Image: Japan Sanitary Equipment Industry Association

Confusion on how to use Japanese electric toilets may finally be put to rest, thanks to six instructional pictograms that have become a global standard.

According to Kyodo News, the International Organization for Standardization recognized six out of the original eight pictograms initially proposed by the Japan Sanitary Equipment Industry Association.

The rising number of tourists visiting Japan has been cited as one of the driving force that led to the creation of the pictograms.

Japan Sanitary Equipment Industry Association proposed eight pictograms in January 2017. It also made the pictograms and guidelines for use downloadable from its main website. The two extra pictograms were for the dryer and stop buttons.

Having a global standard means some modifications to the Japanese standard are in order to have all future products follow one guideline. However, the global standard also means that Japanese toilet makers can now enter foreign markets and the whole world can enjoy hi-tech toilets in their homes. /ra

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