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日本語/Japanese  Fri 11/24 20:22 JST
Once upon a time, the Japanese used to use a small wooden stick called Chugi (photo here) to wipe their bottoms. It wasn't until the Meiji period when they gradually started to use toilet paper.

Toilet paper wasn't available during the Meiji period and folks had to import it!
I think people got fed up of using those Chugi sticks because some people mistook them for chopsticks and then realizing while they are eating breakfast that they were not chopsticks (chopsticks otherwise known as "ohashi" in Japanese) but elder brothers personal Chugi. The victim thinking "no bloody wonder there was dried corn on the end of that Chugi..."

The Japanese finally got bored of using toilet paper and invented the washlet. Basically what happens is that once you have finished your morning dump, you press a button and a stream of water shoots your back door to remove bits of poo and undigested spinach. You can see one in action at YouTube.
Rather than spread around the peanut butter with paper, one can strategically take out the offensive object just like MGS Snake with his sniper rifle on a dose of diazepam.

While a bidet does offer similar functionality, you have to actually move over to it and risk dropping some waste in the process. One could slip on the poo and hit ones head on the toilet rendering one unconscious – or worst still ones head could end up in the toilet.

Took this photo in Akihabara and you can see that a washlet is basically a combination of toilet lid/seat that you can fit to most toilets. Some of them have control panels that you mount to the wall and some even have SD Card MP3 players.
Most of these cost 25,000 yen upwards but if you cant afford that then you can always go for a portable version which you can carry around with you.

I remember when I first came to Japan and tried one of these – nearly jumped out my seat. If you are over here, you should try it at least once!
Washlet (click to enlarge)
Polls
Chrno in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
man... what inventions in the world. ill stick to toilet paper thanks, i woudnt want a jet of water shooting up my butt =|, plus expensive.
(ID #41557) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Jim in Japan
The first time I saw one of these, with all the buttons on the side I thought of Captain Kirk's chair on the bridge of the starship Enterprise!
(ID #41558) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Henry in Manila, Philippines
the inventions for the lazy japanese but i would like to try the portable washlet XDDD
(ID #41559) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
sandrum in Aomori, Japan
Usually used them at hotels.  Good idea I think.  It may be expensive at first, but think of all the TP money you'll save from not spreading the pb around yer keister.  Might pay for itself in a couple of years.... ;)
(ID #41562) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Alafista in Singapore
Even though i would like to try it out maybe once ... I'd rather stick to toilet paper .. ^_^
(ID #41563) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Jason Scott in Waltham, MA, USA
Wow, I do believe that was waayyyyyy more information than I needed, Danny!
(ID #41564) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Shi in 604
LOL, japanese invention always amazes me, they'll always come up with some crazy ideas.  Nice info Danny!
(ID #41565) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Chopper Dave in Medford, Oregon
Im just glad I finished eating dinner before I read this post! oO

Im not entirely sure I would want to try this, because nothing feels worse then a wet bum.
(ID #41566) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
XYZPDQ
VERY interesting; I did not expect this (not at the least, 1am here!). I will stick to good old fashioned toilet paper, but wouldn't mind giving this a go.
(ID #41567) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Edward in Michigan U.S.A.
Caught me of guard the first time as well.  It's starting to make it's way into the U.S. now.  
(ID #41569) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
bakagundamzero in Philippines
I have to love the japanese to come up with ways to make anything interesting and sophisticated. Hey, this invention will save u a bundle in toilet paper!! Just imagine how many trees don't have to be cut down to make toilet paper. They might even find a way to recycle used toilet paper!! Seriously!! I love the japanese spirit of creativity. 
(ID #41570) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Jason in Auckland
I remember me and my friend trying this out when we were at Japan - I pushed the button and quickly got out of the way. The jet of water splashed on the wall of the cubicle. We tried to turn it off but instead moved the water blaster up and down so the water actually managed to reach the next cubicle (the toilet was facing sideways) and splashed the guy in it.
(ID #41573) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
WoLF-[x] in Malaysia
I tried a washlet before, but didn't feel it was clean enough. I turned it on full blast, felt the strangely thereaupetic feeling of water blasting into your orifice, and felt doubtful that it was clean. And sure enough it wasn't. I still needed toilet paper and had to wipe off wet dung which is harder than not-so-wet ones with the use of toilet paper. Maybe i wasn't doing it right?
(ID #41574) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
BeLe in Cebu, Philippines
I spent a night over at a friend's house who has one of these and the first time I used it I was really surprised and jump from the seat (wasn't expecting it and the water was cold).  I wouldn't mind using it again. heheh.  I think it's cleaner and much more convenient than using toilet paper.
(ID #41576) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
eddie in Tokyo
"I think people got fed up of using those Chugi sticks because some people mistook them for chopsticks and then realizing while they are eating breakfast that they were not chopsticks (chopsticks otherwise known as "ohashi" in Japanese) but elder brothers personal Chugi. The victim thinking "no bloody wonder there was dried corn on the end of that Chugi..."

