Most people associate high-tech bidets with Japan—and for good reason. But few realize that the very first electronic bidet was actually invented in the United States. However, while the concept may have started in America, it was Japan that perfected it, embraced it culturally, and introduced it to the world. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating journey of the electronic bidet, from its humble beginnings in the U.S. to its technological and cultural success in Japan.
Bidet Begins in the USA
The story of the modern electronic bidet begins in 1964, when an American inventor named Arnold Cohen developed a unique toilet seat attachment designed to help his father, who was suffering from hemorrhoids. Cohen’s invention allowed users to clean themselves with warm water while seated on the toilet—no need for manual wiping or assistance. The device was called the “American Sitzbath” or sometimes just the “American Bidet.”
Cohen founded the American Bidet Company, hoping to bring his invention to hospitals and care facilities across the country. The device was especially beneficial for elderly or disabled individuals who struggled with personal hygiene. It included a warm water spray, basic temperature and pressure control, and was mounted directly on standard toilets.
Despite its innovation, Cohen’s bidet was not a commercial success. At the time, American culture favored dry toilet paper, and there was little public interest in alternative methods of cleaning. The device was also expensive, large, and unfamiliar. Without a supportive market or cultural shift, Cohen’s invention faded into obscurity.
But his idea—and technology—didn’t go unnoticed.
Bidet Transforms in Japan
In the 1970s, Japanese companies began importing American-style bidet seats. One company in particular—TOTO, Japan’s largest toilet manufacturer—saw potential in Cohen’s concept. They realized that, with refinement, this device could meet both cultural needs and modern expectations of hygiene.
After years of development and redesign, TOTO released the first electronic bidet seat for household use in 1980. It was named the Washlet, and it completely changed the landscape of bathroom hygiene in Japan.
The Washlet wasn’t just a toilet accessory—it was a fully integrated hygiene system. It featured warm water cleansing, adjustable water pressure, temperature controls, a self-cleaning nozzle, and even a heated seat. Most importantly, it was designed for ordinary homes and not just hospitals.
Bidet Becomes Mainstream
TOTO knew that advanced features alone wouldn’t sell the Washlet. So in 1982, they launched a now-famous TV ad campaign showing thermal imaging comparisons of someone using toilet paper versus the Washlet. The bold visuals and messaging—“No need to wipe, just wash!”—shocked and intrigued the Japanese public. As a result, sales surged.
The Washlet was praised for its comfort, accessibility, and hygiene benefits. Originally marketed for the elderly and people with disabilities, it quickly became popular among all age groups. Japanese users appreciated the privacy and cleanliness it provided, and public sentiment began to shift in favor of bidets.
Soon, Washlets began appearing in homes, hotels, restaurants, department stores, and even public restrooms across Japan. What was once a medical device became a standard part of everyday life.
Bidet Technology Advances
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, TOTO and competitors like INAX, Panasonic, and Coway continued to innovate. Electronic bidets now included automatic lids, air dryers, deodorizers, motion sensors, night lights, and even remote controls. Many of these functions became standard in high-end bathrooms, while entry-level models made basic features accessible to more households.
By the 2020s, over 80% of Japanese homes had a toilet with built-in bidet functions. In Japan, the bidet had evolved from a luxury item to a basic household appliance, as common as a microwave or washing machine.
Bidet Goes Global
While the U.S. may have created the first version, it was Japan that brought the electronic bidet to the world stage. In the early 2000s, Japanese bidet manufacturers began exporting their products worldwide. Interest steadily grew, especially in South Korea, Taiwan, parts of Europe, and luxury hotels around the globe.
But a major turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when global toilet paper shortages forced many people—especially in North America—to explore alternatives. Bidets saw a sudden boom in online searches and sales.
Today, brands like TOTO, Brondell, BioBidet, and Coway offer a wide range of electronic bidets for global consumers. They range from budget-friendly add-ons to luxury smart toilets, complete with app integration and water-saving features. The technology, once considered strange or foreign in many Western countries, is now appreciated for its cleanliness, sustainability, and convenience.
The history of the electronic bidet is a story of invention, reinvention, and global cultural change. What started as a small American medical device eventually became a cornerstone of Japanese daily life—and from there, began transforming bathrooms around the world. As hygiene standards evolve and people seek more sustainable solutions, the electronic bidet’s story is far from over.
[…] How the Electronic Bidet Evolved […]