This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
As the Rugby World Cup takes place in Japan, fans from around the world are not only cheering on their teams but also experiencing the country's unique culture and technology. However, one aspect of Japanese life that has left some visitors perplexed is the country's high-tech toilets.
Japanese toilets, known as 'washlets,' offer a wide range of functions, including automatic opening, warm seats, and advanced hygiene features. While some fans have been fascinated by these advanced toilets, others have found them confusing and intimidating.
French fan Alex Weimer described his first experience with a Japanese toilet as 'not great.' 'There were something like 15 buttons in Japanese and I didn't know which one to press,' he said. 'There were strange symbols with sprays going into every direction... The flush was on the other side, I frantically pressed all the buttons and it made strange noises.'
Not all fans have been put off by the advanced toilets, however. All Blacks fan Brent York said, 'A bit too sophisticated for me. I just like the simple one, push the button without all the other experiences.' His friend Bernard James, on the other hand, was more enthusiastic about the technology, saying, 'I think when you first encounter them it's a bit intimidating but we've been to Japan many times, now we're used to them. Japan leads the way in toilets technology.'
Washlets can be found everywhere in Japan, from public toilets to hotels and private homes. The market for these advanced toilets is huge, with prices ranging from around 25,000 JPY ($232) to over 1 million JPY (US$9,300). As the Rugby World Cup comes to a close, some fans may be wishing they could take a little part of Japanese technology home with them.
