Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)
1–10 of 65 posts
Re: Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)
#2Here's my answer:
* no plugs near the toilet in American homes
* too f'ing expensive
Combined, these two turn getting a Japanese style toilet into a multi-thousand dollar investment. To compare, even reasonably nice toilets cost There are U.S. homes with Bidets in them. My sister had one in the master bath of her 1940s era home. But they're again another $200-400 prices plus plumbing costs.
If somebody made a Japanese style toilet, and it and install were <$500 Toto brand toilets would be everywhere.
Re: Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)
#3How do folks use bidets (or those spray-hoses they use in India) without getting water and feces everywhere? How do they dry off without using tons of toilet paper?
The whole bidet thing just seems messy and unsanitary. I'm sure that there's a way to use it which isn't messy and unsanitary, but I'm not about to make a mess trying to learn!
Re: Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)
#4I didn't really like living and working in Japan, but the toilet in my flat is one of the few things that I dearly miss. I don't know why anyone would want to stick their hand in "the mess" with a flimsy layer of cheap paper as the only insulator between skin and "the mess" when such a great alternative is available.
The machine I had in Japan had a hot water connection instead of an electric heater. However, being electrically inclined, the models sold in the USA would be a better proposition for me, rather than having to plumb a hot water line to the toilet. I'm going to get a Toto as soon as I expect to remain in one place for longer than five years.
On the other hand, I've had experience with German toilets too, and wow the fact that this exists makes me sad.
Re: Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)
#5Note that deep into the piece, the author reveals he's never actually tried one before. So take his advice and analysis with a grain of salt.
Re: Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)
#6Before smartphones became the rage, American consumer technology always lagged behind japan in terms of adoption. I think this is still the case for a lot of things, including toilets.
Re: Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)
#7I brought one of these home from Japan and have been trying it out on unsuspecting houseguests. People usually yelp the first time (surprise heated seat!) and after the second time they're hooked.
The water jet is unsettling the first time you use it, but you get used to it quickly. The feeling of having a genuinely clean butt gives you the confidence you need to go crush it in the boardroom.
Re: Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)
#8After using them in various Google bathrooms, I spent the money and added a Toto washlet to my toilet. It has easily been worth it.
Re: Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)
#9I brought one of these home from Japan and have been trying it out on unsuspecting houseguests. People usually yelp the first time (surprise heated seat!) and after the second time they're hooked. The water jet is unsettling the first time you use it, but you get used to it quickly. The feeling of having a genuinely clean butt gives you the confidence you need to go crush it in the boardroom.
How do you dry your ass off?
Re: Why Japanese Toilets Are Failing in America (2013)
#10How do folks use bidets (or those spray-hoses they use in India) without getting water and feces everywhere? How do they dry off without using tons of toilet paper? The whole bidet thing just seems messy and unsanitary. I'm sure that there's a way to use it which isn't messy and unsanitary, but I'm not about to make a mess trying to learn!
I am sure your opinion would change once you start using it. It's definitely not as messy as you describe it. On the contrary it takes less paper and is more sanitary IMO.