stressful” or unfamiliar for foreigners. It is anticipated that, in the future, Japanese-style toilets will see less use among foreign visitors.

Modern Japanese toilets enjoy an excellent reputation among foreigners, thanks to their advanced features and user-friendly design. I hope foreign visitors take the opportunity to experience and appreciate the hospitality that Japan’s innovative restroom technology offers.

(*This article is a repost of a version originally published in May 2020)