
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.





Our team of five reporters try to turn themselves into Japanese heartthrob Kimutaku【Photos】
A visit to T-CAT, Tokyo’s often forgotten City Air Terminal【Photos】
Tea with free Pokémon bottle covers at Japanese convenience stores charm, then break, our hearts
Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
The Ultimate Battle for Ham Sandwich Supremacy – we rank Japan’s convenience store sandwiches
Our team of five reporters try to turn themselves into Japanese heartthrob Kimutaku【Photos】
A visit to T-CAT, Tokyo’s often forgotten City Air Terminal【Photos】
Tea with free Pokémon bottle covers at Japanese convenience stores charm, then break, our hearts
Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
The Ultimate Battle for Ham Sandwich Supremacy – we rank Japan’s convenience store sandwiches
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Elementary and junior high students speak out on Japan’s strangest school rules
Harajuku’s new permanent Tamagotchi shop is filled with cuteness and a surprising lack of poop
Nine of the best spots for beating the heat with kakigori shaved ice in Japan this summer
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Elementary and junior high students speak out on Japan’s strangest school rules
Harajuku’s new permanent Tamagotchi shop is filled with cuteness and a surprising lack of poop
Nine of the best spots for beating the heat with kakigori shaved ice in Japan this summer
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Kura Sushi opens new high-end revolving bar restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
On-warabimochi: A delicious Japanese dessert you should only eat with people who already love you
Kamen Rider stuntman applies skills to thievery
Live-action Netflix One Piece’s Luffy and Zoro get super detailed figures【Photos】
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Here’s where to find all of Japan’s new Pikachu Pokémon manhole covers in Yokohama【Photos, maps】
Leave a Reply