Japanese public toilets really annoys me

[dongdong]

I lived so many countries and I find Japan is a nice country. Not bad!
But, I really dislike Japanese public toilets.

Old style Japanese toilets look like this.
http://www.johnnyjet.com/images/PicForNewsletterJapan2005KajikasouBothPublicBathro oms.JPG
http://lh3.google.com/_j3lg93m4oYA/Rm4up70chGI/AAAAAAAABhA/KF-5uSQbOAM/s800/DSCN0082.JPG

These kind of public toilet bowls keep me from going there.

This is a culture shock.
Korea does have these kind things, but most of them were replaced with Western style toilet bowls.

[Tokis-Phoenix]

How are you supposed to use those things- what i mean is, which way are you supposed to face when using such a toilet?

[Ryuk]

What happens if you get bad cramp whilst squatting??! :(

[nanook]

Here is an explanation (http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/%7EAD8y-hys/movie.htm) :)

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Here is an explanation (http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/%7EAD8y-hys/movie.htm) :)


Thanks.
... ... ...
...Um, wouldn't the Japanese toilet bowl design lead to a lot of "skid marks" happening in it?

[Damicci]

Actually it seems more sanitary since it is a straight shoot down....lol
I used one once and my legs were killing me but surprisingly not much clean up needed afterwards. I have to say if your going to Japan you have to try them just once. It is definitely an experience.

[nice gaijin]

The position is actually much more conducive to easy bowel movements. It really depends on where you go, but not all public toilets are like this. Over the course of a year I used Japanese-style toilets only a handful of times.

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Cool, they sound pretty good then, i will have to try them out when i go to Japan :) .

[Chidoriashi]

I don't like them... and surprisingly a lot of Japanese don't either. Here at work we have a Western style or Japanese style choice, and it is almost guaranteed that the Western style one is occupied first. They are not comfortable to use, I mean, I feel sorry for old, injured and handicapped people. Not to mention, if there is splatter, it is disgusting, and they almost always smell worse. Who cares if there is "no contact", i would rather take an extra few seconds to cover the seat with toilet paper than have to deal with using one of those style toilets. The thing that baffles me the most though, is I see new ones being made all the time.. like seriously... tradition is nice.. but I am all about advancement in area of restroom facilities.

[bruno]

a walk to the next shopping center is a solution !
Btw. japanese legs in general are shorter than gaijin"s !:relief:

[suz135]

the squat toilets are sanitary in that no part of your body touches the toilet, but the floor area around the toilet is often dirty and gross. I'll only use a squat toilet if its clean. On the plus side, you'll develop killer thigh muscles.

[caster51]

japanese legs in general are shorter than gaijin"s

who are gaijin?
korean is included??

[Mars Man]

On the plus side, you'll develop killer thigh muscles.

On the minus side...us guys (as in us bipedal animals with the extra leg), after a good couple of rounds down at the well, when walking home, and stopping to use the local one at a nearby park, can sometimes have problems with not quite clearing our pants that are all down around the ankles (one wants to be sure to shoot under)...and well...you get the idea.

Now don't ask me how this imagery came to mind....:bluush::p:relief::-)

[inertia]

I've come to appreciate Japanese squatters after my experiences with American public toilets in the past few years. When I was growing up in the US women used to actually sit on the toilets and so they were kept reasonably clean, but over the past 10 years it's become popular to squat over the toilet instead of sitting. American toilets are not designed for this posture and it inevitably leads to puddles of urine left all over the seats, which encourages more women to squat instead of sit. IMO, if I'm going to have to squat anyway, I'd prefer to do it over a Japanese-style toilet because it's a lot more comfortable.

[bruno]

The honour of the traditional jp.toilet is saved !!
How about a king-size model for western legs ??:cool:

[Squash]

That second one looks so grotty.

