A squatters life in Japan

So this weekend just gone, me and two friends decided to go camping on the out skirts of a city in Japan. I had only one request, for it to have toilets because i am not one to pee, or squat behind a tree, bush or what ever nature can provide.

When we arrived i noticed that their was a camp fire area, i looked a little bit more and saw an eating area, a wash sink area, a water area and finally i spotted what could be the toilet.

It was literally a shed with a sink at either end...then 3 unirals (no flush) and to doors that led to squatter toilets with no flush...instead where the U-pipe is suppose to be there was a massive drop. It was dusk when we arrived at the campsite so whilst exploring i had a flashlight...i pointed the flashlight down the hole and to my horror it was a massive pit of waste.

Luckily the campsite itself was quite nice and i'd have to admit i have seen much worst toilets, such as the ye ole bucket with option seat. You also do find squatter toilets at some stores and outside loos and especially in schools. Normally in a school, if you are lucky, you may find only one wester style toilet. Now for boys and men its fine because they are easy to aim into when you need to pee and of course we have unrinals...we only have the issue of confruting a squatter when we need to "drop the kids off at the pool" (an expression my friends uses).

If you are planning on coming to japan, even if its just for a visit, you will most definately come across a squatter loo at some point. So to help i will write some instructions of how to use one

Instructions on a how to use a sqautter toilet:

First thing to do is to look at the positioning of the toilet and where the pipe works are. Normally there is a step up to the loo section.

Make sure you face the pipes, sometimes there is a splash guard at that end of the loo.

Place one foot either side.

If you are wearing trousers then pull your trousers and underwear down to your knees. For skirts and dresses lower your underwear to your knees and gather the skirt/dress upto the waistline and hole in front (dont let it dangle)

Now squat and do your business.

Next is the tricky part. Make sure you dont allow your clothes to fall whilst you reach for the loo roll.

Wipe.

And now flush...when you flush stand to one side if you can because some loos have a powerful flush and you can get spray back.

If you do find you need to flush part way through due to a large deposit made then you can do this by partly pressing the handle down...this is like a half flush.

if you have caught the edge just be sure to wipe up after to leave a clean toilet for someone else.

*note* like in some place, such as america, you may expect to find a paper toilet seat cover. in this case you wont find any because youe dont need them...in fact these toilets can be more hygienic and also it is suppose to be a better posture for the body when you wish to become several pounds lighter.

It can take a bit of pactice and time to get use to...the main thing is ballance...some can squat by just balancing on their toes others can do a full squat whereby your feet are flat on the ground...the latter is better for you...if you do need help in balancing just hold onto the pipe work or the wall...or hold it and try and find a convenient store, such as lawsons, because they almost always have wester toilets.

well i hope this helps and doesnt put you off...its all part of the cultural experience of living and being in Japan

• Toilet
• squatting
• squat
• Japan
• TEFL
• teaching
• Camping
• Holiday