Date published: 6 August 2023
Wherever you go in Japan, you will rarely have trouble finding a restroom. They are often clean and comfortable. Not only in train stations and department stores, but recently, toilets in bullet trains and airplanes are also equipped with hot-water washing toilet seats.
Such high-spec toilets in Japan are not only clean and comfortable, but also have “surprise points” for foreigners.
In this issue, we introduce some of the differences between Japanese and foreign toilets that surprised us, based on interviews with foreigners conducted by LIVE JAPAN in the past (the following are personal opinions and impressions based on the experiences of the interviewees).
top image: Shutterstock
I was surprised that public toilets in Japan are free!
Image: PIXTA
“I was surprised to learn that public toilets in Japan are free! Public toilets in Paris are basically something you pay for. But they don’t have toilet seats and are very dirty, so I never use them. When I am out and about, it is smart to use one at a restaurant or café. I also buy a cup of coffee and use the restroom,” said a French man living in Tokyo.
Some people use the restroom in French cafes without buying anything. In an effort to prevent this, a French fast food restaurant has introduced an initiative.
“There is a fast food restaurant in France that has coded the keys to the toilets. The restrooms are locked to prevent non-users from using them. So, in order to enter, you have to enter the code printed on the receipt. Maybe this was the only way because of bad manners. In Japan, public restrooms are everywhere, even in restaurants and convenience stores, and they are free! I think Japan is the only country that has toilets that are that clean and well-equipped,” he said.
Recently in Japan, we have begun to see some forms of charging or opening them only to customers using stores, but many people must still be surprised at the difference this time. For Japanese people, restrooms are a place where anyone can use freely whenever and wherever, but that is not the case in some places.
Quality toilet paper! I have a preference for thickness, but there’s so much variety!
Image: PIXTA
“Japanese toilet paper is rather thin and softer than it looks. I honestly think this high level of technology and quality is amazing! I think Japan is the only country in the world where toilet paper is that soft!” A Chinese man in his twenties was very impressed with the quality of Japanese toilet paper.
Japanese toilet paper comes in a variety of types, including single-sheet type, double-ply, floral scented type, and those with deodorant ingredients in the core, and its softness is also a feature.
“But I prefer thicker, harder toilet paper because I am used to using it that way. I sometimes wish Japanese ones were thicker because they tear easily.”
What? He praises the quality, but is dissatisfied with the thickness. I would think, “Wouldn’t it be better to have a softer one that feels softer and more comfortable?” But after all, we use toilet paper every day, so what we have been used to since we were little might be the best!
Barrier-free toilets in Japan are at a high level of functionality and number of toilets installed!
Image: PIXTA
“I was surprised at the number of barrier-free restrooms in Japan. I was surprised to see barrier-free restrooms in shopping malls and train stations for people with disabilities and mothers with young children,” said Ms. A, a Chinese exchange student.
Barrier-free restrooms in Japan are spacious enough for wheelchair users to use without difficulty and are equipped with handrails. They are also equipped with diaper-changing seats and baby chairs, making them accessible not only to wheelchair users, but also to the elderly and people with children. Recently, an increasing number of restrooms have been equipped with “universal seats,” which are not infant beds, but instead can be used by both infants and adults.
Barrier-free toilets in Japan are expected to continue to evolve. I hope they are used appropriately, so that those who need them can use them without any inconvenience!
What is normal for the Japanese may not be the standard in the rest of the world!
The differences between Japanese and foreign toilets are so obvious that we are often unaware of them. Whether it is the difference between free and paid toilets or the difference in the quality of toilet paper, the Japanese temperament and culture are deeply involved in the background.
It is only a toilet, but it is a toilet. If you try using the toilet in your daily life while thinking about the toilet situation in other countries, you may discover something new!
All images are for reference only. This article originally appeared in November 2021..
*This information is from the time of this article’s publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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