[Zirdante]

Japanese public toilets look a lot like Moroccan toilets as well.

http://www.globalvoicesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/toilet.jpg

Just as Mars man said, I had that problem too at the start -.- Had to take my pants off in the toilet before getting to business until I got the hang of it :p

[Damicci]

I had no problems clearing my pants but I guess it's all dependent on the person. My only gripe is my legs were killing me afterwards.

[Shineko]

I guess I am a stranger, if I say that I actually preferred to use the old styled toilets instead of the new ones. If it was possible in anyway, I always used the old styled ones. It was just easier to use them, than the western styled ones, even now after I have left Japan and returned to Europe, I do miss them.

Especially as public toilets I think they are way better, as you do not touch anything. Even if the toilet was dirty, they were very well usable to me. The only thing that touches the floor is you shoes anyway, they are meant for that use, so I never saw a problem with it.

[Chidoriashi]

Shineko> I am a bit lost, reading my other posts, you can see I think the Western style ones are better. You said that the Japanese style ones are easier for you to use. Could you expand on the reasoning behind that? Not trying to put down your opinion, I am just curious how you see them as easier to use, cuz my legs afterwards feel like i just got a workout, that is why i said i feel sorry for old, injured and handicapped people

[Shineko]

Shineko> I am a bit lost, reading my other posts, you can see I think the Western style ones are better. You said that the Japanese style ones are easier for you to use. Could you expand on the reasoning behind that? Not trying to put down your opinion, I am just curious how you see them as easier to use, cuz my legs afterwards feel like i just got a workout, that is why i said i feel sorry for old, injured and handicapped people

First of all, I would like to make sure that it is my "opinion" about which one I prefer, I never intended to say that it would be better for everyone, just that I prefer it over the western styled toilets.

I never had the problem with the legs feeling like they had a work out, not even when I had diarrhea and I used the old styled toilets. The reason for this is, that I was already used to be in a position like that, often in the train when it was rather full, but not too full, I was reading manga/books like that as it was easier to read them like that because I had no need to hold to anything, I could keep my balance easily even when the train was moving. So instead of the short 5-10 minute toilet session, I had gotten used to be in that position for over 30 minutes.

Also I felt comfier to use the old styled ones instead of the western styled ones, hard to explain but that is how I felt about it. Maybe the reason for this is, that the human body was supposed to do "it" like that. Of course, I can fully understand that this might be a problem, if your legs cannot handle it very well.

Of course, I do understand that the old styled toilets are hard if not impossible for old, injured or handicapped people. I was just stating my own opinion how I prefer to use them myself. There should be always the easiest option for old, injured or handicapped people, basically a toilet made for handicapped people, which anyone is able to use rather easily.

[Numark]

I prefer the Japanese style, but it has its faults. It is more hygienic, but on the other hand you risk dirtying your pants/losing stuff out of your pockets! I can imagine the squat style is a lot more difficult to use if you have unhealthy B.M's. If you are the type of dude that needs a half hour to go to the bathroom, then a squat style sure isn't going to accommodate you well.

[Relic2279]

Wow.. Those toilets aren't really conducive to reading the newspaper or bathroom browsing (browsing the web while on the pot).

What a strange topic for my first post... :okashii:

That link above though was hilarious..


~R

[DoctorP]

My only gripe isn't about public toilets so much as the location of the windows in the public bathrooms. Seems there is always a window near the urinal, and it is about waist high on me! The window is always open and usually seems to be near a busy sidewalk! C'mon people...I'm trying to pee here!

[Zirdante]

How tall are you, if I may ask?

I'm 186.5cm

[DoctorP]

How tall are you, if I may ask?