Hahahahahahha... man, you sick!
(ID #41578) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Eleutheria in USA
Dried corn?  Dropping some waste?

Thank you, Danny, thank you.
(ID #41580) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
仁葉工芸 in さいたま
「ウォシュレット」も
日本人が知らない、日本のすばらしい発明ですね。
(ID #41581) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
I've got two of them in my house but I've only used them for the warm seat. Water up the, erm, rear is not my cup of tea. Fantastic post about the previous 'cleansing devices', Danny. I didn't know about the sticks... 
(ID #41583) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Lol on the potty-pod (mp3 playing washlet) and the portable washlet, wonder if I can find a site that sells the toto portable washlet, that thing would make a great christmas gift for friends. ^^ 

BeLe, I believe the ones in Japan have heaters to keep the water as well as the seat warm, or at least the one I used when I was in Tokyo. ^^
(ID #41584) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
super rats in Philadelphia, PA USA
There must be something wrong with me, because I found the whole thing about the chugi more curious than the washlet. I'd use a washlet, but I think I can live without ever trying chugi.
(ID #41585) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
AndyH in Birmingham, UK
"one can strategically take out the offensive object just like MGS Snake with his sniper rifle on a dose of diazepam."

Hahahaha! Ace!

I gotta admit, it took me a few dumps to warm to them, but once used to having water spraying where the sun dont shine, it really helps with the 'clean up operation' - especially if your business was a bit um... untidy.

Id buy one! Not sure about the heated seat and MP3 player malarkey, but the jet of water and the self-lowering seat is great.
(ID #41586) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Huk in SG
Some of the older Malays and ABNN from my conutry dun use papers but wash their butt instead, which is why there is always atleast a squat pan cubicle in the public toilet with a hose. Thats when they wear sarong with no undies, its impraticial to wash your butt if you wear pants and undies. I would say they are the pioneers of washlets/bidets.
(ID #41587) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Boris in Maryland, USA
....Chugi sound a bit painfule to use hahahaha, ow water to wash away my doodies, that is interesting, maybe i'll try that some day HAHAH it will be my experince of the day hahaha
(ID #41607) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Nor the Neutralizer in SG
Its a device thats make sense. Altho i recommend a wash/wipeX2 method. Wash to try getting rid of those clingers. Wipe to make sure its clean.Wash again for good measure.And wipe again so that you wont get a cold cos you're wearing wet undies. I'm a malay and i agree with Huk..but i need to correct some of his misconception. I'm young and IF i do wear my sarong,i'll wear undies or shorts for that matter.So do my gramps and dad. It can get drafty and we wont try to emulate the Scots.Goes the same the others mentioned (ABNN is kinda offensive).
erGuiri in Gran Canaria
Usual method over here is 'wipe' the BIG stuff off, then move over to the bidet. But... yeah, good idea having it all in one place. But bidets are good as peeing supplement when you don't have two bathrooms and no problem sharing the room. And for washing your feet! hahahaaaha

So they used sticks, they could use them behind their backs in awkward positions! Wow! chopsticks masters supreme!
(ID #41644) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
kaputnik X in pluto
Ha !!!!!! another inovative way of cleaning poop from ur behind geeez... 
(ID #43284) Posted on 2007/01/22 08:08
Tofu-san in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
ecchi student
Registered on 2007/03/04 06:41
Didn't the Japanese start using chugi in the Nara period? I read that somewhere.
(ID #45571) Posted on 2007/03/19 05:14
zer0kage in Brunei
Student
Registered on 2007/07/08 22:37
The water they used in Keio Hotel was warm. Cold is better. :V
(ID #60985) Posted on 2007/10/25 20:21
Chrno in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
man... what inventions in the world. ill stick to toilet paper thanks, i woudnt want a jet of water shooting up my butt =|, plus expensive.
(ID #83561) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Jim in Japan
The first time I saw one of these, with all the buttons on the side I thought of Captain Kirk's chair on the bridge of the starship Enterprise!
(ID #83562) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Henry in Manila, Philippines
the inventions for the lazy japanese but i would like to try the portable washlet XDDD
(ID #83563) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
sandrum in Aomori, Japan
Usually used them at hotels.  Good idea I think.  It may be expensive at first, but think of all the TP money you'll save from not spreading the pb around yer keister.  Might pay for itself in a couple of years.... ;)
(ID #83566) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Alafista in Singapore
Even though i would like to try it out maybe once ... I'd rather stick to toilet paper .. ^_^
(ID #83567) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Jason Scott in Waltham, MA, USA
Wow, I do believe that was waayyyyyy more information than I needed, Danny!
(ID #83568) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Shi in 604
LOL, japanese invention always amazes me, they'll always come up with some crazy ideas.  Nice info Danny!
(ID #83569) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Chopper Dave in Medford, Oregon
Im just glad I finished eating dinner before I read this post! oO

