Most public toilets in Japan feature bidet functionality.
For most people, the Japanese style bidet seat is still a novelty, something they’ve never before seen, and aren’t at all accustomed to. But for the Japanese, the bidet seat is commonplace.
The age of the high-tech toilet seat (also known as the “Washlet”, the brand name made famous by Toto) began in Japan in 1980 with the introduction of the first Washlet “G Series” seat by Toto, and since that time, the term “Washlet” has been used to describe all kinds of electronic, feature-rich toilet seats. The Japanese know they’re on to something – several years ago, almost half of all private homes in Japan were equipped with advanced toilets or toilet seats, exceeding the number of households with a computer!
Interestingly, the first toilet seat with integrated bidet functionality was produced in the United States even earlier than in Japan – in 1964. Despite the early introduction, most Americans are unaware of the technology, and those who learn about it are usually afraid of it, until they try it for the first time. Modern technology has resulted in huge price decreases in bidet seats, while continuing a trend of adding an assortment of very advanced features, making them more appealing then ever.
Those who experience the benefits of these seats are immediately drawn to them and usually begin the process of buying and installing these amazing devices in their washrooms. Honestly, once you start using one, you’ll never want to go back to old fashioned toilet paper. You’ll feel cleaner, smell cleaner, and be more comfortable all day long. And when you’re not home and are forced to use a standard toilet with toilet paper, you’ll miss home and your toilet seat more than ever.
