Japanese Toilet Seat Australia Guide: What It Is and How to Choose One

If you have searched for a Japanese toilet seat in Australia, this guide is about the Japanese-style toilet seat: an electric bidet seat with a warm water wash and other comfort settings, depending on the model. This Conor guide explains what a Japanese-style toilet seat is, the features it may include, how it compares with a smart toilet, and what to check before you order. The term Japanese toilet seat describes a style of product and does not mean the seat was manufactured in Japan.

You can compare each Japanese-style toilet seat style in the Conor smart bidet seat collection, or browse all Conor toilet & bidet seats.

What Is a Japanese-Style Toilet Seat?

A Japanese-style toilet seat is a term sometimes used for electric bidet seats with features such as warm water washing, heated seating and electronic controls. The term describes the style of product and does not mean the seat was manufactured in Japan.

A Japanese-style toilet seat replaces the existing toilet seat while keeping the toilet bowl and cistern in place, subject to compatibility and installation requirements. The wash nozzle sits under the seat and extends when you start the wash.

Other Names for a Japanese-Style Toilet Seat

In Australia, you may see a Japanese-style toilet seat listed under other names:

•       Smart toilet seat

•       Smart bidet seat

•       Electric bidet seat

•       Heated bidet seat

•       Warm water toilet seat

These terms are often used for similar types of electric bidet seats, although the features and functions vary by model. WASHLET is TOTO’s trademark for its bidet products, so it is not a general name for every Japanese-style toilet seat.

What a Japanese-Style Toilet Seat May Include

A Japanese-style toilet seat may include adjustable water temperature, water pressure, nozzle position and other wash settings, depending on the model. Here are the features you may see on a Japanese-style toilet seat product page:

•       Rear wash: The nozzle sprays water for a rear wash.

•       Front wash: The nozzle moves to a front wash position.

•       Warm water wash: The seat heats the water as you use it.

•       Water pressure: You can raise or lower the water pressure.

•       Water temperature: Selected models let you choose the water temperature.

•       Nozzle position: Selected models allow you to adjust the nozzle position.

•       Heated seat: The seat surface is warmed.

•       Warm air dryer: A dryer can be used after the wash.

•       Self-cleaning nozzle: Where listed, the nozzle rinses itself before or after use.

•       Controls: A remote, a side panel or a side knob, depending on the model.

•       Lid: A lid you close by hand, or an automatic lid on selected models.

•       Night light and power saving: On selected models.

Features vary by model, so check each Japanese-style toilet seat product page for its full list.

How a Japanese-Style Toilet Seat Heats the Water

A Japanese-style toilet seat connects to your cold water supply and heats the water as you use it, so it needs no hot-water connection. Because a Japanese-style toilet seat heats water and the seat, it needs a power point near the toilet.

A smart toilet seat or smart toilet needs a power point near the toilet. If there isn’t one, a licensed electrician can install it.

Japanese-Style Toilet Seat or Japanese-Style Toilet?

A Japanese-style toilet seat and a Japanese-style toilet are different products.

•       Japanese-style toilet seat: Replaces only your toilet seat. Your toilet bowl and cistern stay in place, subject to compatibility and installation requirements.

•       Japanese-style toilet: A term sometimes used for integrated smart toilets with electronic bidet and comfort features. It does not necessarily mean the toilet was manufactured in Japan. A smart toilet replaces the whole toilet suite, with the bowl, bidet and seat in one unit.

If you want to keep your toilet, a Japanese-style toilet seat is one option to compare. If you are renovating or replacing the complete toilet suite, a smart toilet is one option to compare. Compare the Conor smart toilet collection.

Japanese-Style Toilet Seat or Non-Electric Bidet Seat?

A non-electric bidet seat is another type of bidet seat. It runs on household water pressure, so it needs no power point. It uses water at the temperature supplied by the household water connection and does not heat it. A non-electric bidet seat has no heated seat or warm air dryer.

•       Japanese-style toilet seat: Warm water wash, heated seat and dryer. Needs a power point.

•       Non-electric bidet seat: Water wash from household water pressure. No power point needed.

If there is no power point near your toilet and you do not plan to add one, compare a non-electric bidet seat in the Conor non-electric bidet seat collection.

How to Choose a Japanese-Style Toilet Seat in Australia

Choosing a Japanese-style toilet seat in Australia comes down to a few checks.

1. Check Your Power Point

A Japanese-style toilet seat needs a power point near the toilet. Check where your power point is before you order.

2. Check Your Toilet Shape

Look at your toilet from above to see whether it is D-Shape or O-Shape. Conor offers D-Shape smart and non-electric seats, while Elara is also available in O-Shape. Toilet shape is only one fit factor.

