Japanese toilets have come a long way from the early 20th century, when many people in Japan still used \"squatters,\" which were built into the floor. <\/p>\n
Western toilets became popular after World War II. And today, signature Japanese toilets offer the world's most futuristic and automated technology when nature calls. <\/p>\n
The units are not just toilets, but also bidets, offering a dizzying menu of options for washing and also for privacy not to mention heated seats, automatic odor-neutralizers and lids that rise when you approach. <\/p>\n
A Japanese government survey last year found more than 80 percent of Japanese homes have toilet-bidet combos. <\/p>\n
Check out the Washlet the name given to a popular toilet-bidet combo made by Japanese company Toto and its more advanced cousins in this showroom tour. Toto is the world's largest toilet maker, with more than $5 billion in annual sales. Its Washlet line ranges in price from $400 to $1,800. Higher-end Toto Neorests, which count Leonardo DiCaprio and Madonna among its fans, can cost as much as $5,000. <\/p>\n
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WATCH: What Makes Japan No. 1 In Toilet Technology : Parallels ... - NPR<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Japanese toilets have come a long way from the early 20th century, when many people in Japan still used \"squatters,\" which were built into the floor. Continue reading