I'm 186.5cm


You are a little taller than me. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I'm on display, but the fact that I can see them makes things a little unsettling.:bluush:

[Bunshinsaba]

I lived so many countries and I find Japan is a nice country. Not bad!
But, I really dislike Japanese public toilets.
These kind of public toilet bowls keep me from going there.
So? Don't go then.
This is a culture shock. Korea does have these kind things, but most of them were replaced with Western style toilet bowls.
Let's do this the other way. Let's list things in Amercia and other countries that should be replaced for the comfort of Japanese people. How absurd and ignorant would it sound if this toilet rant were pitched in the other direction? . . . In public areas throughout America, all sit-down toilets, which are unsanitary to sit on, should be replaced with the Japanese squat version.

Huh... tourist Imperialism.

Nuff said.

[Chidoriashi]

Bunshinsaba> this isnt a cultural argument this is about the practicality and mechanics of a restroom system. Many Japanese people I know prefer western style over Japanese style. Your example, while amusing, really doesnt make sense cuz the majority of people have nothing to complain about with Western style toilets.

[Bunshinsaba]

Bunshinsaba> this isnt a cultural argument this is about the practicality and mechanics of a restroom system. .

And that would be practicality according to whom? Every Japanese person in the country? And was it an unanimous decision?
Many Japanese people I know prefer western style over Japanese style. .
And I could counter by saying that I know many Japanese that prefer the traditional style.
Your example, while amusing, really doesnt make sense cuz the majority of people have nothing to complain about with Western style toilets.
This whole thingy is not about the number of Japanese people who do or don't complain about the style of toilet in the local restroom. This is about some foreigner's comment about how Japan should "use what the West does" (ie sit down toilets); a statement that was rudely reinforced by some off handed fact that Korea has already begun to switch their toilets to the Western style.
Bottom line... don't come to Japan and amidst casual conversation start slipping in little rude jabs about how they should Westernize (toilets or otherwise).... and then add further insult and arrogance by using Korea as a measuring stick. I can state with complete confidence that that is exactly the type of Western arrogance and thinking that Japanese people hate. How do I know this? 10 years working here and a Japanese wife.

[Goldiegirl]

It seems to me that some Japanese are embarrassed by the Japanese squat toilets. We had been out drinking and were at the train station, well as nature took it's course I had to use the toilet asap or risk a puddle on the train. The gentleman I was with was very upset, he kept saying, that I shouldn't go there in the station toilet because they are filthy squat toilets, and that we should walk to a nice department store, and use their restroom. Well when you gotta go, you gotta go and it doesn't matter what kind of toilet it is just so I don't wet my pants! This scenario has happened to me a few times. I couldn't care less about the toilet, just as long as there is one handy! Another thing, If I want to use a sit down toilet there is usually a long line...and it ain't just us foreigners waiting.........

[Chidoriashi]

Bunshinsaba> Well, I'm not the one who made those comments. I'm strictly speaking about the practicality and ease use of the Japanese style facilities. And telling me you have lived here for 10 years, and have a Japanese wife doesnt make me take your opinions anymore seriously than I already would. I've lived here for 4 years and have been closely involved with Japanese people for 8... so what??

Anyway I have probably been inside 20 different Japanese homes, and all but one that was basically an old farm house, had Western style toliets. Why would that be now? If Japanese people loved old Japanese style toilets so much then why have they not developed those to take away poo smell and wash your butthole for you? Or take this example, every time I go to use the restroom at work the Western style toilet is occupied first. In fact, I work in a 5 story building and one day I had to go up to the 5th floor before i found the Western one unoccupied. And all of the Japanese style ones on were not occupied. My point is that it seems to me most people generally prefer Western style ones to Japanese ones ( I know you said that is not the point of your post- and again I did not make those comments). But the point of my post is that I think the Western style ones are better. In fact the only real argument that I think holds up for the Japanese style ones is that they use less water. And knowing how Japan is about conservation... that is probably the real reason they continue to make them.

[diceke]

The reason that many Japanese homes now have sit-down toilets is that home toilets are easy to maintain, and the only people who would share the toilets with you are your family members. I don't want to share toilet seats with random strangers, unless they are thoroughly cleaned, and that's for sanitary reasons!! I guess that is why many public toilets are squat types.

