[Eorzea]

So, you've finally made it to Japan! You're excited and likely having a great time when you realize you need to use the bathroom. No problem, right? They're easy enough to find.

After a short search, you find one, walk in and see this:



What's that?! A slight feeling of panic takes over as you search the other stalls for a toilet that looks familiar.

No luck. :-/

What do you? Well...



:D

It's a bit uncomfortable. If you take too long your legs get really stiff and it's hard to stand up when you're done. Fortunately, many places offer western-style toilets these days. Some dont, though, so be prepared!

There are some other kinds of strange/unique/funny toilets and toilet features in Japan as well. You can read about them at Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia....oilets_in_Japan

[Momotaru]

Haha, I actually don't mind this type of toilet. I used them while I was in Thailand in the past.
Seems to encourage getting your business done with quickly.. also natives using toilets like these all their lives probably have superior leg strength!


What I am looking forward to using though are the variety of toilet that shoot a comfortable and cleansing stream of water at your anus. Some are initially freaked out by this, but I think it's fantastic. XD

[Eorzea]

I don't mind them so much, but they really do make your legs stiff/tired, no?

Were the toilets in Thailand the same? Did they flush? You're right, they definitely do encourage people to get their business done quickly. I wonder how elderly people are able to use them, though. Aren't their legs often too weak/fragile?

The toilet you like is called a Washlet. I have one in my apartment. :P The seat is heated and yes, if you choose, a stream of water will shoot up and wash your anus. For women, that stream can be adjusted to wash elsewhere.

[Mari-bear]

So basically a baday toilet, for the stream of water that shoots up to kind of wash your bum and whatever else. I think I'd be freaked out by that myself. But I'm Texan, we get freaked out by *anything* that hits us in the bum. =P

Is there anything, in regard to the first toilet shown, that is more... comfortable for a woman to use? Or is it that in some places, you just don't get a choice?

[Cid]

hmmm... seems kind of practical to me so long as you don't miss and poo on the floor.
that position would definitely be more conducive to squeezing out #2...
you could really get a good angle! LOL :D

[Eorzea]

In some places, Mari, there's no choice: both men and women have to use the kind of toilet shown in my initial post. This is usually the case with older restaurants, train stations, etc. Many places offer western-style toilets these days, though, so more often than not you will be able to find something that is comfortable.

Unfortunately, Cid, many foreigners do miss at first. I've heard some pretty gross stories. :cool:

[Galactimus]

I don't think I'd be a very big fan of squat-style toilets. With nothing to hold onto I could see many mishaps taking place when your legs get tired or you start to lose balance. And what happens during long-term investments? Say you've got quite the upset stomach but your not finished yet. Do you abort mission, hold it in, and take a breather? Or do you continue on, drop to your knees, and look at the germ-infested floor in shame? Or what about gravitational splash recoil? Your feet seem like they'd come under friendly fire but due to your squat formation there's no way to change course or alter the enemies trajectory.

Yep, I'll avoid these contraptions at all costs!

[TempestKin]

hahaha, Galactimus, just had the best post ever. XD

[Cid]

My friends and I were just discussing the merits of the squatting position over the sitting position this weekend. One of my friends wants to invent a "leg-lifter" that attaches to a western style toilet to raise the floor under the toilet to the point where the user is squatting. It's the best of both worlds! East meets west poo technique!