Story Discover the History and Evolution of the Humble Toilet at the TOTO Museum in Kitakyushu
A Fascinating Showcase of Japan’s Toilet Culture By JNTO on 11 November 2022

Housed in a stylish building located in Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture is an important museum dedicated to the history of the toilet. The TOTO Museum, opened in 2015 to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary in 2017, displays an impressive array of TOTO’s most iconic and high-tech bathroom products. Step right in and travel through time with TOTO to learn about the history and evolution of the toilet in Japan!

 

©︎TOTOミュージアム

 

TOTO - Elevating Japan’s Toilet Standards for More Than 100 Years   

 

Even before the company was officially set up in 1917, its founder, Kazuchika Okura, and his father were the first to successfully develop Western-style seated flush toilets domestically. TOTO raised the bar for sanitary standards through innovations that contributed to Japan’s renowned reputation in this arena. 

 

©︎TOTOミュージアム

 

Some of TOTO’s many first achievements include manufacturing Japan’s first prefabricated bathroom module and creating the famed WASHLET or toilet seats that come with a pleasantly warm bidet washing feature. More than a household name in Japan, TOTO has become an integral part of Japan’s modernisation.

 

Get a grasp of the momentous milestones of the company’s history and be inspired by heritage exhibits that have been recognised for their historical value at the museum’s first exhibit space. Keep a lookout for that first ceramic seated flush toilet developed by the founders in 1914!

 

Curious minds will enjoy learning about the toilet’s manufacturing process, from product development to production and packaging.

 

©︎TOTOミュージアム

 

Further in, you can explore a fascinating collection of exhibits that chronicle the history of plumbing and the evolution of toilet styles across different eras. These include Japanese-style squat toilets and old wooden toilet seats, as well as the most cutting-edge designs that feature heated seats and self-cleaning technology. The extra-wide, extreme load-bearing toilets that TOTO customises for sumo wrestlers are also on display.

 

There are also reproductions of notable bathroom fixtures that were installed at famous sites in Japan, such as the State Guest House Akasaka Palace. 

 

©︎TOTOミュージアム

 

Besides being a trove of toilet culture and history, the TOTO Museum is also an extraordinary structure of sustainable architecture. This building is designed with the latest environmental technologies and boasts 100 environment-friendly measures that address environmental issues, including water conservation, solar power, green roofing, crushed porcelain paving materials,  and natural air ventilation. 

 

When viewed from afar, the museum’s soft architectural form showcases its inspiration - a drop of water.

 

©︎TOTOミュージアム

 

Before you leave, stop by the museum shop that sells a wide selection of cute TOTO Museum original merchandise. There are unique toilet bowl souvenirs such as soap in the shape of miniature toilet bowls that will definitely amuse your friends back home.

 

©︎TOTOミュージアム

 

To complete your experience, try out some of TOTO’s latest toilet products yourself at the museum’s public restrooms!