Job Discussion Forums

[tanklor1]

Why do some women tiolets have a "false "flush"" button. I noticed in the Osaka airport bathrooms that female tiolets have this option. I gotta ask "WHY" Why is this function deemed useful. I gots to know. Because I can't think of a reason why it should be there.

[bshabu]

Its for the women who are shy about making alot of noise.

[Quibby84]

But it sounds so fake! It seems to me that if you push that it is more obvious..

[Apsara]

It doesn't matter what it sounds like, it's to cover up any "unsavoury" noises. Before that kind of thing was installed, a huge amount of water was wasted because women would flush 2 or 3 times every time they went.

[chollimaspeed]

Is this the device known as the otohime? Good play on words I think.

[jademonkey]

I used a female washroom during a "karaoke rampage" and was vastly amused by the waterfall button. Apparently you shouldn't press it more than 10 times.

[wabisabi365]

That sound box is a great invention for the environment. In the public restrooms without one, I've heard women flush anywhere from 3 to 5 times for one sitting. Ridiculous. Are there any Japanese women reading this who can explain this strange sense of shame about the bathroom? We're all gals in there... When I'm in an Onsen, there is absolutely none of this nonsense. Whenever I bring the subject up, all I get is a giggle behind a hand and a "hazukashii...". What gives? In any case, having those sound boxes probably saves millions of litres of water a year. Bravo. Now, any takers on explaining this truly Japanese-woman phenomenon (without pulling the "hazukashii- desu" card?)

ws365

[TokyoLiz]

When I worked in international English schools in Vancouver, there was another nationality that caused our maintenance people endless bathroom problems. Mexican and Central American women used so much toilet paper that we blew our bathroom budget and clogged loos were a daily occurence.

I remember listening to a radio interview with an Indian opera singer who, when faced with a western audience, would still her nervousness by thinking about how Europeans and N. Americans wipe their bottoms with toilet paper, something many Indians find odd and even amusing. Keep in mind that in a few cultures, people use their hands to clean up after their bodily functions.

[Apsara]

For the sake of accuracy, in India (and nearby countries) it's the left hand only- and copious amounts of water are also used.

[Madman]

Why is the toilet paper in Japanese hotels only ever single ply? What is the point of that???

For those not aware of bathroom customs in the Middle East, a short 'shower hose' attachment is provided next to the toilet for use instead of toilet paper. It takes some getting used to. The left hand is still considered 'unclean' and is never used to shake hands, eat or drink with.

[Glenski]

[gaijin4life]

[cornishmuppet]

For heaven's sake, if its only the sound of water landing in the pan why on earth can't they just put a bit of paper in it first to muffle it? Works for me. If its the 'exit noise' they're worried about, I don't know what they're eating, as I've never been so quiet since I moved to Japan. All those baked beans and real ale drinking binges used to slaughter livestock for me everytime I took to the locker room each morning at work. In Japan its like being James Bond, silent and untraceable!

[AndyH]

One of the funniest things from Japan, in my opinion.