Special FeatureWelcome to the Land of Hospitality

A toilet with all the bells and whistles

Toilets with a comfort seat and warm-water bidet function are now the rage in Japan. The seat is set to a comfortably warm temperature, and when you are done a nozzle will cleanse you with, of course, warm water. The latest model from TOTO Ltd. (left) has a seat cover that rises and lowers automatically, an odor remover, a fragrance device, special lighting, and speakers for recorded music, all operated by remote control (right).

A luxury car with luxurious comfort and convenience

The Lexus GS-series, Japan's leading lineup of luxury cars, comes with an outside illumination system located under the door mirrors. When you approach the car with your key, an area next to the car lights up to guide your feet (left). Standard equipment to make any owner proud. The system is a little like the soft floor illumination at a luxury Japanese inn (right bottom). Once the car door is open, another light shines on the floor (right top). These are just some of the touches giving the driver and passengers a warm welcome.