One of three people in Japan suffers from hemorrhoids. But also in other countries this small, yet wicked illness is a problem.

There are many reasons for hemorrhoids: Stress, female period, excessive drinking, manual labour, etc. As a result, sitting, sometimes even walking becomes painful. To prevent hemorrhoids, it is extremely important to keep one's bottom clean.

Now imagine a toilet with a cleaning function, different programs to choose from and an overall relaxing effect? Well, this toilet exists.

In Japan, nearly fifty percent of the households are equipped with these kind of toilet, and it is also standard in department stores, restaurants, etc. Calling this "Japanese toilet culture" is certainly not exaggarated.

Many Japanese are maniacs about cleanliness, and in fact there are numerous people who after living abroad for several years still feel uncomfortable at using western style toilets. Not only a cleanliness hard to reach with simple toilet paper, but also the comfort of having a heated toilet seat is a factor, especially in winter.

One reason for this particular culture may be that many people use the toilet as a private space, where they may spend some time, reading the newspaper or thinking. Makers have answered to this tendency by creating more and more sophisticated toilet seats, making going there a pleasure rather than a mere necessity.

The newest models include functions one would not have dreamt of a year ago, like MP3 players with memory function, fragrances adaptd to the specific season, automatic release and much more. Even self-cleaning functions are available.

The Japanese obsession with toilets may sound strange to foreign ears, but it is worth a try. Because, after all, it is a pleasure ...