Editor's Note
This editor’s note highlights the key facts and market implications behind “Japanese Company Unveils ‘Disease-Diagnosing’ Sm”, with emphasis on sourcing, product fit, fabrication, logistics, or buyer impact.
Japanese sanitary ware manufacturer TOTO has announced it will release a home-use toilet capable of measuring and analyzing a user's stool, starting in August. This marks the first toilet device in Japan that allows users to monitor their daily bowel movements via a smartphone app. The new product features optical sensor technology that can measure stool volume, hardness, color, and other surface characteristics. The collected data is sent directly to a dedicated app, where users can record their bowel habits and receive personalized health advice. The sensor is installed inside the toilet's warm-water washing mechanism and operates similarly to a barcode scanner. When a user sits on the seat, the device activates automatically, shining light on the stool to analyze its physical properties. The analyzed data is then synchronized with the dedicated app via the user's smartphone. Stool is classified into seven different shapes and hardness levels, ranging from granular and banana-shaped to liquid, and further categorized into three color groups: earthy yellow, brown, and dark brown. Stool volume is also divided into three levels: small, medium, and large. All data is visually displayed on the app, allowing users to track results using a calendar and receive alerts if the analysis results are unfavorable. TOTO stated that the device was developed in response to the growing need for monitoring digestive health in daily life. According to the company's internal research, while 76% of users habitually observe their stool condition after defecation, only 6% systematically record or track it using technology.
Since launching its first smart toilet seat, the "Washlet," in 1980, TOTO has continuously expanded and improved features to enhance the hygiene experience. In recent years, the company has focused significantly on the personal healthcare field, including developing products that monitor and support consumers' health.
The new feature will be available on two models of the luxury toilet brand "Neorest": the LS-W (priced from 542,300 yen / approx. $3,650) and the AS-W (priced from 493,900 yen / approx. $3,330). TOTO aims to sell 7,300 units annually starting three years after the official launch.
Source: Read the original article | Published: July 17, 2025