[Bunshinsaba]

Bunshinsaba> Well, I'm not the one who made those comments. I'm strictly speaking about the practicality and ease use of the Japanese style facilities..
Well that is not what I was/am talking about; I'm talking about how foreigners should think twice, long, and hard before they open their mouth and try and tell people of other countries how to live, act, or think
And telling me you have lived here for 10 years, and have a Japanese wife doesnt make me take your opinions anymore seriously than I already would. I've lived here for 4 years and have been closely involved with Japanese people for 8... so what??
So what?? There are more than enough Japan-o-philes on message boards who think their language studies and love of anime and sushi are reasonable subsitutes for having lived and worked with the natives right here in Japan - they're not. I state that about myself because it adds credibility and validation to what i say and let's people know that what I say comes from experience and not a travel guide.

[Pachipro]

Personally I prefer wester style toilets, but as Goldigirl mentioned, "when you gotta go, ya gotta go!", so I care not what type of toilet is available.

When I moved into my first apartment in Japan some 31 years ago all I had was a flush type Japanese squat toilet. I didn't much care for it, but when you want to live in Japan, you live like a Japanese would. Unless you want to live like a foreigner, with all the comforts of home, as many do, you take it and don't whine about it.

I got used to it even though it was hard on my hamstrings at times. I just learned to hold onto the pipe and make sure to take my wallet out of my back pocket!

In public, even today, I'll take whatever is available when the need arises. In fact, back then, in the majority of houses, there was only an open-pit squat type as a flush squat toilet was a luxury and a sit-down toilet was a godsend! I didn't complain (or even think about for that matter) as it was their country and their culture. I learned to adapt without whining about it to anyone who would listen.

[Bunshinsaba]

In public, even today, I'll take whatever is available when the need arises. In fact, back then, in the majority of houses, there was only an open-pit squat type as a flush squat toilet was a luxury and a sit-down toilet was a godsend! I didn't complain (or even think about for that matter) as it was their country and their culture. I learned to adapt without whining about it to anyone who would listen.
Cheers Pachipro... my point exactly; their country.... their culture... learn to adapt without whining!

[Chidoriashi]

Bunshinsaba> What I was trying to point out is that a deeper knowledge about a country and culture only learned through experience was not a necessary requirement for discussing restroom facility merits and flaws.

[Chidoriashi]

diceke> I understand peoples concerns about sanitation for the Western styles, but growing up in the West, I only had Western style as an option, so I just got in the habit of layering the seat with toilet paper. Anymore however facilities provide special seat covers, or even better now, seat cleaner. So I don't feel like it is such a worry anymore.

[Chidoriashi]

Actually, I don't know if you guys ever heard of a show call Myth Busters, here in Japan it is called 怪しい伝説, but they did a test to find out which bathroom item had the most/least amount of fecal matter on it and the toilet seat ranked quite low, whereas a toothbrush ranked quite high... gross huh.? They said it is because every time a toilet is flushed a vapor is released into the air with fecal matter in it. Makes me appreciated the toilet being separate from the bath here in Japan. Then again, to my knowledge, I've never gotten any serious diseases from using a bath/toilet facility most of my life... still kinda gross to think about though.

[Goldiegirl]

You know, I don't mind what kind of toilet there is in the restroom, I just really wish they offered paper towels to dry your hands and not those darn air blowing useless, supposed hand driers. If you have like spare 5 minutes your hands will be dry using them! I like paper towels; yes they can be messy, but I want dry hands and I like to use the towel to open the door after I am done washing my hands, because a lot of people (you know who you are) don't wash their hands after using the toilet. I don't believe a quick splish splash of water constitutes clean hands. You need some soap and some scrubbing action. I am appalled at how many don't even splash a bit of water on their hands. (goes for all countries I have visited) Yuck!

[Taiko666]

Cheers Pachipro... my point exactly; their country.... their culture... learn to adapt without whining!

