Module 25 Culture notes

Toilet seats: smart toilet seats, also known as washlet or bidet toilet seats are quite technologically advanced and are widely used in households, restaurants, and public restrooms. There are many buttons that come with the seat, sometimes they are on the side of the toilet seat and sometimes one may find them in a panel on the wall. They are used to flush

These toilet seats are equipped with a variety of features that provide enhanced comfort, hygiene, and convenience for users.

Some of the features commonly found in smart Japanese toilet seats include:

1. Bidet function: The bidet function allows users to clean themselves using a stream of warm water instead of toilet paper, providing a more hygienic and comfortable experience.
2. Heated seat: The heated seat feature keeps the toilet seat warm, especially during colder months, providing added comfort for users.
3. Air dryer: After using the bidet function, a built-in air dryer can be used to dry the area, eliminating the need for toilet paper.
4. Deodorizer: Some smart Japanese toilet seats have a built-in deodorizer that helps eliminate unpleasant odors.
5. Automated opening and closing of the lid: Some models have a sensor that automatically opens and closes the lid, eliminating the need to touch the toilet seat.
6. Nightlight: Many models have a built-in nightlight that provides soft illumination to make it easier to use the toilet in the dark.

Japanese restroom footwear: Sandals or clogs are generally provided inside a Japanese restroom, particularly in the kind of restaurant where customers have to remove their shoes to enter. The toilet footwear is only to be used inside the restroom so leave them there when one is done using the restroom. Also, as a courtesy, one should leave them with the tip of the sandals pointing toward the inside of the restroom so the next user can get into the footwear more easily.

Unisex restrooms are quite common but one can still see restrooms separated by gender. The Kanji for女 (on’na) is usually used on the door for a restroom to be used by females while the Kanji of 男 (otoko) is usually used on the door to indicate a restroom is to be used by males.

Making a reservation at a restaurant: While making a restaurant by phone is quite common, more and more restaurants are taking online reservations managed by third-party websites. Sometimes one would get an instant confirmation but it is normal to have to wait 24 hours to get a confirmation either via email or a call back from the restaurant.

Oshibori: Oshibori is a small towel or wet wipe that is often provided to customers in a small try in Japan to clean their hands before a meal or to refresh themselves during a meal. They are usually made of cotton or non-woven fabric and are often lightly scented with lemon or lavender. At some restaurants, Oshibori is provided again after a meal for customers to clean their hands after eating. Providing oshibori is an important aspect of Japanese hospitality.

Last order: The last order (LO) policy is quite common and many restaurants in Japan would take the last order of food from customers usually 30 minutes before the restaurants close for the day.

Paying for the bill after a meal: While one can ask for the bill at the seat, it is quite common to pay for the bill by placing either cash or a credit card on the tray at the cashier. The receipt and change will be placed on the tray and handed back to the customer. Tipping is not customary in Japan so pay with the exact amount that includes tax.

Food allergy inquiry: Many Japanese restaurants would ask customers if they have any food allergies and advise them what not to order or remove food items or ingredients that may pose a health problem for the customers.