What Is a Washlet?

Traveling abroad is always a daunting task, often involving misunderstanding of spoken and body languages, intimidating food, and strange customs. Few top the confusion felt by the uninitiated when seeing a bidet. But that technology is old hat. Enter the Washlet. Japan's latest hygienic innovation is quickly catching on and may spread stateside. As of 2004, it was being installed in more than half of Japanese households.

A Little More Specific
So, without breaking standards of Internet decorum, how does one explain what exactly the Washlet? You can probably guess the hygienic benefits are far greater to standard toilet paper, but phrases like "pulsating water" and "massage functions" are also commonly used when describing the Washlet. A jet of warm air and automatic flush later, you're ready to face the rest of the day fresh as a daisy.

Facility History
Perhaps most surprisingly is that the Washlet has been produced in Japan for over 20 years. Inspired by Swedish design, combination toilet-bidets, TOTO began making the most sophisticated sanitary equipment on the planet. Why hasn't it caught on worldwide? One can only guess.