‘See-through toilets’ malfunction in Shibuya

https://japannews ^ | 13:05 JST, December 17, 2022 | Staff

[Red Badger]

Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward announced Friday that two public restrooms in the ward, known as “see-through toilets,” in which the glass walls of the restrooms become opaque when in use, had a problem that allowed people to see inside while in use.

The walls of the toilets are made of special glass, which becomes opaque when locked.

Yomiuri Shimbun file photo Two toilet cubicles are seen in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, in November. The cubicle’s glass becomes opaque when in use, as seen on the right.

[coloradan]

When the batteries die does it go opaque or transparent? My guess is transparent, which is the wrong thing to do.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

I'd patent that idea quick, if I were you! It's brilliant.

You could even start up a portable toilet company and find a good spokesmodel to pitch the toilets. Maybe even your wife. Oh, wait, that's been done!

[Terry L Smith]

Can it be said that, any improvements to Mr. Crapper’sconibution to civilized society, seem to end up going down the drain?

[spokeshave]

Recycle the poop to generate methane to power the rig.

[Chode]

OH Yeah... 8^)

[Rummyfan]

Well, they provided a good laugh for passers-by....

[BobL]

“‘See-through toilets’ malfunction”

Not a difficult problem to foresee!

[Vigilanteman]

Just got back from spending a month in Japan. Yeah, their johnny flushers are really something else. Even the basic model has a flusher for a no. 1 or a no. 2 that allows you to rinse your hands before it recycles itself into the bowl. The basic seat allows you to warm your buns and wash your backside, redcuing the need for toilet paper. Most of the basic public biffys will sport these amenities.

If you want to go further in your home, you can buy high end models which will give you a urinalysis or even a fecal one to monitor your health.

When I first went there in 1977, lots of people were still using the basic outhouse with a night soil scoop or an indoor model that needed to be pumped out periodically.

It is amazing how far they've come. Meanwhile, our toilets have changed very little since I was born in the 1950s save for the fact that they don't flush as well.

[Qwapisking]

Confucius said “man who lives in glass house should never throw stones and man who craps in glass bathroom....Sam ting”.

[Magnatron]

I was in one of these in a night club in France. It was over the dance floor and it felt weird peeing with everyone dancing in front of you…

[Jamestown1630]

A solution in desperate search for a problem.

[tlozo]

Just got back from spending a month in Japan.

[Vigilanteman]

First line is Korean, third line is Chinese.

Sit down toilets are still a novelty there, especially in China.

Japanese who are much older than I am are still used to squatters. Those my age and younger, not so much.

As I said, a lot has changed with toilet technology over there in my lifetime. Not so much here in the USA.

[NorthMountain]

the point of this foolishness is???

It's Japan. That should be sufficient explanation.

[NorthMountain]

our toilets have changed very little since I was born in the 1950s save for the fact that they don't flush as well.

I have experienced no problems with American toilets made after about 2005. Maybe a bit earlier. And yes, I'm very much old enough to remember the pre-Algore models.

The Japanese toilets remind me of a modern car with "all this technology!!!!". Very annoying and unnecessary.

American toilets remind me of my 1990s pickup truck. Simple, straightforward, and it works.

[tlozo]

Japanese who are much older than I am are still used to squatters.

Yup, it was interesting to see them on bullet trains.

[Vigilanteman]

Whatever floats your boat. But I find it nice to have your bum washed and use a minimal amount of toilet paper. Much lower plumbing bills as well.

[Chode]

yes, quite...

[bigbob]

Solving a problem that never existed.

[Songcraft]

They probably should have built in some kind of automatic stink-spray instead.