I've never subscribed to the view that, as a foreigner, one must never complain about any aspect of Japanese life. Of course, one should endeavour to avoid offending people... that's why if you have a gripe, letting off steam on JREF is better than possibly upsetting your Japanese family/friends/colleagues. (Their own views on Japanese toilets notwithstanding...)

Furthermore, I didn't see the OP suggesting that the Japanese should change their toilets for his benefit. He just said he didn't like them.

[Bunshinsaba]

I've never subscribed to the view that, as a foreigner, one must never complain about any aspect of Japanese life.

Agreed... but I was referring to (complaining about) things because they are not Western enough or tourist friendly. Lord knows there are things to complain about if you really get down to it.

For example, foreign members of a Japanese company (who have been w/ the company for more than 10 years) being excluded from a company-paid group employee vacation because they are not Japanese and therefore they don't believe in working for a company for a long time like japanese people do, hence the value of the foreigner's work is not worth rewarding because they might quit at any time. Yes.. true story!!!! Demo... shoganai!!

[pipokun]

Do male Londoners go to public toilet?
I heard they show some modesty or patience till they go back to home.

Do Italians use the former resident's toilet seat when they rent a room?

So it is a bit difficult to define the word, Western, and Asian tourists are more here. I am a bit curious to know which toilet Asian tourists like, though.

[diceke]

But remember, the OP is not even "Western"?

Let's focus on the topic "sit-down toilets vs squat toilets".
It's not so much about "the West vs Japan"?

I've heard of these squat toilets being referred to as "Turkish toilets", and I've heard that the French also have these types in their country!

>OP
Overall, Japanese public toilets (of either types) are way better than Korean ones (of either types). You know that in Korea, people generally do not flush toilet paper down the toilet? Korean toilets "choke" when you try do that, so you have to place the used toilet paper in a waste basket! That is sanitary!

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/6940/48078279890b1b780dcvy7.jpg

Restroom Culture in China, Korea, Japan
http://www.fsb.muohio.edu/mis399/Student/Reading%20files/culturalshock.htm

[Pachipro]

I've never subscribed to the view that, as a foreigner, one must never complain about any aspect of Japanese life. Of course, one should endeavour to avoid offending people... that's why if you have a gripe, letting off steam on JREF is better than possibly upsetting your Japanese family/friends/colleagues.
I quite agree with you Taiko666 as I often had my own complaints about Japan and we all know we can come up with many. Perhaps I used the wrong word (whining) and over reacted a bit as I have had my fill of complaints from foreigners while I lived in Japan who were constantly putting down the Japanese and their culture because it didn't fit with their view of their world. Heck, most didn't even take the time to learn the language or culture.

My point is that when it becomes whining about Japan and the culture (as many a foreigner tend to do) and demanding that they change their ways to suit our ways or what we are comfortable with is where I have a problem.

My view always has been, and will always remain that, if one desires to live in a foreign country, one accepts that country and culture for what it is or else go back home. I'm sorry if this rubs some the wrong way, but it is how I've always felt and, even though I may not agree with everything about Japan, I accept Japan and the Japanese for the way they are and in all my years I never really encountered any obstacle that I could not overcome including their toilets and being turned down for an apartment.

For example, when I visit a foreign country I want to experience it as a native would, and not be treated as a westerner and made to feel like I was home. If I felt that way then why even visit a foreign county? Why not just "visit" it in video on YouTube or on TV or in a restaurant in your own country? Then I would not feel uncomfortable because there was not a "western" toilet in my hotel room.

Further, when I first encountered a Japanese toilet I was thrilled because, even though I was a little uncomfortable with it (and never really got used to it in the long run), I was experiencing the real Japan. Not a glossed over western version.

The same went for my first apartment. I felt I was living as a Japanese would with the toilet in my apartment. I did not hold out for a western toilet as a few of my aquaintances did. Even though they paid more for their place, they never truly experienced life as a Japanese would as some even bought a bed and a table and chairs and some even bought a sofa!