3. Check the Fit

Before you order a Japanese-style toilet seat, check:

•       Water inlet: Facing the toilet, check whether the water connection is on the left or the right.

•       Mounting holes: Check the position and spacing of the holes at the back of the toilet.

•       Space: Check the space between the mounting holes and the cistern or wall.

•       Pan size: Compare your toilet pan’s outer shape and dimensions with the product sizing chart.

If you are unsure which Japanese-style toilet seat fits, send the Conor team top and side photos of your toilet together with the relevant measurements before ordering.

4. Choose the Controls

A Japanese-style toilet seat may have a remote, a side panel or a side knob. Think about who will use the Japanese-style toilet seat and which controls they would prefer.

5. Compare the Features

Use the feature list above to compare each Japanese-style toilet seat. Check which wash, temperature, seat and dryer settings each model lists.

Japanese-Style Toilet Seat Checklist

1.    Power point near the toilet.

2.    Toilet shape: D-Shape or O-Shape.

3.    Fit: water inlet, mounting holes, space and pan size.

4.    Controls: remote, side panel or side knob.

5.    Features: wash, temperature, seat and dryer settings on each model.

Installing a Japanese-Style Toilet Seat in Australia

A Japanese-style toilet seat connects to the household water supply and needs a power point.

Any fitted bidet seat or handheld bidet spray connected to the household water supply must be installed by a licensed plumber in accordance with applicable Australian plumbing requirements. The plumber must confirm and provide the backflow protection required for the specific installation.

A smart toilet seat or smart toilet needs a power point near the toilet. If there isn’t one, a licensed electrician can install it.

How to Use a Japanese-Style Toilet Seat

6.    Sit on the Japanese-style toilet seat as normal.

7.    Choose rear or front wash on the controls.

8.    Adjust the available water pressure, temperature and nozzle settings according to your model.

9.    Stop the wash, then use the warm air dryer or pat dry with toilet paper.

Read the user manual that comes with your Japanese-style toilet seat for the full steps and settings.

Caring for a Japanese-Style Toilet Seat

•       Unplug before wiping the exterior with a soft, damp cloth.

•       For nozzle cleaning, follow the separate nozzle-cleaning procedure in the user manual.

•       Avoid harsh cleaners and steel brushes.

•       Clean around the hinges and the back of the seat.

•       Follow the user manual for any filter cleaning steps.

Japanese-Style Toilet Seat for Different Households

Here is a general guide to Japanese-style toilet seat options for different households in Australia:

•       Shared bathrooms: A Japanese-style toilet seat with a remote, so each person can choose their settings.

•       Guest bathrooms: A Japanese-style toilet seat with controls on the side of the seat.

•       Hands-on controls: A Japanese-style toilet seat with a side panel or side knob.

•       Automatic lid: A Japanese-style toilet seat with an automatic lid, on selected models.

•       No power point: A non-electric bidet seat instead of a Japanese-style toilet seat.

•       Renovations: An integrated smart toilet may be an option if you are replacing the complete toilet suite.

Japanese Toilet Seat Australia: Questions to Ask Before You Buy

10.  Is there a power point near the toilet? A Japanese-style toilet seat needs one.

11.  What shape is your toilet? Check whether it is D-Shape or O-Shape, then check the other fit details.

12.  Which controls do you prefer? A remote, a side panel or a side knob.

13.  Which features do you want? Compare the wash, temperature, seat and dryer settings on each model.

14.  Do you want to keep your toilet? A Japanese-style toilet seat keeps it. A Japanese-style toilet replaces it.

Your answers will point you to the Japanese-style toilet seat that suits your bathroom.

Japanese-Style Toilet Seat Features Compared

When you compare each Japanese-style toilet seat in Australia, look at these points side by side:

•       Controls: Remote, side panel or side knob.

•       Lid: Lid you close by hand or automatic lid.

•       Wash settings: Rear and front wash, with oscillating or other wash modes on selected models.

•       Temperature settings: Water and seat temperature, depending on the model.

•       Dryer: Warm air dryer, with temperature settings on selected models.

•       Extras: Night light, deodoriser or power saving, on selected models.

Each Japanese-style toilet seat product page lists the features of that model. Compare the same points for each Japanese-style toilet seat, so you are comparing like with like.

Japanese-Style Toilet Seat Shapes in Australia

A Japanese-style toilet seat is made for a particular toilet shape. Check the shape listed for each Japanese-style toilet seat:

•       D-Shape: For a D-Shape toilet, which looks like the letter D from above.

•       O-Shape: For an O-Shape toilet, which looks like the letter O from above.

