Before moving to Japan, I got to dip my toes in the overseas lifestyle by spending several summers at a U.S. military installation in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The base was a long walk from the nearest train station, making bicycles an attractive way of getting around town. Even if you didn’t want to shell out the money to buy one, you could always get one for the day at the local bike rental shop.
Unfortunately, the rental bikes tended to be old, heavy, and not always in the best state of repair. The locals referred to them as “banjo bombers,” since benjo is a Japanese slang word for “bathroom,” and the rental bikes were pieces of…feces.
Little did I know there was another vehicle even more deserving of the benjo bomber title, a radio-controlled toilet.
Unfortunately, this RC loo isn’t functional as a waste receptacle. It’s mobile nature means it’s not hooked up to any sewage system, nor is the flush operational, making it impractical for use with all but the smallest-capacity bladders.
What it does have, though, is four tiny tires wrapped around a set of sporty wheels.
So while you can’t call on your RC toilet when nature calls, you can do this with it.
Despite costing just 1,250 yen (US $12.15), the manufacturers claim the unit’s engine is powerful enough to transport loads of up to 400 grams (14.1 ounces) in weight.
Advertisements point out that this means it can carry a roll of toilet paper or bottle of tea with ease. If you ask us, though, if you’re using a radio controlled toilet to deliver anything other than an unwrapped Snickers bar to your unsuspecting enemies, then you’re not using it the way it’s meant to be used.
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