I lived in Japan as a pre-teen in the late 1980’s. Japanese toilets are a memory that have stuck with me over the past 30 years. I remember “squatty potties”. I remember I needed to carry toilet paper. I remember being grossed out at the mess on the bathroom floor.
Let me tell you, they have come a long long way.
Since returning to Japan 3 months ago, I have seen very few “squatty potties.” And those I have seen have been in larger bathrooms that also have western toilets.
Every bathroom I have been to (and trust me, I have a small bladder so there are a lot of them) has been spotless and have had toilet paper.
Most toilets include a built in bidet.
The toilet seats are heated! Yes, not only have the met Western standards. They have gone the extra mile and surpassed them!
Many also have a feature to have a flushing sound without wasting water in order to mask any other sounds coming from your stall.
And all of this is activated by the push of a button!
Finally, and my favorite part – they are everywhere. Japan is not one of those countries that has no public restrooms. I have never been far from one and they have them in convenient locations such as train stations and even hiking trails!
Life Kinetic Travel Research 