Im not entirely sure I would want to try this, because nothing feels worse then a wet bum.
(ID #83570) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
XYZPDQ
VERY interesting; I did not expect this (not at the least, 1am here!). I will stick to good old fashioned toilet paper, but wouldn't mind giving this a go.
(ID #83571) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Edward in Michigan U.S.A.
Caught me of guard the first time as well.  It's starting to make it's way into the U.S. now.  
(ID #83573) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
bakagundamzero in Philippines
I have to love the japanese to come up with ways to make anything interesting and sophisticated. Hey, this invention will save u a bundle in toilet paper!! Just imagine how many trees don't have to be cut down to make toilet paper. They might even find a way to recycle used toilet paper!! Seriously!! I love the japanese spirit of creativity. 
(ID #83574) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Jason in Auckland
I remember me and my friend trying this out when we were at Japan - I pushed the button and quickly got out of the way. The jet of water splashed on the wall of the cubicle. We tried to turn it off but instead moved the water blaster up and down so the water actually managed to reach the next cubicle (the toilet was facing sideways) and splashed the guy in it.
(ID #83577) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
WoLF-[x] in Malaysia
I tried a washlet before, but didn't feel it was clean enough. I turned it on full blast, felt the strangely thereaupetic feeling of water blasting into your orifice, and felt doubtful that it was clean. And sure enough it wasn't. I still needed toilet paper and had to wipe off wet dung which is harder than not-so-wet ones with the use of toilet paper. Maybe i wasn't doing it right?
(ID #83578) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
BeLe in Cebu, Philippines
I spent a night over at a friend's house who has one of these and the first time I used it I was really surprised and jump from the seat (wasn't expecting it and the water was cold).  I wouldn't mind using it again. heheh.  I think it's cleaner and much more convenient than using toilet paper.
(ID #83580) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
eddie in Tokyo
"I think people got fed up of using those Chugi sticks because some people mistook them for chopsticks and then realizing while they are eating breakfast that they were not chopsticks (chopsticks otherwise known as "ohashi" in Japanese) but elder brothers personal Chugi. The victim thinking "no bloody wonder there was dried corn on the end of that Chugi..."

Hahahahahahha... man, you sick!
(ID #83582) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Eleutheria in USA
Dried corn?  Dropping some waste?

Thank you, Danny, thank you.
(ID #83584) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
仁葉工芸 in さいたま
「ウォシュレット」も
日本人が知らない、日本のすばらしい発明ですね。
(ID #83585) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
I've got two of them in my house but I've only used them for the warm seat. Water up the, erm, rear is not my cup of tea. Fantastic post about the previous 'cleansing devices', Danny. I didn't know about the sticks... 
(ID #83587) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Lol on the potty-pod (mp3 playing washlet) and the portable washlet, wonder if I can find a site that sells the toto portable washlet, that thing would make a great christmas gift for friends. ^^ 

BeLe, I believe the ones in Japan have heaters to keep the water as well as the seat warm, or at least the one I used when I was in Tokyo. ^^
(ID #83588) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
super rats in Philadelphia, PA USA
There must be something wrong with me, because I found the whole thing about the chugi more curious than the washlet. I'd use a washlet, but I think I can live without ever trying chugi.
(ID #83589) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
AndyH in Birmingham, UK
"one can strategically take out the offensive object just like MGS Snake with his sniper rifle on a dose of diazepam."

Hahahaha! Ace!

I gotta admit, it took me a few dumps to warm to them, but once used to having water spraying where the sun dont shine, it really helps with the 'clean up operation' - especially if your business was a bit um... untidy.

