Business Japanese high-tech toilet seats gain traction in the US

To increase presence in stores, Toto also commenced sales at major retail chain Costco in 2019, with their products placed in prominent spots on shelf corners. By building a strong distribution network across the U.S. through major retailers, the Washlet gained significant attention during the COVID-19 pandemic when outings were restricted and toilet paper was in short supply. Toto is now focusing on its after-sales service network in the U.S. Showrooms are being set up in cities with populations of around 300,000, staffed with personnel to handle repairs. By the end of 2026, this system will be in place nationwide, with plans to subsequently expand to urban areas with populations of around 100,000, Tamura said. By broadening customer interactions and ensuring that service personnel visit within three days of a toilet issue, Toto aims to differentiate itself from competitors.

Click to expand...

As conventional self-checks can be unpleasant for both facility residents and staff, the new device has been well-received, it said. Japan's toilet industry is known for developing a variety of products to meet changing social needs, such as bidet toilets focused on cleanliness and comfort after western-style lavatories became mainstream in the country, followed by water-saving designs as environmental awareness grew later.

Click to expand...

thomas said:

More news from the toilet front (I think this was mentioned in another thread a few months ago):

In August, Toto Ltd. introduced two new models in its high-end Neorest range, featuring a sensor module built into the toilet bowl. Using an LED-equipped device, the system scans waste to assess its shape, volume and colour.

View attachment 134625
Toto Ltd. toilet equipped with a stool scan sensor (Toto via Kyodo).

The toilets are the first of their kind designed for home use in Japan. They sort stool shape and firmness into seven categories, while volume and colour are each logged on three levels. The data can be checked through a smartphone app, which also offers basic dietary guidance based on the results, such as suggestions to eat more vegetables. The idea behind the product is to link daily toilet use more closely with personal health awareness. Separately, Panasonic Corp. has developed a device called Toirepo for use in nursing-care facilities. It uses a sensor attached to the toilet to record when residents use it, how often, and the volume involved.

Latest high-tech Japanese toilets can check health via stool analysis

Famous for their innovative products, Japanese toilet makers have introduced new stool analysis technology to their products in a bid to attract health-conscious buyers.

english.kyodonews.net

Click to expand...

thomas said:

Isn't that the global standard?

Click to expand...

Grandpa Frank said:

View attachment 134664 I'm hoping for one that sprays lidocaine for hemorrhoids , LOL.

Click to expand...