Me? I slept on a futon, sat at a kotatsu, and squatted and was extremely satisfied with my experience.

[diceke]

I quite agree with you Taiko666 as I often had my own complaints about Japan and we all know we can come up with many. Perhaps I used the wrong word (whining) and over reacted a bit as I have had my fill of complaints from foreigners while I lived in Japan who were constantly putting down the Japanese and their culture because it didn't fit with their view of their world. Heck, most didn't even take the time to learn the language or culture.

It's kind of off-topic, but I do think that some foreigners complain for no reason. They should know when to complain and when to keep it to themselves. I do not believe this forum is here for venting frustration. (But this forum is very strange, they allow irrational complaints, but complaining about the complaining is not allowed!):souka:

[senseiman]

If you think the standard Japanese public is bad, get a load of this (incidentally this is the funniest thing I think I have ever seen):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o2-M4HNbn0

[ASHIKAGA]

Growing up, our house , like the majority of all Japanese houses, only had the Japanese-style toilets, so when my family moved into a new house with the Western-style ones when I was 10 or so, it took me a while to get used to it. I now prefer the western-style for several reasons.

*It's easy to sit than to squat when you are wearing a tight pair of pants (leather, perhaps?), as I often do.

*The western ones stay "looking" clean compared to the Japanese ones.

*When you forget to lock the door, and I do that all the time, the western ones allow you an illusion of dignity in the eyes of the person who has opened the door without knocking.

*This last one only refers to the ones with the "bum-washing" features.
I still remember to this day the first time I ever used it. The sensation
that I had never experienced before when the warm water first hit the part of my anatomy that I had never seen myself (and never have even today)...
These days, I just don't feel "CLEAN" without blasting my *** with the warm jet stream of water set to "High". If you are in Japan and have not tried it yet, you MUST! They are great not only after doing the #2 but even when you just got that Not So Fresh feeling.

Even if the toilet in your house is not equipped with it, you can buy one fairly inexpensively at any of those "Home Centers" and installation is not that difficult.
:smoke:

[Sensuikan San]

But remember, the OP is not even "Western"?
Let's focus on the topic "sit-down toilets vs squat toilets".
It's not so much about "the West vs Japan"?
I've heard of these squat toilets being referred to as "Turkish toilets", and I've heard that the French also have these types in their country!]
Correct ... they also are used in Germany to a lesser degree, Italy and indeed many central European countries - the sole exceptions may be Britain and Ireland.

[epigene]

Correct ... they also are used in Germany to a lesser degree, Italy and indeed many central European countries - the sole exceptions may be Britain and Ireland.

Interesting!! I need to check those out! :blush:

During my one and only visit to Hong Kong several years ago, I discovered I had to squat down over a hole (yes! just a hole) with my legs on very thin planks when I went to powder my nose(?) at a McDonalds... :D

[diceke]

Interesting!! I need to check those out! :blush:

During my one and only visit to Hong Kong several years ago, I discovered I had to squat down over a hole (yes! just a hole) with my legs on very thin planks when I went to powder my nose(?) at a McDonalds... :D
Several years ago? Are you sure? You mean several decades ago?:D

Hong Kong public toilets are certainly not the best, but they aren't that primitive....

[epigene]

Several years ago? Are you sure? You mean several decades ago?:D

Hong Kong public toilets are certainly not the best, but they aren't that primitive....
I'm not senile yet! :hihi:
It wasn't in Hong Kong/Kowloon proper. It happened during a day trip into the countryside(?).

[diceke]

Even Shimajiro can do it, you can do it too!:cool:

This is how to pee and poo!
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/8709/toilet1ze2.png
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFVoLz88hiU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKy05t2SYaI

[bakaKanadajin]

Shimajiro is way braver than me. And actually I did learn something, I always thought you faced the other way at a public floor-toilet.

