Social norms- and the dogmatic way everyone follows them- are largely to thank for the high quality of life in Japan..."sinful transgression..." was my choice of words (sarcasm) to attempt a bit of amusement.
the above poster obviously does not own a washlet 'cause believe me, if you had one you WOULD use it...and i mean daily! ( it feels so gooood!)
Ones they have in the shopping centres, etc. are best left unused ( that ain't hygienic enough for me...), but for all the rest sitting in Japanese homes, they sure are being used ( they're not some kind of visual diversion or toy cockpit of buttons and knobs...) The Japanese aren't enthusiastic about drawing visible lines between the haves and have nots. They may have fancy new cars when you see them parking at the new shopping centre, but that facade of equality would be shattered if you saw their cramped and old housing situation...cold in winter and hot in summer.
Now a washlet is a real luxury for people who largely have no alternatlive to low quality housing...you know the expression "on the throne"...it may be one of life's small pleasures, but with great value...
In conclusion, I'd like to comment about the what abbreviation of the other poster...if you can respond with wit or in a clever way, that's great, but leave any negative attitude off the thread muffin.