The Washlet

Lots of people talk about Japan's high-tech toilets, and these things are everywhere- even convenience store restrooms. To be honest, I can't remember the last time I sat down on a non-futuristic toilet seat in this country. The Washlet (sold by Toto, www.cleanishappy.com) accounts for the majority of the 2.7 million toilet/bidet/butt-washer toilet seats sold annually in Japan, and there are many models in their product line. The most basic is the Warmlet, which does just what it sounds like- a little unnerving the first few times, until you realize that the heat didn't come from the previous user. In cold weather, it's GREAT. The middle-range Washlet is the standard, equipped with a bidet, butt-washer, pressure control, and a giant stop button (perhaps the most important part). The high-end models also add a dryer, completely elimiating the need for paper, and some even have a lid that automatically opens when you approach, though I haven't encountered either of those features in the wild yet.