In Energy-Stingy Japan, an Extravagant Indulgence: Posh Privies

Energy-guzzling toilets, which can warm and wash one's bottom, are in 68 percent of Japanese homes. (By Blaine Harden -- The Washington Post)
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Toto, Japan's largest toiletmaker, says that in the past decade, it has cut the monthly cost of electricity for its multi-featured toilets from $4.69 to $2.59. Almost all of this reduction has come without the involvement of toilet users, according to Kazumi Kasahara, a Toto manager.

"We have not heard about customers who turn their toilets off because they want to be green," he said. "What we do hear about are customers who get addicted to these toilets and cannot stop using them."

For the addicted, Toto and other manufacturers -- with government encouragement -- have invented the intelligent toilet.

After a few days on the job in a household, it memorizes when and how family members do their business. Then, with history as its guide, the toilet intermittently heats up its seat and warms its water.

When no one is likely to be in need, the toilet is cool.

Special correspondent Akiko Yamamoto contributed to this report.