by Gabe Zaldivar
Last updated: 10:00 AM ET, Thu September 3, 2015
Image via Twitter
Rather than sit on a commode, pondering life's most existential bewilderments, you can now walk among them, enjoying the history of toilets at a museum in Japan.
The Telegraph's Hugh Morris reports the country enamored with animal cafes now has a rather peculiar but seemingly extensive installation celebrating the history of Toto's line of toilets.
Some might say it's even flush with the stuff.
Morris writes that Japan's "leading toilet manufacturer, Toto, has opened a museum charting the evolution of its WC, from the first flushing model in 1914 to its modern-day heated seats and elaborate rinsing mechanisms."
You can find a great deal more information on the museum that currently resides in Japan's Kitakyushu at Toto's website.
According to the layout on the website, the museum consist of various exhibition rooms, a library and a museum shop. The best part is admission is free.
You are afforded the opportunity to gawk at current models that offer heating and other newfangled accoutrement that makes morning constitutionals so enjoyable.
And, for the amateur toilet historian, you can also take in the sight of the original bowl design used back in 1914.
Toto's website explains the endeavor: "For 100 years since then, TOTO has taken part in Japan's modernization by achieving ideals of its founder to bring a healthy, cultural lifestyle to the Japanese people.
[…]
Together with culture and history of plumbing equipment, we hope the museum provides visitors an opportunity to learn about the philosophy behind TOTO Manufacturing and how products have developed."
And Morris states this isn't completely out of the ordinary, because Japan is a country proud of its toilet heritage.
The reporter continues, "in July, the Miraikan National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation opened an exhibition where visitors could don poo-shaped hats and jump into a giant model toilet to learn about the Japanese sewer network."
Morris also notes that Japan has considered promoting its fine lavatory line for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Here are some images of the museum thanks to Twitter:
It seems the museum will also tout Toto's innovations aimed to help the environment, including water saving, recycling and air control devices.
So if you have the time and an interest in the wonderful world of evolving toilets, stop by what looks to be Willy Wonka's water closet extravaganza.
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