[SpikeDaCruz]

Even Shimajiro can do it, you can do it too!:cool:
This is how to pee and poo!

LOL Yeah, you're right if he can everybody can. :D

[Yan]

I don't want to use those toilets. Anyway, I never use public toilets because I always disliked that.

[Emoni]

Try the toilets in China... then you'll love Japanese toilets!

[SaruSaru]

Oh dear. It looks terrible. When I'm going to Japan, I think I'd better use the modern toilets - Or don't use public toilets at all. How can such a clean, full-of-harmony country get those.. Things? :worried:
That's disgusting. It really is! :eek:

[tokapi]

I brought up the subject of " squat public toilets " in one conversation with some NE Asians who have lived in Japan,they say it's more a matter of sanitary issue ( than backwardness ) for certain individuals over there.Their reasoning was,why would anyone wants to butt-share " uncleaned " toilet seat with countless strangers.

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

A lavatory of Meguro Gajoen is luxurious.
A river flows through a lavatory, and a picture is written on a ceiling.
http://images.google.co.jp/images?sourceid=navclient&hl=ja&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGIH_jaJP212JP212&q=%E3%83%88%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AC%E3%80%80%E9%9B%85%E5 %8F%99%E5%9C%92&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi
"Meguro Gajoen "
http://www.megurogajoen.co.jp/english/amenity.html

"Scenery of Japan funny spot 100"
http://b-spot.seesaa.net/article/14736286.html

[Prizm]

I went to Japan recently (loved it) and also found that the squat toilets were always the last ones left vacant. I've done the whole squat thing visiting Indonesia, so I wasn't keen on it this time.

It's funny how some people come up with a spin story on why traditional methods are better than newer ways. Why chopsticks are 'better' than cutlery, why squat toilets are 'more hygienic' than sit-down toilets. From what I've seen there's no proof they're more hygienic (unless it's obviously bad, just wipe the seat before you sit - you're not gonna die) - and as many people already pointed out, they're uncomfortable, you risk messing your pants, can't stay in that position long, and it's certainly the more embarrassing position compared to sit-down toilets.

[medvebocs]

I prefer traditional toilets to Western style ones. I would never sit down on a public toilet so the traditional ones are much better for me. If there is an option I go for the lower ones...

[emily00]

I've never been to Japan to encounter one of these but I think if I ever do, I'd at least try one out once.

[Gnarf]

A contributing factor to why many of the squatting-toilets still is installed in new facilities must be because they are much cheaper to produce. That's my guess anyway. And they actually have some positive sides as well. As already mentioned many people are used to them and some people think that they are more hygienic etc. This can of course be discussed but something that is ahrd to argue is that the squatting toilets are absolutely the most environmental friendly option :-)

Personally I prefer the western style with the "Japanese touch" including electric heating and bidet and other fun stuff :cool:

[NightVisionGoggles]

The first toilet doesn't look too bad, at least it's clean, no? :)

Squatting took lots of getting used to the first time. I remember being in an airpoirt in China and having no idea what to do! Some of them smell really bad too (at least the ones in China.) I had so much trouble with them. And sometimes there's a mess and people don't clean up....Okay, I think I've said too much.

Some of my relatives have squatting toilets at home, but they're just holes in the ground. I'm always afraid of falling.

I'm more accustomed to using Western style toilets, but I've gotten used to both. I still want to see what one of those toilets with the water jets (is that what they're called?) and heated seats look like, besides the fact they look like toilets. XD

[Smokey Nagata]

EEww, talking about stoneage.

[Otenba]

I avoid the squatters. I'm very overweight and squatting kills my legs and my balance ain't the best out there either...

But so far, all squatters I've seen were accompanied by Western style toilets as well. I really never came across a public toilet without Western toilets.

