Squat Toilets
The other type of toilet is the dreaded squat toilet. This style is still very common in public washrooms (such as parks, temples, and train stations). All the ferries I took used them, many bars use them, and even my English conversation school had one! Suffice it to say, I was disappointed to learn that I had a squat toilet in my apartment.
For a man, urination is rather straight forward; it is just like a urinal except on horizontal. But when you have to go for a “number two”, things get more complicated. I cannot give you any good advice on what to do with your clothes. In the privacy of my own apartment, I would simply remove my pants. However, I have read on the internet that you can lower your pants but not past you knees. Having never tried that, I would be petrified of soiling my pants while away from home. Thus, when the need arose I would seek out Takashimaya department store for their luxurious toilets! Many people don’t know which way to face when using a squat toilet. The proper way is towards the flushing apparatus.
I found that squatting really hurt my knees, and in the event of having a long squat, it would take a long time to stand up and walk again. The plumbing can be used to steady yourself (whether or not is “should” be used is an entirely different question). That being said, it has been proven that squatting is healthier, specifically for yours bowels, as the body maintains a more natural and relax position.
To see more on the amazing features and history of the Japan’s super toilets, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toilets_in_Japan
To see more on the pros and cons of squat toilets, as well as some very interesting pictures from around the world, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squat_toilet
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