Although Japanese-style toilets may seem to be doomed to extinction, they are not without their merits. Unlike their sitting counterparts, squat toilets allow for quick and easy bowel movements, as leaning forward in a squat with the legs apart exerts minimal pressure on the intestines and rectum.
There are two styles of toilets commonly found in Japan; the oldest type is a simple squat toilet, which is still common in public conveniences. After World War II, modern Western-type flush toilets and urinals became common.
Squat toilets are used in public toilets, rather than household toilets, because they are perceived by some as easier to clean and more hygienic, therefore potentially more appropriate for general public use.
In the thirteenth century the Japanese, who were largely a farming people, began to use the waste taken out of these toilets as fertilizer. Traditional Japanese toilets consist of a hole or basin in the floor and are not made to sit on but to squat over.
Earlier studies have shown that squat toilets have higher pathogen loadings on their surrounding surfaces compared with western-style closestool toilets in similar service conditions.
The problem of bad smell It is an unavoidable problem in homes that use squat toilets, whether the smell of urine splashes around it. During use or the stench that floats up from the pipe. But for a house that has been converted to toilet that sit down or flush the toilet will experience less bad smell problems.
Most Italian public toilets don't have a toilet seat.
This has to do with maintenance. Since public toilets are often less than spotless, people often climb with their shoes on top of them, not to sit on a potentially dirty seat.
Toilet paper is used in Japan, even by those who own toilets with bidets and washlet functions (see below). In Japan, toilet paper is thrown directly into the toilet after use. However, please be sure to put just the toilet paper provided in the toilet.
Japanese toilets are very hygienic, both for the users and for the household. With the aforementioned self-cleaning features, you don't have to roll up your sleeves and brush inside of the toilet. In addition, the nozzle enables you to experience a pleasant feeling of purity every time you've finished using the toilet.
Clean baths, clean chairs
It is common for people to sit down while showering before entering the public bath or hot spring, so the chairs are free to use. The most important part here is an obvious one: keeping everything clean and tidy.
Resting position
Most Western adults cannot place their heels flat on the ground when squatting because of shortened Achilles tendons maybe caused by habit: sitting on chairs or seats.
If you are new to squat toilets, it can be a good idea to fully remove your pants and underwear. If you are comfortable with squatting, you can try to leave your pants on, simply lowering them to your ankles.
They make all the sense in the world - the bidet shooting a stream of water at our private bits to wash them after we relieve ourselves. But, like in the US and UK, bidets aren't commonly used here in Australia. We've never developed a culture of using them, instead opting for multi-ply toilet paper instead.
Without chairs or bedding, the Japanese generally used the floor to sit and sleep on. This is because the Japanese believe in the concept of ma, or negative space, and a desire for simplicity. Objects would be placed very far apart, as the traditional Japanese believed that this space encouraged creativity.
Squatter toilets are leftovers from before Korea's rapid modernization, and are commonly found in less developed areas of Korea. The Korea Herald reports the government replaced many squat toilets with flush toilets in 1988, when the Summer Olympics were held in Seoul.
There are a few differences between a Western toilet and a squat toilet. The western toilet is more of a seat or a chair, which you sit on and do not squat on. These types of toilets are not designed to be stood or squatted on and are known to break if you do.
Why? Well, that's the way it is in Japan in traditional buildings and clearly it cuts down on installation cost. The idea is to just wash down your hand, not to do a proper hand wash with warm water and soap.
Wiping after using a bidet is simple. Gently wipe or blot the wet areas to soak up the excess water. Remember that the area is already clean; one gentle wipe or dab should do the trick. We recommend using toilet paper, as most people already have it in their bathrooms, or a towel.
The innovation in modern Japanese toilets is actually in the seat. These electric toilet seats spray water to cleanse one's bottom or female genital area. The spray of water is initiated by a remote control panel near or attached to the seat. An entry level Japanese toilet seat – Washlet B100.
Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan: These countries also use water for their cleaning needs while in the washroom, though the “restroom” isn't so much a toilet, more of a “hole” in the floor. Much like the people of Asian cultures, you have to squat over the hole.
It is thought that noren originally appeared during the Heian Period (794-1185), where they were used to keep houses cool, or retain heat during colder weather. Gradually, businesses started using them to guard entrances from dust, dirt, bad smells and smoke; a function they still carry out today.
Pads are the most popular period product in Japan, and this popularity is reflected in the seemingly endless variety of pads available at almost every drugstore. Pads are known as 生理用 せいりよう ナプキン (seiriyou napukinn, “sanitary napkin”) or simply ナプキン (napukinn, “napkin”).
It is said that pink was the regional preference at the time; how they came to this conclusion, is a mystery! It is thought that this colour was selected to compliment the bathroom décor – pink bathroom anyone? Of course, white toilet paper is available in France (it's also cheaper), it's just much less common.
Advantages: Energy costs in Germany are much higher than in the United States, which includes the cost of water. Therefore, the shelf toilets were designed to use much less water than their American counterparts - hence the shelf.