- Stand facing the back of the toilet (toward the cistern).
- Carefully sit down, aligning yourself comfortably so your knees face the tank.
Step 3: Use the Tank for Convenience
- Place small personal items like tissues, a phone, or a book on the flat surface of the tank.
- If the toilet has built-in functions like a bidet or spray buttons (common in Japan), familiarize yourself with their locations.
Step 4: Adjust for Comfort and Hygiene
- Lean forward slightly to avoid strain on your back.
- Use the available buttons or bidet functions if the toilet includes them, as many Japanese toilets have advanced features.
Benefits of Sitting Backward
- Convenience: The tank serves as a functional shelf.
- Stability: Provides a more secure position for those who need extra support.
- Enhanced Accessibility: Makes it easier to use advanced toilet features or place items within reach.
Modern Japanese Toilet Culture
In modern Japan, washlet toilets (high-tech toilets with bidet functions, heated seats, and automated features) dominate most homes and public spaces. These toilets are designed to prioritize comfort and hygiene, and people generally sit facing forward as in Western practices.
However, the backward-sitting practice is still relevant in certain settings, such as:
- Schools and Public Restrooms: Where older toilet designs are prevalent.
- Traditional Bathhouses: Where squat-style toilets are still used.
Cultural Takeaways
The notion of sitting backward on a toilet highlights the adaptability of Japanese culture, especially in balancing tradition and modernity. While this practice is less common today, it reflects Japan’s innovative approach to design and hygiene, always emphasizing functionality and respect for individual needs.
So, the next time you hear about someone sitting backward on a toilet in Japan, you’ll know the practical and historical reasoning behind it!
