Toilets in Japan are so clean that people can eat, sleep, play games or do whatever they like in them.
Japanese students have a habit of eating in the toilet. According to the survey, one in five people in their 20s eats lunch in the toilet. The reason is because they are afraid to eat alone, ashamed and afraid that others think they have no friends. So they chose to eat in the secret space of the toilet, calling it a “sweet meal”.
This is also the reason that many colleges and universities in Japan post notices in the toilets, stating: Not allowed to eat here!. But that did not improve the situation.
Cultural issues aside, you might wonder why a dirty and smelly environment like a toilet can be a place to enjoy food and food? In fact, public toilets in Japan are cleaner than you might think and imagine.
This has even been recognized around the world, conquering any visitor when visiting the land of the rising sun. Technology, intelligence and attention to detail in the user experience is what makes the difference. Let’s “unbox” a toilet in Japan to better understand this.
Toilets in Japan are divided into two types: toilet bowls and squat toilets
Squatting toilets in Japan.
There are two types of toilets in Japan, one is a traditional squat toilet and the other is a modern toilet style toilet. However, the traditional form is now very rare, appearing only in certain places, parks or old-fashioned houses. But even if it’s a squat toilet, it’s very special. In addition to the basic requirements for cleanliness and the absence of water on the ground, they must be equipped with handrails so that the user can grip and get up. The height and distance of the handrail must be calculated scientifically to suit all users’ conditions.
Toilet paper can be dissolved in water, so much that it can never be used
And in Japan, there is always a lot of toilet paper in public toilets. In many places, toilet paper comes in two rolls, twice as much as usual. Therefore, the probability that “no toilet paper” occurs is almost zero. Not to mention, Japanese toilet paper is very thin, is a single layer, can be dissolved in water, allowing toss to be thrown. directly into the toilet after use. Because the Japanese cannot bear to let used toilet paper come into contact with the air, because of the obsession with the smell and image it brings. Furthermore, throwing paper in the trash will increase the cleaner’s workload and will also easily create a breeding ground for bacteria.
Production of waste paper from Japanese toilet paper.
In a sense, the Japanese aversion to smell and the pursuit of cleanliness fueled the popularity of water-soluble toilet paper. In terms of origin, they are produced by recycling waste paper, through the steps of grinding, sterilization, whitening… Therefore, they are low in cost and can be freely supplied in unlimited quantities. . But this does not mean that you can bring a few scrolls home because it is against the law and will be severely punished.
Smart toilet, sitting down is not wanting to get up
Almost all toilets in Japan use smart toilets. It is a type of toilet that can automatically clean and rinse for users after they go to the toilet. Japan was the first country in the world to develop a smart toilet and bring it to the world.
The water jet cleaning function of the smart toilet.
The core function of a smart toilet is nothing more than 3 points: heated seat, warm water cleaning feature and warm air drying feature. The heating of the seat section helps users not to get cold when going to the toilet in winter. The warm water cleaning is to replace the paper with water, keeping your butt clean. The drying function blows out light breezes like a spring breeze, keeping your butt dry.
Special music playback feature only for Japanese people
In addition to the core functions above, smart toilets in public toilets in Japan often have a music button, with a sound icon above. It was created not to entertain users, but to mask the “sensitive” noises they might make when using the toilet.
When this button is pressed, the toilet will emit a sound of running water, perfectly covering your other sensitive sounds. The appearance of this feature has received countless compliments from female customers. Because it helps them no longer fall into embarrassing situations like before.
This is a control panel of a smart toilet, usually located on the right hand side of the toilet. Sometimes it is mounted directly on the side of the wall. You can see basic buttons like washing butt, drying, temperature adjustment, jet strength, water temperature, wind temperature… Everything can be adjusted. Some of the more complex tables have more than 30 buttons, which is enough for the user to comfortably explore and experiment for a long time.
Trash is also “smart”.
This is not a hand dryer. It is a trash can, for special types of garbage, mainly for women. Place your hand over the black infrared sensor. After about two seconds, the bin lid will automatically open for you to put the trash in. After a few seconds, the lid will automatically close, avoiding the user having to touch the trash can, causing bacteria to spread. The lid is very tight and tight, which helps to eliminate odors and images of unsightly things.
Toilets support mother and baby
Kid’s chair.
In Japan, there are many mothers who often bring their children with them when going out. To facilitate these mothers with babies, “baby seats” can often be seen in public toilets in Japan. Mother put the baby on the toilet seat, no longer afraid of them running around while solving “private affairs”.
Small baby toilet and diaper changing…
In some toilets there is a separate toilet for children. Their height and size are designed according to the child’s butt size, which is convenient and safe to use. In addition, there is a separate table for changing diapers.
This board is usually placed next to the wall. It has the effect of supporting you to change clothes, when you take off your shoes, do not touch your feet on the ground. This way, socks and clothes won’t get dirty. This assistive device, which is set up at most major shopping malls, can be used by both adults and children.
Call button for emergency assistance
There can be unexpected situations in the toilet, especially for the elderly and frail. Some Japanese toilets will be equipped with an emergency call button next to the toilet wall. Its red color is very eye-catching and even has a button placed in a low position, in case you fall and can’t get up, you can still press the button.
Sleeping on the toilet is not uncommon.
In fact, at some companies with large working hours, the restroom often becomes a secret sleeping place for employees. If you go to the bathroom and hear snoring in the next room, don’t be too surprised.
Why are toilets in Japan so clean?
In fact, modern and smart devices only partially support it. The important thing that makes the cleanliness of public toilets in Japan is the intention of the people, as well as the work of the cleaning staff. Usually, the toilets in restaurants and shopping malls will have a daily inspection schedule, so that management can clearly know who checked the toilet during the day. Most toilets are checked every hour (sometimes every 30 minutes). This is a huge frequency, providing high efficiency and cleanliness.