Earlier this year, the Japan Sanitary Equipment Industry Association announced it had standardized the pictograms on Japanese toilet controls.
The TOTO controls —
Earlier this year, the Japan Sanitary Equipment Industry Association announced it had standardized the pictograms on Japanese toilet controls.
Kyodo News/Kyodo News Stills/Kyodo News via Getty Images
Manufacturers across Japan agreed to adhere to the following symbols on their toilet control panels, to make the machines easier for people to use.
The TOTO controls —
Manufacturers across Japan agreed to adhere to the following symbols on their toilet control panels, to make the machines easier for people to use.
Kyodo News/Kyodo News Stills/Kyodo News via Getty Images
Users of Japanese "smart toilets" -- especially those from abroad -- have been complaining for years that the array of buttons, and their symbols, could be confusing.
The TOTO controls —
Users of Japanese "smart toilets" -- especially those from abroad -- have been complaining for years that the array of buttons, and their symbols, could be confusing.
STAN HONDA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Over the years, the TOTO Washlet has become an increasingly sophisticated machine.
The TOTO controls —
Over the years, the TOTO Washlet has become an increasingly sophisticated machine.
KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
One popular function is the music button, which allows toilet users to play a pleasant sound to muffle other noises that are perhaps less pleasant.
The TOTO controls —
One popular function is the music button, which allows toilet users to play a pleasant sound to muffle other noises that are perhaps less pleasant.
Andy Nelson/Christian Science Monitor/Getty
The Washlet also features a motorized bidet, which allows users to wash their private parts.
The TOTO controls —
The Washlet also features a motorized bidet, which allows users to wash their private parts.
Olaf Protze/LightRocket via Getty Images
This control panel has less buttons, but to a foreign user its function is no clearer.
The TOTO controls —
This control panel has less buttons, but to a foreign user its function is no clearer.
TOTO
The Japanese are known as innovators in toilet technology. Their toilets have become a major cultural export.
The TOTO controls —
The Japanese are known as innovators in toilet technology. Their toilets have become a major cultural export.
TOTO