
With their heated seats, hidden sensors and warm water cleansing systems, Japanese toilets are used to being the centre of attention in hotel bathrooms, public restrooms and ordinary residences all around the country.
Now its time for their next-of-kin to get an upgrade, with a new machine set to revolutionise toilet paper dispensers, making it possible to automatically cut sheets and even fold the final edge into a neat little triangle for the next person to use.
A total of 10 companies in Japan put their combined energies into the creation of the new automated paper cutting and folding machine. Called the Orifuji, the concept initially came about as a way to express the Japanese culture of omotenashi, or hospitality, in restrooms ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
In Japan, good hospitality and cleanliness go hand-in-hand, and every time a stall is cleaned, the toilet paper ends are folded into a crisp triangular point to let users know they’re doing their business on a freshly cleaned throne. Japanese cleaners might be hard-working but they’re not able to step in after every visitor to tend to the toilet paper ends, and that’s where the Orifuji comes into play, providing an automated triangle every time a sheet of paper is used, instantly making everything look new and fresh.
To see the machine at work, check out the short video below.
In addition to folding the paper into a neat-looking point, the Orifuji makes it easy to replace toilet paper rolls and helps to keep things sanitary by eliminating the need for direct contact with the dispenser. To use it, all you have to do is slowly pull out the paper to the desired length, lift it lightly and the machine will tear it off for you.
We can’t wait to see these in restrooms around the country soon. Hopefully one day the technology will eventually evolve to bring us more entertaining folds like origami toilet paper designs!
Source: Jimdo, H/T Kotaku US
Top Image: YouTube/Sekai Saisoku Shisaku Centre (edited by RocketNews24)
Insert Images: Screenshot YouTube/Sekai Saisoku Shisaku Centre



Is Japan’s custom of folding the toilet paper into a triangle for the next user unsanitary?
Nagoya City Council debates: Is toilet paper really needed in public restrooms?
Reactions to video showing how awesome Japanese toilet paper holders are leave us laughing 【Vid】
Toilet paper miracle ends 11 harrowing minutes in a Harajuku McDonald’s restroom
PooPaint Toilet paper lets you make art with your poop
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]
How to cook shiitake mushrooms like a Japanese manga character
7-Eleven Japan releases chocolate cookies that taste like freshly baked melon bread
Udon pudding is about to shake up the noodle scene in Japan
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan’s new custom-order cat-theme toilet paper lets you wipe your butt with cuteness
People in Japan are now stealing toilet paper in midst of coronavirus crisis
Old dog shows new trick with very Japanese solution to toilet paper wall challenge【Video】
Did you know you can “wash” your smartphone at McDonald’s in Japan? 【Video】