
Sure, anime and video games are nice, but this is the real reason why Japan is awesome.
As anyone who’s been to Japan before knows, using the toilets can be a real pleasure — at least sometimes. Public restrooms are clean, don’t clog, and (gasp!) have stalls with locks that work.
Even most Japanese homes toilets have a ton of different options like seat warmers, deodorizers, and fake flushing sounds to hide any unpleasant noises, all making you feel like a CEO when you’re taking care of business.
But the bathroom ingenuity doesn’t end there. There’s another important factor in a fully satisfying “number two” experience: an efficient toilet paper holder. And Japanese toilets have that down pat as well, as this short video originally created by Reddit user possumopossum shows:
Though the video first made the rounds last year, I still had the same reaction this year: “Oh. My. God. Just looking at that brings tears to my eyes.” I think I’ll wipe them away with some toilet paper attached to a highly efficient mechanism.
Speaking from personal experience in the U.S., changing toilet paper rolls is usually a herculean task, requiring the strength, skill, and patience of a god. And even then, if luck isn’t on your side, you’re done for.
And apparently I’m not the only one! In response to the first video, here’s a response from Reddit user Linkthedinosaur, showing off a typical American toilet paper roll change:
Yup. I can’t even count how many times I had to take the “squat of shame” myself to pick up a fallen rod or roll. Thankfully, in Japan, such barbaric practices have been done away with.
Of course, if you’re in Australia, you might find things flow slightly differently as well, as shown by another Reddit user who goes by the name space_monster.
And just in case you want to bring your own bathroom into the modern age, possumopossum also posted a link to Japanese toilet paper loaders on Amazon. So everyone, let’s make the squat of shame a thing of the past, and look forward to a much more pleasant pooping future!
Source: Reddit/possumopossum via YouTube/Old MacDonald had a Farm
Featured/top image: YouTube/Old MacDonald had a Farm, Reddit/space_monster


New Japanese toilet paper dispenser tears off sheets, folds the ends into a point for you【Video】
Poll reveals what we already know: Japanese toilets make no sense, confuse us all
Japanese Twitter user spends eight years stacking toilet paper cores, completes entire wall
Japanese truck driver arrested for slapping young boy in the face after wet toilet paper prank
We travel to Fuji to see how they make Japanese toilet paper
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
The story of our reporter P.K. Sanjun’s heart attack
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Suspected yakuza member arrested for having frequent flyer mile account
Starbucks Japan has a secret breakfast set…and a hack for when it sells out
Do Bare Feet of a Gorilla slides really make your legs slimmer?
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
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
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
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 launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
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 new custom-order cat-theme toilet paper lets you wipe your butt with cuteness
Nagoya City Council debates: Is toilet paper really needed in public restrooms?
Turns out even Japanese people aren’t sure how to use Japanese-style toilets
Japanese toilet paper collection opens our minds as we open our butts
Old dog shows new trick with very Japanese solution to toilet paper wall challenge【Video】
64-year-old man arrested for stealing a roll of toilet paper from hospital toilet
PooPaint Toilet paper lets you make art with your poop
Japanese store curses toilet paper supply to protect it from thefts
Poop Kanji-Drill toilet paper is the best way to accomplish your Japanese studying doo-ties
Tokyo hotel asks guests to take their used toilet paper with them【Why Does Engrish Happen?】
What happens to unsold manga? Some of it becomes toilet paper, these photos show
Japan’s ministry of economy reminds us to “use sound judgment” before buying toilet paper