
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】
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
Nearly one in ten young adults living in Japan isn’t ethnically Japanese, statistics show
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Rakuten randomly offers 58 New Year’s osechi feasts in Japan, but did we get a star or a dud?
What makes a good boss in Japan? Workers sound off in survey
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Expensive Japanese nail clippers: Are they worth it?
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Four Shinto shrines to pray for love at in Japan to start the New Year
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
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
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
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
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
Leave a Reply