All About Japan All About Japan

Fresh start every Monday!

Toto's Toilet Showroom is Nuts!

Did you know that the newest Japanese toilets offer automatic sterilization, a dryer and even a massage option?

Learn Some New Hand Puppetry... or 'Poop-etry'

The poop emoji has long been a favorite among people in Japan, but now you don't need type it out⁠—just use your hands.

Touchless Toilet Panel Is Safety Innovation

Japanese toilets are well known for their high-tech wash-and-dry functions, controlled by a panel located near the toilet seat. While it's great for keeping your rear clean, the pandemic has highlighted one major problem: it doesn’t keep fingers clean.

This Toilet is Smarter than You

The short film "A.I. Toilet" imagines a lavatory so advanced that it can take control of your life.

Tadao Ando Livens Shibuya with Toilet Project

Famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando shows off his circular submission to the Tokyo Toilet project.

Toilet Wonders of the Architectural World

Head to Shibuya in Tokyo to experience toilets like you've never experienced them before.

Save up to 86% with Advance Airfare!

Want to travel Japan, but worried about the cost? JAL’s ‘Sakitoku’ advance fares lets you save up to 86 percent on airfare if you book at least 28 days in advance on domestic flights! Here are 12 ideas for places you can go!

Toto's Toilet Museum Is Flush with History

This is no joke: the improbably elegant Toto Museum presents the innovative history of a device undeniably central to our lives.

Hello Kitty Toilet Seat Cover & Bidet

Sanrio releases a Hello Kitty toilet seat cover and bidet for the most devout Hello Kitty fans.

Visit the 'Museum of the Sewerage'

At the 'Museum of the Sewerage' in western Tokyo, you can stand on a viewing platform right inside the main sewage pipe—which smells about as good as you'd imagine!

Bathroom has 31 Female Stalls to 1 Male Stall

Japan’s all-female Takarazuka theater has an enlightened 31.5:1 female to male bathroom stall ratio.

Shibuya Public Restrooms Get Designer Makeover

The Nippon Foundation is collaborating with the ward and 16 world-renowned architects and designers to transform 17 public lavatories.

Watch 2 BuzzFeed Writers Try a Washlet!

Two American BuzzFeed writers try out the bidet functions of a Washlet for the first time and hilarious results ensue!

Government: Japan Has Enough Toilet Paper

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshi Kajiyama says Japan has enough toilet paper and urges people to stop hoarding.

Check Out the Best Japanese Ads of 2017

Famous musicians, actors and idol group members star in these memorable commercials that will make you laugh, cry and (hopefully) want to buy what they’re selling.

3 Reasons Japan is Great for Accessible Travel

Japan holds a great secret: it is very kind to those with mobility issues. In fact, it can be surprisingly accessible to seniors and those with disabilities. Find out how!

Funassyi Shares the Joy of Toilet Cleaning

Funassyi, the neon yellow pear character, spreads the joy of bathroom cleaning through videos and merchandise.

TP So Delicious You'll Want to Eat It

Toilet paper that gives fruit roll-ups a whole new meaning.

How to Navigate a Japanese Washlet Toilet

If you're confused by all the buttons on a modern Japanese toilet, we're here to decipher all those mystifying symbols.

7 Japanese Gadgets You Can't Live Without!

During your stay you may come in contact with these seven gadgets that help make life in Japan a little bit easier. But as soon as you leave, you'll be wishing you had one at home, too!

know-before-you-go