I've been to 13 countries so far, and most either have no, or very well hidden, public toilets, or they're dirty as all hell, and by that I mean: lumps of poo on the walls. Germany has traumatized me in this matter. Public toilets in Germany seem to be limited to those movable Dixi boxes where the feces and piss is collected in a container underneath and once it's full, have fun.
The Japanese public toilets usually offer squatters, Western loos, big chambers for wheelchair-riders and oh my god, handwashing facilities! The best public toilet country out of all 13 I've been to so far. And I love the big chambers... when they're clean, they're a nice place when you need some alone-time or... when you don't know how to get back to Shizuoka from Omaezaki at 3 am, and need a private floor to sleep on...

I do think though, that the men's rooms should be a bit re-designed in many cases. Often, the urinaries are right at the door and any passer-by can watch those poor guys pee. Gotta be mortifying.

The only unfortunate thing is that it's not punishable by law to piss and miss and not clean it up. While staying at a ryokan with shared toilets, I ever so often had to clean someone else's piss off the seat. Lady's toilet, mind you. I can't understand how those people can't be dying of shame of leaving the toilet as dirty as that instead of spending 20 seconds on cleaning it. Unfortunately, that has been in a place with almost only foreigners and in more crowded places like train stations, or places with mostly Japanese people, the toilets were usually clean. Let's cooperate in giving the Japanese a good impression of ourselves, shall we? Please?

[Roboto-sama]

If you are the type of dude that needs a half hour to go to the bathroom, then a squat style sure isn't going to accommodate you well.

I kind of figured. . .

Although I have no problem with squats, I really doubt I'd use public J-style toilets a lot. Here in the U.S. I don't/rarely go to public restrooms, unless it's a really, reaaaaaally bad case of diarreha (sp?).
Whenever I do use public restrooms, it is only to pee.

[tada]

The trough-style toilets use less water from what I heard.

I have used them once in my lifetime, because I was really, really desperate. I was afraid that my knees might give out and I'd fall over. Many other times, I saw that style toilet, and then just left the bathroom and held out for a Western-style toilet.

[becki_kanou]

I was freaked out the first time I saw one too, but once you get used to them they're really not that hard to use. I actually prefer them because they seem to be a little quicker, and you don't have to put your butt on the same seat that's been sat on by God knows how many people.

[tada]

I was freaked out the first time I saw one too, but once you get used to them they're really not that hard to use. I actually prefer them because they seem to be a little quicker, and you don't have to put your butt on the same seat that's been sat on by God knows how many people.

The chance of falling into the trough kind of offsets sitting on a seat...

Maybe I'll get used to them in time (not while I'm living here though...)

[becki_kanou]

The chance of falling into the trough kind of offsets sitting on a seat...
Maybe I'll get used to them in time (not while I'm living here though...)

They usually have handrails for the elderly or those with poor balance, so I think your chances of falling in are really quite low, unless you've been hitting the sake too hard.:blush:

[made of stone]

I don't know if this has been mentioned but I read somewhere once that the angle of using a squat toilet is much better and more natural for the body to completely 'evacuate', which does make sense I suppose.

[Emoni]

I don't know if this has been mentioned but I read somewhere once that the angle of using a squat toilet is much better and more natural for the body to completely 'evacuate', which does make sense I suppose.

You can do that with a regular toilet as well though. Makes it more exciting as well.

[aoc gold]

I know Japan is a small country ,but the toilets is very small and dirty.I am very surprised this.

[Hezam]

it's the same in Arabic countries...we use a toilets like this..
i cant use the western style how can they Do it while setting as if they reading or waiting lol .
i prefer the japanese,it's similar with Arabic 100%

Nanook, i laughed until my stomach hurted when he said ( do it ) in the picture..

[tada]

They usually have handrails for the elderly or those with poor balance, so I think your chances of falling in are really quite low, unless you've been hitting the sake too hard.:blush:

No, I can't stand alcohol unless it's mixed in with something. Yuck.

There's nothing saying you can't assume the same position with a Western-style toilet though...