Meet Bob, an ordinary guy on a trip to a winterly Japan. He was about to experience a daily ritual of going to a toilet. It's not just any toilet. A Rolls Royce of a sort.
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As he sat down, Bob was dazzled by a gadget with numerous buttons attached to the toilet seat. He could not but expressed a mischievous grin, and gingerly pressed a button with a ‘blowing leaf” logo. Suddenly, a gentle breeze wafts up from beneath him, like a warm hug on a chilly day. "Ah, that's soothing!"
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Feeling somewhat more at ease , he sat down. When ‘nature calling’ was done, he pressed another button - a powerful jet of water shoots forth, catching him off guard and sending him into a whirlwind of splashing chaos. "Whoa!“
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The cleansing was followed by a blow-dried air.
"Ah, that's refreshing!" Bob exclaims, feeling oddly invigorated.
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Bob's eyes twinkle with excitement as he presses the next button, labeled "Spa’." Instantly, soothing music fills the air, and the toilet seat begins to vibrate gently, massaging away the bottoms.
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His face was shining as he walked out of the restroom!
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This happy ending story can be contributed to Kazuchika Okura of Japan. His series of inventions on toilets have helped to brighten the start of a day for many of us.
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The culture of cleanliness in Asia is not always well understood. Visitors to many parts of East Asia reguarly question the existence of a jet water spray with adjustable water pressure attached next to the toilet tank. Some would have thought it is for cleaning the bathroom!
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Rather, this bum gun is used to spray water for personal cleanliness. It is considered a hygienic alternative to toilet paper. Cleanliness conscious Asians can’t do without the hose spray and can be upset without it. Toilet paper alone just doesn’t seem to bring about total cleanliness.
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Kazuchika Okura has gone further with his series of inventions as the founder of TOTO company. Japanese toilets have become synonymous with luxury and functionality through hi-tech. Regular features include heated seats, warm water spray, auto-close lids, self-cleaning nozzles and warm air dryers.
At some public places like airports, a toilet seat can swirl like a whirlpool to rub off any dirt and auto spray  hygiene moisturizer for the next seater.
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And some of the latest innovations going mainstream soon may include:
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#an over-the-toilet sink that allows users to wash their hands with water that refills the tank, and help to conserve water.
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#sensors embedded in the toilet bowl to analyze urine and stool for health indicators like hydration levels, blood sugar levels, and signs of infection.
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#voice control and integration with smart home systems allowing users to interact with their smart toilets through voice commands.
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#augmented reality (AR) displays into the toilet lid offerring users news updates, weather forecasts, etc
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With a newfound appreciation for the wonders of modern technology, Bob bids adieu to his Smart Loo, knowing that his visit to a bathroom will never be the same again.