The Conor smart bidet seats are made for D-Shape toilets. If your toilet is O-Shape, compare the O-Shape non-electric bidet seat, subject to dimensions, mounting points and other fit requirements.

Japanese-Style Toilet Seat Controls Explained

A Japanese-style toilet seat comes with one of several control types, depending on the model:

•       Wireless remote: A remote you can hold or keep nearby. On selected models, the remote comes with a wall holder.

•       Side panel: Buttons built into the side of the Japanese-style toilet seat, within reach as you sit.

•       Side knob: A knob on the side of the Japanese-style toilet seat that you turn to choose the wash.

The functions available from each control vary by model. Check the product page and user manual for the exact wash and comfort settings available. When you compare each Japanese-style toilet seat, think about where the person using it will reach from, and whether they would prefer a remote or controls on the seat.

Japanese-Style Toilet Seat Settings Explained

Here is what the common Japanese-style toilet seat settings do. Not every setting is on every model, so check each product page.

•       Rear and front wash: The nozzle moves to a rear or front wash position.

•       Oscillating wash: On selected models, the nozzle moves forward and back during the wash.

•       Other wash modes: Selected models list further wash modes. Check the product page and user manual for each mode.

•       Water pressure: You raise or lower the strength of the water.

•       Water temperature: On selected models, you choose from the listed water temperature settings.

•       Seat temperature: You choose from the listed seat temperature settings.

•       Dryer temperature: On selected models, you can adjust the warm air dryer temperature.

The user manual for each Japanese-style toilet seat lists the exact settings for that model.

Japanese-Style Toilet Seat Lids

A Japanese-style toilet seat lid comes in two main styles:

•       Lid you close by hand: You lift and lower the lid yourself. Selected models have a soft-closing seat and cover.

•       Automatic lid: On selected models, a sensor opens the lid as you approach when auto mode is on.

If you compare a Japanese-style toilet seat with an automatic lid, check how to turn auto mode on or off in the user manual.

Japanese-Style Toilet Seat and Power Saving

A Japanese-style toilet seat uses power for the water heating, seat heating and dryer. Selected models have a power saving mode. Once you enable power saving, it responds when the seat is not in use. See the user manual for how to set it, and follow the manual's precautions for long periods of non-use.

Japanese-Style Toilet Seat for Renters

If you rent, check with your landlord before you order a Japanese-style toilet seat. A Japanese-style toilet seat replaces the existing toilet seat and connects to the household water supply, and it needs a power point near the toilet. If changing the toilet seat is not an option, a portable bidet holds its own water and requires no permanent plumbing connection or installation. Compare the Conor portable bidet collection.

Common Japanese-Style Toilet Seat Terms

When you read about a Japanese-style toilet seat, you may see these terms:

•       Bidet seat: A toilet seat with a built-in water wash. A Japanese-style toilet seat is one type of bidet seat.

•       Electric bidet seat: A bidet seat that uses power for heating and controls.

•       Non-electric bidet seat: A bidet seat that runs on household water pressure, with no power point needed.

•       Smart toilet: A toilet suite with the bowl, bidet and seat in one integrated unit. Some consumers may refer to this style as a Japanese-style toilet.

•       Nozzle: The part that extends from under the seat and sprays the water.

•       Water inlet: The side of the toilet where the water connection is.

•       Mounting holes: The holes at the back of the toilet where the seat is fixed.

•       D-Shape and O-Shape: The shape of the toilet seen from above.

Japanese Toilet Seat Australia: Comparing Bidet Seat Types

When you compare Japanese-style toilet seat Australia options, it helps to see how the Japanese-style toilet seat sits alongside the other types of bidet:

•       Japanese-style toilet seat: An electric bidet seat with a warm water wash, heated seat and dryer. Replaces the toilet seat and needs a power point.

•       Non-electric bidet seat: A bidet seat that runs on household water pressure. Replaces the toilet seat and needs no power point.

•       Handheld bidet spray: A spray on a holder beside the toilet. Keeps the toilet seat and needs no power point.

•       Portable bidet: A handheld bidet that holds its own water. Not fixed to the toilet.

•       Japanese-style toilet: A smart toilet that replaces the whole toilet suite.

If you want warm water, a heated seat and a dryer while keeping your toilet, the Japanese-style toilet seat is one option to compare. If you want a water wash with no power point, a non-electric bidet seat or a handheld bidet spray is one option to compare. Compare the Conor bidet spray collection.

Japanese Toilet Seat Australia: Fit Questions

Fit is a key check for any Japanese-style toilet seat in Australia. Ask these questions before you order:

15.  Is my toilet D-Shape or O-Shape? Look at the toilet from above and compare it with the shape listed for each Japanese-style toilet seat.

