Japanese Toilets: Where Technology Meets Luxury

Globe-trotters and business travelers have long marveled at Japanese toilet technology. Found in Japanese homes, businesses, and restaurants, these high-end toilets have set the standard for tech-focused features and inspired designs for toilets, bidet seats, and bidet attachments worldwide. 

What Is a Japanese Bidet?

Japanese bidets encompass any bidet seat, attachment, or toilet that utilizes a stream of water to clean, thereby reducing the need for wasteful toilet paper. Japan was a pioneer of these high-tech, feature-rich designs, and the country continues to be associated with a growing variety of bidet products worldwide. You don’t need to install an entirely new toilet to get this technology – bidet seats and attachments are designed to fit seamlessly with your existing toilet. Installing one is a DIY project that takes about 15-30 minutes.

Bidet Toilets and Japanese Culture

High-end Japanese-style toilet and bidet combinations might retain a degree of exoticism in the US, but they’re extremely common in Japan. According to NPR, roughly 80% of Japanese households own a bidet, and you’ll find fancy Japanese toilets in most public areas as well. 

European Bidet vs. Japanese Bidet Toilet: What’s the Difference?

There are no definitive differences between bidets assembled or designed in Europe, Japan, or any part of the world. The biggest difference is adoption; smart toilets and bidets are significantly more popular in Japan than in most other parts of the world. There are also differences in product access and preferences in various areas: In Europe you may see more standalone bidets that are separate from the toilet, in Japan you’ll see integrated bidet toilets, and in other areas you’ll see bidet hoses near the toilet. 

Are Bidets Japanese?

Despite their popularity in Japan, bidets are not a Japanese invention. Bidets were first used in Europe, primarily in the French court, in the 17th century. Their use spread worldwide over the following centuries, although they were mostly reserved for middle- to upper-class households and the local nobility.  

How to Use a Japanese Bidet Toilet

Using a bidet in Japan is just like using one at home, although the language barrier can make hopping on for the first time a bit intimidating. Check out our handy “How to Use a Bidet” guide, or follow these tips:

1. Find the control panel.

It’s usually located on the side of the toilet or mounted on a nearby wall.

2. Select a wash function.

Here’s your crash course in Japanese:

• おしり or “oshiri” means rear wash. This will clean your hind parts, and it’s the most common function.

• “Front wash” or “bidet” or “anterior wash” is usually written in English. This feature is designed primarily for women.

• Gentle wash, or "yawaraka," is usually the rear wash but at a default lower water pressure.

• Water pressure and water temperature adjustments are usually denoted with a spray symbol and a thermometer symbol, respectively. Adjust these with the plus and minus symbols on the dial; when in doubt, start at the lowest setting.

After you’ve used your desired setting, you can usually turn it off by tapping the option again. Some features turn off automatically after a few seconds.  

4. Dry off.

Most Japanese-style bidet toilets feature a warm air dry function, typically indicated by a fan icon. If you can’t find it, simply drip dry or use a small amount of toilet paper. We have more tips on drying off, too.

Where to Find Japanese Toilets in the USA

The best Japanese toilet bidet might be in your own home, from Bio Bidet by Bemis. Many of our customers first fell in love with Japanese toilets overseas and had to have one when they returned to the US. For nearly three decades, we've refined Japanese toilet and bidet designs to introduce the advanced technology and exceptional cleaning capabilities to the US.

There are several categories of products you should know about.

 

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