Japan is said to be an advanced country for toilets. Here we will Introduce the history and the evolution of Japanese toilets. Check out the amazing features of the latest smart toilets!

Amazing Evolution of Japanese Toilet

Regarding the evolution of Japanese toilets, here we focused on the 4 features.  "flush toilets"  "Western-style toilets" "evolution of water-saving toilets" and "warm water shower toilet seats".  Here is an interview with the chairman of the Japan Toilet Association.

Flush Toilets

"In 1887, Japan's first flush toilet (British-made western style) was installed when sewerage system started in Yokohama. This was the beginning of flush toilet in Japan.  Japanese-style flush toilet made in Japan was developed and installed in 1902, this was 15 years after. And it was first installed at the Imperial Hotel. "(Chair man)

The mechanism of Japanese flush toilets was born over 100 years ago.

 

"With the reconstruction of the huge Tokyo area earthquake of 1923, the development of sewerage has progressed. As sewerage became more widespread, toilets began to switch from pit latrines to flush toilets. It was also around this time that flushing was promoted with financial support by establishing a pit latrine prohibited area. Most of the toilet bowls were Japanese style. There was a water tank near the ceiling, and a high-tank type cleaning device was used to let water flow by pulling down the string. "(Chair man)

 

Western Style Toilets

"In the first place, Japanese style toilets are used by crouching down and this needs extra work. The Western style, which you sit, is easy to use and makes you handle clogging smoothly. Therefore, Western style has become the mainstream rather than Japanese style, and this continues to nowadays. "(Chair man)

Evolution of Water-Saving Toilets

For the early flush toilets, a large amount of water was needed for each flush. So, how much water can be saved as the toilet has evolved?

"When flush toilets became popular, we needed as much as 20 liters of water for each flush. In the 1970s, the function was improved to16L for each. Since then, water can be saved more, and nowadays only 4L to 5L per flush. And 3.8L for the most advanced ones! Compared to the beginning, we are now able to save more than 80% per flush. "(Chair man)

Warm Water Shower Toilet Seats

A warm water smart toilet is now widely used in ordinary households in Japan. What kind of evolution has toilets made in Japan?

Initially, in addition to washing and drying the buttocks, the mainstream was to have a heating function on the toilet seat so that the buttocks would not feel chill in the cold season.

After that, the toilet seat with a seating sensor was added in 1988, the toilet seat with a deodorizing function was added in 1992, and the toilet seat automatic cleaning function was added in 2003. Japanese warm water washing toilet seats have evolved year by year. "(Chair man)

 

So Amazing! Latest toilet functions!!

Let’s see what exactly the latest toilet technologies are.

 

Clean Sterilized Water (since 2011)

"Clean Sterilized Water" is said to be water that is electrolyzed and converted into water that contains a sterilizing component (hypochlorous acid). "It has been confirmed that it has a sterilizing effect not only in Japan but also overseas. It turns back into normal water after time, so it is an environmentally friendly function.

The functions using "Clean Sterilized Water" are the following three.

*These are NOT installed in all toilet products for notice

 

・ Nozzle clean (since 2011)

A function that automatically disinfects the nozzle of the smart toilet after use with "Clean Sterilized Water". Even if you are not using the toilet, it will automatically sterilize the nozzle every few hours.

 

・ Toilet bowl clean (since 2012)

A function that automatically disinfects the bowl surface of the toilet bowl by spraying a mist of "Clean Sterilized Water" on the toilet bowl after cleaning. This also automatically sprays every few hours. By disinfecting the toilet bowl, darkening and yellowing stains can be suppressed, making cleaning easier.

 

・ Deodorant (since 2015)

The function of the disinfectant water filter to catch and deodorize the odors (ammonia and more) that are of concern in the toilet space. The odor component caught by the disinfectant water filter is washed and disinfected by "clean disinfectant water" once a day, so the filter will last a long time.

 

Summary

We introduced the history of Japanese toilets and the latest toilets. Behind the scenes of the evolution of Japanese toilets is the efforts of the developers. Compared to the earliest toilets, the functionality of latest toilets has evolved tremendously. Focus on these functions when considering your toilet!