The Japanese Toilet

When you first get off the plane and land in Tokyo one of the first things that you will likely do is go to the john.  Nobody really enjoys having to use the cramped airplane bathroom!  Upon entering the public facilities you'll notice a couple diffrent types of toilet.

One:  The oldschool.

This thing looks like a urinal on the ground.  You have to squat to use it unless urinating.  I highly recommend finding another toilet because we gaijin are not used to that kind of posture.  I have never and will never use one outside of a leak.

Two:  The new school.

Japan is way ahead of us in crapper technology, that I know for sure.  The Toto Washlet and all its versions are incredibly convenient.  Many westerners have heard that it sprays water in your butt, and that is a very accurate ass-esment.  Why would you want this?  It cuts wiping time down to a fraction, and also helps women clean themselves as a bidet.  If you've ever been sitting on the throne wiping all day, you'll wish you had one.

How to use:  The button with a butt is for the butt, the red button is stop, and the woman button is for women.  The one that looks like wind is a dryer.  Don't touch the other ones as that will mess with angles.

When you're done, most modern toilets have a button on the wall that you can conveniently press with your foot.  Newer and public toilets rarely have a western style flush these days.

Just a stupid little update, but it's a good thing to know when you're in Japan anyway.