If adoption of modern flush toilets is some sort of measure of competitiveness and modernity, then Europe and the British Isles are lagging woefully behind. Gravity tanks mounted at the ceiling are not uncommon. Ancient plumbing.
On the other end of the scale, the Japanese have a fascination with bodily functions that Americans do not have. It does not even occur to us, to want a toilet with a stereo or mood lighting. We don’t have toilet-themed restaurants. So, it’s just not a priority.
I could just as easily claim that Japan is behind because they typically only have one bathroom in their tiny residences. Maybe it’s a desire to glorify what little they have, that has them pimping their loo, who knows?
“It does not even occur to us, to want a toilet with a stereo or mood lighting.”
Exactly. Just put a magazine rack on the wall, and I’m good.