5 ms·
I don't have the source handy, but I remember there were at least two very attractive features that started the trend of "advanced" toilets in Japan: 1) A seat
by FrojoS 14y ago
I don't have the source handy, but I remember there were at least two very attractive features that started the trend of "advanced" toilets in Japan:
1) A seat heater: Bathrooms used to be unheated so without this it would be very cold in the winter. Adding a heated seated was much cheaper than adding a room heater.
2) An artificial sound to overlay embarrassing farting sounds: Without this feature, it was common for Japanese women to constantly use the flush in order to create a louder sound. This was obviously a huge waste water.
Once the ground was laid, it was natural to extend the number of features.
- ido 14y ago2) An artificial sound to overlay embarrassing farting sounds: Without this feature, it was common for Japanese women to constantly use the flush in order to create a louder sound. This was obviously a huge waste water. Was this an issue because Japanese walls are thinner? Or homes smaller? Farting isn't considered particularly appetizing here either but I don't remember a single time this has been an issue (or ever hearing someone farting from outside the bathroom).
- wilfra 14y agoA combination of a collectivist culture and crazy expensive real estate leads to more people living in smaller homes and in closer proximity to each others bowel movements. The Japanese diet also probably plays a role......
- dthunt 14y agoThe flushing is designed to cover up 'all' sounds. There's a lot of weird fetishes and taboos and hangups people have out here, so I wouldn't read too deeply into it. Diet is probably not a factor. The otohime is a huge water saver, though.
- blazingfrog2 14y agoWhile we're knee-deep into the toilet conversation, you make an interesting observation. I'm originally from France and have lived in California for over 11 years but, to this day, I'm still astonished at how little embarrassment there is in American toilets (my experience is limited to the mens rooms) as far as unpleasant noise goes. It is obviously a fact of life but, where I come from, denial is king in that department. My theory is that it's because American public toilets are usually made of 2 thin, low separation walls and a door with sometimes wide gaps which makes it almost inevitable to share the entire experience with everybody in the room. Still not used to it...
- sk5t 14y agoI think it's just cultural: American men are not expected to be discreet or embarrassed in "practical" all-male environments such as locker rooms and public toilets. A loud belch or other powerful, resounding emanation signals manliness... and it was funny when you were 7, it's still a bit funny now.
- brianmcdonough 14y ago"off-screen sounds" as they're called in entertainment, meaning sounds that have no visual cue to explain their existence, ignite a fleet startle response from ear to brain. The science behind the funny and the awkwardness of farting or belching. When expressed loudly, might not even be that far from the roar of a large carnivore.
- brc 14y agoa bit funny? Liar. It's hilarious! Who cannot but smile at a cubicle wall rattler, whether your own or someone elses?
- wilfra 14y agoFor working class white American men, that is not limited to public restrooms. They're doing it at home too and laughing about it to their wives/girlfriends/kids - who probably call them disgusting to which they laugh even more. People with more class and manners tend toward the French way of doing it.
- greggman 14y agoYou mean people who are snobs tend toward the French way where as people who are fun and warm hearted have no problem laughing at farts. I would much rather be with a person that thinks farts are funny then one who doesn't. To each their own.
- wilfra 14y agoI wasn't passing judgement on either group, simply stating the facts as I know them to be.