
In Japan, the majority of people bathe at night before going to bed. Even if they don’t stick to the traditional routine of rinsing off before soaking in a hot bath, most Japanese find the idea of climbing into bed without having at least hopped in the shower first supremely icky – almost as icky as walking around your home while wearing your outdoor shoes.
In the west, however, many of us prefer to shower before leaving the house in the morning. No matter how well you slept the night before, the thought of not washing prior to putting on work clothes and heading out for the day seems pretty gross to most of us.
So for this week’s Super Mega Important Debate, we’re asking you to answer this one simple question: Do you bathe before bed or before work each morning?
So which are you? Are you an evening bather or a morning washer? Do you hop in the shower before you slumber, or do you lather up before heading out into the world? In other words, do your suits smell worse than your sheets or vice-versa? Vote for the option that best describes you and hash it out in the comments section below.
Regular readers may have noticed that we didn’t host a Super Mega Important Debate last weekend. This was because we checked our various scientific instruments and they warned us that there were above-average levels of tension in the world and that any new form of conflict might have brought about the end of humanity. It definitely wasn’t because we were too drunk or busy to put one up. But for those of you who were eagerly awaiting the results of the previous week’s poll, here they are!
We ask you to tell us what you thought of Japan’s infamous squat toilets. Here’s how you voted.
Squatting may have been proved to be better for our health, but that didn’t stop the vast majority of you shunning Japan’s old-school toilets in favour of the seated variety. Maybe you all just need to build up your leg muscles a bit more?
Have a great weekend, everyone!

Super Mega Important Debate – Japanese squat toilets: Great or gross? 【Poll closed】
Super Mega Important Debate: Capsule hotels – crazy cool or just too coffin-like? 【Poll】
Super Mega Important Debate – Natto: is it nom or vom? 【Poll closed】
Super Mega Important Debate: Fried gyoza or boiled gyoza? 【Poll Closed】
Super Mega Important Debate: Are Japan’s futons awesome or simply awful? 【Poll closed】
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And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
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Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
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Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
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
Super Mega Important Debate: Tokyo or Osaka? 【Poll Closed】
Super Mega Important Debate – Japanese TV: is it just plain awful? 【Poll】
Super Mega Important Debate: Soy sauce-based ramen or miso-based ramen? 【Poll closed】
Super Mega Important Debate: Tuna or salmon sushi? 【Poll now closed】
Japanese idol singer has an important request for fans: Please use deodorant
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