As I said in one of my first posts, about the only phrase I've memorized in Japanese is "Where is the toilet?". I've used it, too! But here is something I know now that I didn't know then.
Japanese toilets are amazing.
They wash your bum for you.
Not all of them do this, but a lot do. I'm still seeing a few traditional Japanese toilets around, but mostly they've been Western style. But, no, that terms not right, because the Japanese have made them their own. The toilet has a little arm that comes out when you push a button. There are usually two choices: The first is spray, which washes your ... um... rear. (With pinpoint accuracy, I might add.) The other is bidet, which washes your ... um... lady parts. Some of them also will play a noise (usually the sound of a toilet flushing) to cover up any embarrassing noises you might make. I've heard tell of ones that also gently blow-dry the area. Seriously. But I haven't seen them.
Our group's thoughts? Well, I'm not naming names. Let's just say some of us need to loosen up and others of us have never been so clean in our entire lives.
Wow! Sounds very refreshing! Hee, hee!
Posted by: Rachel | April 02, 2008 at 05:50 AM
I have been following your blog on your trip to Tokyo. Fascinating!
BTW, you can get that fancy japanese toilet here as well. Just go to http://www.totousa.com/washlet_slideshow.asp .
Posted by: ignatius | April 02, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Love that toilet!
Posted by: Bama | April 03, 2008 at 06:06 PM
I tried it.
I don't like it...
Posted by: Kate | April 04, 2008 at 06:05 PM