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
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s adorable pudding chick becomes a transit card mascot
Pikachu cakes and other adorable Pokémon 30th anniversary food coming to Tokyo luxury hotel
Sushi Pizza surprises diners in one of the best food destinations in Japan
Gigantic gacha machine appears in Tokyo department store for capsule toy celebration
133-year-old Japanese company’s cookies go beyond matcha with dashi and shichimi flavors
The Japan Burger Championship 2026 in Yokohama next month is the ultimate battle of the beef
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Mr. Sato takes a walk on Tokyo’s American-style street to get some American/Japanese ice cream
Starbucks Japan releases a new limited-edition Frappuccino inspired by espresso affogato
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
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]
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
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】