16.  Which side is my water inlet? Facing the toilet, check whether the water connection is on the left or the right.

17.  Where are my mounting holes? Check the position and spacing of the holes at the back of the toilet.

18.  Is there space behind the seat? Check the space between the mounting holes and the cistern or wall.

19.  Does my toilet pan match the sizing chart? Compare your toilet pan’s outer shape and dimensions with the product sizing chart.

20.  Is there a power point within reach? Check the distance from the power point to the toilet against the power cord details on the product page.

If you are unsure, send the Conor team top and side photos of your toilet together with the relevant measurements before ordering. These Japanese-style toilet seat Australia fit questions apply to every model you compare.

Japanese Toilet Seat Australia: Where to Start

If you are new to the Japanese-style toilet seat, start with three steps. First, check your power point. Second, check your toilet shape and fit. Third, compare the controls and features of each Japanese-style toilet seat. These Japanese-style toilet seat steps work whichever model you compare.

Japanese Toilet Seat Australia: Summary

•       What it is: A common name for a smart bidet seat, an electric bidet seat with a water wash and other settings.

•       What it may include: Warm water wash, heated seat, warm air dryer and wash settings, depending on the model.

•       What it needs: A power point near the toilet, and a toilet that suits the model’s shape, dimensions and mounting requirements.

•       Japanese-style toilet seat or Japanese-style toilet: A Japanese-style toilet seat replaces only the seat. A Japanese-style toilet replaces the whole toilet suite.

Compare each Japanese-style toilet seat in the Conor smart bidet seat collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Japanese toilet seat?

A Japanese toilet seat, or Japanese-style toilet seat, is a term sometimes used for electric bidet seats with features such as warm water washing, heated seating and electronic controls. Features vary by model.

Is a Japanese toilet seat made in Japan?

Not necessarily. The term describes the style of product and does not mean the seat was manufactured in Japan. Check the product details for each seat you compare.

Is a Japanese-style toilet seat the same as a smart toilet seat?

These terms are often used for similar types of electric bidet seats, although the features and functions vary by model.

What is the difference between a Japanese-style toilet seat and a Japanese-style toilet?

A Japanese-style toilet seat replaces only your toilet seat. A Japanese-style toilet, or smart toilet, replaces the whole toilet suite, with the bowl, bidet and seat in one unit.

Is a Japanese-style toilet seat a WASHLET?

WASHLET is TOTO’s trademark for its bidet products. Conor offers smart electric bidet seats with features such as warm water washing, heated seating and drying; features vary by model.

Does a Japanese-style toilet seat need a power point?

Yes. A smart toilet seat or smart toilet needs a power point near the toilet. If there isn’t one, a licensed electrician can install it.

Does a Japanese-style toilet seat need a hot-water connection?

No. A Japanese-style toilet seat connects to your cold water supply and heats the water as you use it.

Who installs a Japanese-style toilet seat in Australia?

Any fitted bidet seat or handheld bidet spray connected to the household water supply must be installed by a licensed plumber in accordance with applicable Australian plumbing requirements. The plumber must confirm and provide the backflow protection required for the specific installation.

Will a Japanese-style toilet seat fit my toilet?

Check the toilet shape, water inlet side, mounting holes, space behind the seat and pan size. If you are unsure which Japanese-style toilet seat fits, send the Conor team top and side photos of your toilet together with the relevant measurements before ordering.

Can I adjust the settings on a Japanese-style toilet seat?

A Japanese-style toilet seat may include adjustable water temperature, water pressure, nozzle position and other wash settings, depending on the model.

What if I have no power point near the toilet?

Compare a non-electric bidet seat. It runs on household water pressure and needs no power point. It uses water at the temperature supplied by the household water connection and does not heat it.

What controls does a Japanese-style toilet seat have?

A Japanese-style toilet seat may have a wireless remote, a side panel or a side knob, depending on the model.

Does a Japanese-style toilet seat have an automatic lid?

Selected models have an automatic lid that opens as you approach when auto mode is on. Other models have a lid you close by hand.

Can I rent and still use a Japanese-style toilet seat?

Check with your landlord before you order a Japanese-style toilet seat, because it replaces the toilet seat and connects to the household water supply. A portable bidet holds its own water and requires no permanent plumbing connection or installation.

How do I clean a Japanese-style toilet seat?

Unplug before wiping the exterior with a soft, damp cloth. For nozzle cleaning, follow the separate nozzle-cleaning procedure in the user manual. Avoid harsh cleaners and steel brushes.

Where can I buy a Japanese-style toilet seat in Australia?

You can order a Conor smart bidet seat online from conors.com.au, with details and photos on each product page.