No doubt, by now Japan’s super toilets (known as washlets) have become a well-known symbol this country. Their bevy of features like heating and cleaning add an unprecedented level of comfort to our porcelain thrones.
However, there’s a dark side to Japan’s restrooms: what’s known as the “Japanese Style Toilet.” For those lucky enough to have never encountered one, it’s a throwback to the olden days of going in a hole in the ground. Only this time the hole is covered in porcelain and has flushing capabilities. Beyond that it’s not much different than camping or surviving a plane crash in the mountains.
Thankfully some special interest groups are working towards wiping this scourge from the nation, and they’re starting with the children.
Tokyo station platform to transform into sake bar with hot drinks, hot oden, and hot kotatsu
We go on a quest to find the cheesiest sushi at Japanese conveyor belt sushi chains【Taste test】
TikTok releases its Year in Music 2025 – Japan’s Top 10 Songs ranking
Poll finds support to let women inherit imperial throne as Japan faces possible succession crisis
Japan’s Department of Magic releases new “Magic School” uniform
Kura Sushi has a new parade-delivered whole cake dessert, but what’s it like to eat?【Video】
Japan now has drinkable roasted sweet potato, and it’s practically a dessert in a bottle!
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
How to get your money’s worth at an all-you-can-eat crepe challenge in Japan
Crazy new Pokémon chair makes no secret of your pure love for Poison-Type Gengar【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Gundam and Reebok team up for new GQuuuuuuX Pumps【Photos】
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Japanese man who didn’t know how banks work defrauded out of 21 million yen
Japanese woman sues man for 1.5 million yen for violating her “right to chastity”
Studio Ghibli mixes with sporty street styles of New Era to put No Face on your head in cap series
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
Kura Sushi has a new parade-delivered whole cake dessert, but what’s it like to eat?【Video】
Japan now has drinkable roasted sweet potato, and it’s practically a dessert in a bottle!
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
How to get your money’s worth at an all-you-can-eat crepe challenge in Japan
Crazy new Pokémon chair makes no secret of your pure love for Poison-Type Gengar【Photos】
When Two Amazing Worlds Collide: Welcome to the World of Cat Sushi!
Everyday Japanese names that make English speakers chuckle
Totoro gamaguchi pouches will hold whatever you want them to, but already captured our heart
Studio Ghibli releases My Neighbour Totoro neckties in Japan
7-Eleven Japan now sells…matcha burritos?!?
10 obscure Japanese vending machine drinks that fly under the beverage radar
We visited Egawa Beach, the closest you can get to walking in the world of Spirited Away【Pics】
Anime and video game backgrounds now free to download for video conference calls