The Etiquette of Peeing in Japan
Peeing should not be hard. It’s a natural function. But just like everything in Japan, there's certain etiquette to follow. I spent a month in Japan and one of my biggest challenges was conquering the Japanese toilets to become king of the throne. I had done the research. Lonely Planet's Japan guidebook has a bit about Japanese squat toilets, giving instructions to face opposite the door, straddle what looks to be an implanted urinal in the floor, squat and hold onto the contents of your pockets (gravity tends to pull things out and plop them in the hole). I also found an entertaining Web site with a computer animation on how to use a Japanese squat toilet. Ah! Memories of the first time with a Japanese squat toilet. Let me tell you, they really weren't invented for nylon-wearing women. Straddling the hole and keeping the nylons out of the line of fire takes balance. I found new leg muscles but with the first run, I discovered a thing called splatter. I learned from my mistakes thereafter. But not all Japanese toilets are squat-style, some are Western-style (the ones commonly found in the United States and as well in Brazil). It's common to hear the constant sound of running water from modest Japanese women flushing toilets. Apparently, they're a bit shy to the sound of tinkling. Since water was being wasted, a noise box was invented to emulate the sound of flushing Japanese toilets and installed in most public areas. With the purpose being to hide the sound of nature's call, I wonder why the inventor selected the sound of flushing water when it can be anything. Why not Japanese Muzak? When using a public Japanese toilet, either squat or Western-style, bring tissues. Toilet paper is not very common. Packs of tissues are commonly given away at train stations as product samples. Be sure to grab some. Also carry a handkerchief to dry your hands after you have washed them. Paper towels and hand dryers are uncommon, too. When staying in a hotel, you can use the bathroom at your leisure. But as a guest in a Japanese home, you'll earn respect when following the culture's customs.
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