Evidence of being away

Any trip abroad seems to yield a variety of images confirming, as Dorothy put it, “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” Here begins a series of such visuals from my recent trip to Japan, where coincidentally Toto seems to be everywhere. Or at least in all the bathrooms (see below).

Cleanliness is a virtue held in high esteem in Japan. Litter seems to be non-existent. People can always be seen sweeping leaves, twigs and what have you from their front porches, and public areas are remarkably tidy. Much Japanese signage supports that idea.

Instead of the U.S. style of reminders to not litter and to clean up after your dog (both under threat of fines), many Japanese signs simply remind people to be thoughtful of others. Even though free graphic expression seems to be the rule - what would be the universal symbol for exhaust? - the message on this sign is quite clear: don’t let your car idle and spew out all that unnecessary smoke! Whether there’s also a warning of a fine, I don’t know, but I don’t see any yen signs (¥).

Those of you who know me well probably recall that I've been taking photos of plumbing fixtures for years.  

Toilets in the company-owned Forum 246, where we stayed in Isehara, like all the other hotels on this trip, all were outfitted with the Toto washlet seat. And I mean all, including the public washrooms. In addition to temperature controls for the heated seat, this personal hygiene device also offers spray and bidet settings. You’ll be pleased to hear the water for those functions, too, is heated.

I first came across these seats while on the staff of Plumbing Engineer magazine, which means it was prior to 2003. Still, I was surprised to see how pervasive they are today in Japan.