I Speak Japanese

Kevin and Aaron, Several years ago I visited Kyoto and went to a traditional inn. In the room there was a Western style toilet, but, excuse the pun, my legs were too long to sit down in the limited space provided. Fortunately, they had a “robo” toilet in another room for the more space challenged. Also, I did have a problem with the really open door toilets along the streets, where everyone could watch you ” taking care of business” as aptly described by Aaron.

I really enjoy your show as it reminds me so much of the challenges I have had on my trips around Japan. The points you bring up about money, credit cards, etc., and now toilets are not insignificant and you help explain the roller coaster emotional impact a novice traveler feels in Nihon. One critical observation, Aaron, please let Kevin finish his statements before interrupting. Keep at producing your programs as they are truly great to watch and educational. I am 59 and have really laughed my head off over your observations and the relaxed nature of your presentations.

If you get a chance produce a program on festivals and the way Japanese act during those days vs the ways they act during their more personal daily lifestyles. Also, mention phone etiquette in public places, like trains, food places. in contrast to how Americans act in particular. Thanks, an avid fan.

@mikesensei
Hey Mike, thanks a ton for your insightful comments and we’re glad you like the show! Also, thanks for noting that I need to stop cutting Kevin off. It’s a personal flaw of mine that I’m trying hard to conquer… I will try harder next time :). We will have more episodes soon, and hopefully one about phone use as you suggested. -Aaron

Thanks for another useful and entertaining Happy Hour video, Aaron and Kevin!

Great topic, (おべんじょ)”Japanese Toilets”, for “gaijin” visitors to Japan. Always a surprise!

On many Japanese toilet water tanks printed next to the flush-handle are two Kanji characters: (little) 小 (Chiisai) and (big) 大 (Ooki).

To get just a little flow of water into the toilet bowl, without releasing a torrent, just move the handle up 小 . For the complete flush, push handle down to 大. I was told by Japanese that the 小 flush was used to cover embarrassing toilet noises, now done by the electronic toilets using music and nature sounds, as you had mentioned.

Another aspect of Japanese toilets is the flushing power. Much greater than most typical American home toilets. Over the years of taking Japanese home-stay groups to N. America, I have warned them that the usual toilet practices in Japan would most likely clog American toilets. Which did happen on with our Japanese guests, on occasion.

One aspect of the Japanese home “toilet-bath system” which I have come to appreciate is the WC (water-closet) “toilet” being separate from the bathing area. A person using one facility doesn`t prevent the use of the other. Most practical!

The use of “inflow” water pipe above the toilet tank to wash your hands after using the toilet is quite convenient (べんり) , too! Don`t forget to take off your “toilet slippers” when exiting! Always good for a laugh, Japanese seeing a foreigner wearing “toilet slippers” outside the toilet room.

One aspect of public toilets, i.e. train stations, etc. which surprised me at first was the presence of usually some elderly woman cleaning the men`s toilet facility while it is in use; or the fact that women will use the Men`s Toilet Room if the Women`s Restroom is full. Also, it is quite common in many public restrooms, however dirty or smelly they maybe, to find some small vase or glass jar/cup with some fresh flowers in it above the sinks or mens urinal. Toilet ikebana, perhaps? Just a thoughtful gift from the old woman attending the rest room.

Every day can be an adventure in Sushiland!

Taro Starbuck

Great episode guys! Just returned from Japan 2 days ago (25 minutes E of Kyoto,) and my kids were so glad to not have to worry about which type of toilet they were going to encounter. They actually refrained from using public toilets and tried to wait until we returned to the hotel with ‘western convieniences.’

Couple things that are good to know that you didn’t cover. At least in women’s areas, there is a bar on the wall to hold onto, and a shelf to put purse, etc on so you don’t have to touch the floor. I use a walker and found that IF there was a hadicapped stall, it had a modern toilet, but the stall was extrememly small, so walkers/wheelchairs/etc wouldn’t fit with the door closed.

Also - ALOT of public restrooms do not have soap and/or towels/dryers for hand washing. In light of the cleanliness issue, I found this very odd, and glad that I carry Purell all the time.

You made some good points about Japanese toilets, Dawn. One important point you made is the general lack of paper towels in restrooms. I am always pleasantly surprised when I find paper towels available in public restrooms.

It has been my experience that usually public restrooms use electric hand driers.
That maybe because paper products are so expensive in Japan and installing a trash bin and maintaining the litter is a hassle. Japanese always carry a nice handkerchief for drying their hands on such occasions.
If you want to see a Japanese look of disgust and disbelief, just blow your nose in a handkerchief.
A Japanese would never do that, instead that is why they carry around little packets of tissues.

You can always find people handing out ubiquitous pocket size packets of tissue at train stations and other busy venues. The public needs the tissues and the packets are covered with some form of adverts.
Handkerchiefs are for drying one`s hands and sweaty face, only.

Say what you will about Japanese toilets, but the greatest invention of all is the heated toilet seat. After enjoying one in Japan for the past couple of years I don’t think I’ll ever be willing to live without one.

You too guys are great. I’m enjoying every minute of your vidios.
My son is about to marry a Japanese girl and i’m trying to pick a few things. I am 69 but i enjoy yoiu so much

Just wanted to say thanks for such a hilarious video. I would have freaked out if I’d seen one of those “floor toilets” without having your advice on how to deal with them.

That is hilarious!!..Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!..good job guys!

My very first experience crouching down in a Japanese toilet to do my thing, I dropped my wallet in the toilet as I was facing the wrong way …. I mean how was I to know! LOL That was 38 years ago!

oh wow that’s a bummer! well at least i know that i wasnt the only one who had this happen to them hahaha@jack

Is drinking beer so common in Japan, that you guys have to hold on bottles when talking?

I am a 42-year-old woman, and I don’t like to see young men drinking.

Gosh, my first experience with the Washlet toilets. There were so many buttons I was just like.. “Umm…” And I didn’t know Japanese, nor was I planning on asking anyone even if I knew the language. But luckily I found the strange, hand sensor flusher, not having to search around for too long. Hahaha, oh geez, washlets, when you aren’t used to them are weird as hell.. but once you get used to them it’s not that big of a deal. Oh, and I really don’t like that fake flush button. It’s just so obvious to me that I think it’s almost more embarassing to press it than to… yea. So.. Hmm.. I dunno. xD

Oh my god, I remember the first time I used a eastern style toilet. I thought I’d never try using one, but that day I just had to go BAD. There were four western style toilets, and to my luck, all four of them were out of order. I even turned around and attempted to leave when I just felt that sudden, OMG-you’re-gonna-do-it-here-or-in-there, feeling and I just scurried into the stall. All I could think was, you’re gonna miss, you’re gonna miss, you’re gonna miss, but to my luck it was simple and I did NOT miss.
Scary, but interesting experience.