Toto lifts the lid on smart toilets

Endo (left) and Kamal at the W.Atelier showroom, an experience centre that gives visitors a chance to try out the flagship Neorest NX model.

FOR decades, Toto has led the way in redefining the bathroom experience.

Its famed smart toilets, flush with advanced tech-enabled features, have inspired a devoted following of users around the world seeking only the best for their bottoms.

Few innovations have left a bigger mark in the lavatory landscape than Toto’s Washlet, the game-changing toilet seat equipped with a built-in spray nozzle bidet, deodoriser and seat warmer.

First introduced in the 1980s, the Washlet line has gone on to sell over 60 million units globally, altering the way many viewed the humble toilet.

“Japan didn’t have a bidet culture. The people didn’t use water until Toto made it the culture with the Washlet,” says Toto Asia Oceania president Daisuke Endo.

“Now, 75% of residential homes in Japan have the Washlet or a similar product.”

Today, the sanitary ware company continues to raise the bar for modern bathroom luxury.

At the recent launch of Toto’s latest collection of Neorest premium smart toilets in Malaysia, Endo tells StarBiz 7 that the newly debuted range will be targeted towards the higher-end market.

“We are looking at high-rise condominiums, gated community bungalows and four- to five-star hotels,” he says.

“We believe that this segment will play a strong influencing role. As early adopters begin using the products, it will lead to more widespread adoption.

“This was how we expanded the Washlet in Japan, and that is something we want to replicate in the Malaysian market.”

Making a splash

The arrival of the new Neorest series, consisting of the Neorest RS, AS, LS and NX, is poised to set the standard for cutting-edge design, technology and convenience in a commode.

Standout features include a touch-free lid that opens on its own as the user approaches and closes when they leave, heated seats with adjustable temperature controls, a warm aerated water spray for gentle, effective washing, and an integrated air deodoriser.

“All our design concepts are founded on three pillars: hygiene, comfort and sustainability,” Endo notes.

“The aim is to provide a wellness experience that gives users peace of mind, knowing that the toilet is highly hygienic – it cleans you and it cleans itself.”

With an emphasis on cleanliness, the smart toilets feature Toto’s exclusive eWater+ technology, which utilises an electrolysed water mist to clean the bowl and wand after each use.

They are also engineered with the 360-degree Tornado Flush technology, a powerful propulsion system that is capable of thoroughly washing every section of the bowl, while requiring less water.

Additionally, Endo points out that thanks to a wide array of automated hands-free functions, the Neorest toilets are ideally suited to address the needs of groups such as the elderly, expectant and postpartum mothers, and individuals with mobility challenges.

Smart functionality and enhanced comfort aside, the Neorest models are also recognised for their sleek, minimalist appearance.

“They have an understated presence,” Endo remarks.

“We designed them in a way that puts the user in a leading role, with the Neorest existing to complement and help improve their bathroom experience.

“The product shouldn’t be assertive, but should instead be easily adapted to support each user’s unique lifestyle and any kind of home design aesthetic.”

Royal flush

To expand its presence and bring greater consumer awareness to the brand, Toto has taken the approach of bringing its lavish loos to luxury hotels.

This strategy allows for more opportunities for people to experience the smart toilet for themselves and see its features in action.

“The experience is very important and highly necessary to understand the benefits of this kind of product,” Endo says.

He shares that even hotels in countries traditionally unaccustomed to bidet use have seen more requests from guests for smart toilets. Some hospitality businesses are increasingly seeking to install high-tech toilets as a way to appeal to customers and gain an edge over competitors.

“Over the last few years, the smart toilet has more or less become a standard in all the new five-star hotels here,” comments Kamal Abdullah, managing director of W.Atelier Malaysia, which is Toto’s exclusive distributor in Malaysia.

“We aim to build up the market for the product.

“Once these toilets are installed in upscale hotels and more of the public are exposed to it, buzz will be generated around it,” he adds.

At the W.Atelier showroom in Petaling Jaya, an experience centre gives visitors a chance to try out the flagship Neorest NX model, as well as have a soak in Toto’s relaxation-centric Flotation Tub.

Kamal says that the experiential aspect is key to informing and familiarising customers with Toto’s state-of-the-art creations.

The building also houses a Toto technical centre, which offers engaging exhibits that explore the brand’s products and the technological innovations behind them.

“We look forward to providing our visitors and customers with a meaningful, educational and enjoyable experience on their journey to smarter, more luxurious bathroom living,” Kamal says.