Squat Toilets Fade as Western-Style Options Surge in Japan
JAPAN: Although rare in newly built homes, traditional Japanese squat toilets are still present in places like schools and train stations, often confusing children unfamiliar with them. As Japan’s population ages, the demand for Western-style toilets with seats continues to rise, prompting transportation companies and other organizations to replace older Japanese-style facilities.
Japan’s education ministry is also supporting the shift through funding for school maintenance. In 2016, 57% of toilets in public elementary and junior high schools were Japanese-style, but this figure dropped to 32% by 2023. Regional differences persist, with Japanese-style toilets making up approximately half of the total in areas like Shimane and Yamaguchi prefectures. Some schools have expressed a desire to keep traditional toilets to ensure children know how to use them.
According to major sanitary ware manufacturer Toto Ltd., Japanese-style toilets accounted for most of its shipments until 1977, when Western-style models became more popular. Over the past decade, Japanese-style toilets have represented less than 1% of the company’s shipments. Western-style public toilets are preferred not only for their comfort, particularly for the elderly, but also because they are easier to maintain, as Japanese-style ones are more prone to becoming soiled. Despite the declining demand, a small market for Japanese-style toilets remains, and for now, Toto Ltd. continues to manufacture them.
Source: Toto