Id buy one! Not sure about the heated seat and MP3 player malarkey, but the jet of water and the self-lowering seat is great.
(ID #83590) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Huk in SG
Some of the older Malays and ABNN from my conutry dun use papers but wash their butt instead, which is why there is always atleast a squat pan cubicle in the public toilet with a hose. Thats when they wear sarong with no undies, its impraticial to wash your butt if you wear pants and undies. I would say they are the pioneers of washlets/bidets.
(ID #83591) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Boris in Maryland, USA
....Chugi sound a bit painfule to use hahahaha, ow water to wash away my doodies, that is interesting, maybe i'll try that some day HAHAH it will be my experince of the day hahaha
(ID #83611) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Nor the Neutralizer in SG
Its a device thats make sense. Altho i recommend a wash/wipeX2 method. Wash to try getting rid of those clingers. Wipe to make sure its clean.Wash again for good measure.And wipe again so that you wont get a cold cos you're wearing wet undies. I'm a malay and i agree with Huk..but i need to correct some of his misconception. I'm young and IF i do wear my sarong,i'll wear undies or shorts for that matter.So do my gramps and dad. It can get drafty and we wont try to emulate the Scots.Goes the same the others mentioned (ABNN is kinda offensive).
erGuiri in Gran Canaria
Usual method over here is 'wipe' the BIG stuff off, then move over to the bidet. But... yeah, good idea having it all in one place. But bidets are good as peeing supplement when you don't have two bathrooms and no problem sharing the room. And for washing your feet! hahahaaaha

So they used sticks, they could use them behind their backs in awkward positions! Wow! chopsticks masters supreme!
(ID #83648) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Leo~Chan in montreal,quebec,born in hk
study
Registered on 2008/03/26 12:09
lool
(ID #212017) Posted on 2008/06/13 11:20
Tragic comedy in Singapore
Animator/ graphic designer
Registered on 2007/04/10 22:55
Used it before...pretty efficient but has a weird sensation?
(ID #212033) Posted on 2008/06/13 11:58
Evi1d33d in USA
Student
Registered on 2008/04/01 07:40
Remember the phrase "getting the wrong end of the stick"? In Rome public restrooms sometime a person would grab the wrong end of the Chugi and thus the phrase is born.
(ID #212037) Posted on 2008/06/13 12:05
Registered on 2006/12/24 23:42
ahh washlets, one of the must experience items in Japan. guaranteed to literally knock the muck out of your tushie. ^^ 
(ID #212055) Posted on 2008/06/13 12:43
R-1 in the "Hagane" docking bay
Personal Trooper
Registered on 2007/07/05 20:49
Wait, we have washlets too here, right? I mean, it's not exactly unknown here.
(ID #212105) Posted on 2008/06/13 14:10
R-1 in the "Hagane" docking bay
Personal Trooper
Registered on 2007/07/05 20:49
Anyone figure out how to use three shells yet? (bonus points to the one who can figure out where that reference came from).
(ID #212101) Posted on 2008/06/13 14:06
Registered on 2006/12/24 23:42
demolition man. ^^ btw about ur comment. do you mean bidet? it is similar but not exactly the same. this thing keeps the seat warm and spurts warm water up the tushie. even if you're a bidet user it'll make you jump a bit in suprise. ^^
(ID #214188) Posted on 2008/06/16 12:23
gundamx in singapore
manager
Registered on 2008/06/13 12:30
Hi May i know whether there will be a Unicorn ver 2  in the future?
(ID #212137) Posted on 2008/06/13 15:08
Mimi in Under glass ceiling
I'm a professional eggroll charmer
Registered on 2008/03/11 07:19
lol i've used those so many times lol it's fun to experiment with all the buttons and stuff :] 
(ID #212138) Posted on 2008/06/13 15:09
gundamx in singapore
manager
Registered on 2008/06/13 12:30
Hi , can a strike PG used a non PG weapons?
(ID #212139) Posted on 2008/06/13 15:11
sharky in NCF
Ha!
Registered on 2007/09/14 02:28
Got one put in when I remodelled my house last year.  It is from Toto and when I ordered it, it came directly from the factory in Kyushu, Japan.  It is great, warm seat, nice cleaning with remote control. Both my wife and I's bottom cannot live without it now @@
(ID #212180) Posted on 2008/06/13 15:52
suki in Cape Town, South Africa
Receptionist/ Accountant/ Junior Designer
Registered on 2007/08/22 22:03
Interesting post, Danny... 
(ID #212204) Posted on 2008/06/13 16:13
lostandfound in a UFO... catcher...
Part human, part student, 100% loser
Registered on 2007/10/22 02:10
This would be great in a water gun fight...
(ID #212225) Posted on 2008/06/13 16:30
-XYZPDQ in Pennsylvania, United States
Student Engineer