For over a century, TOTO has stood at the forefront of bathroom innovation, transforming ordinary fixtures into symbols of comfort, hygiene, and modern design. What began as a small ceramic manufacturer in Japan has grown into a global brand known for pioneering products like the Washlet and redefining how people think about bathroom technology. This is the story of TOTO’s evolution, from its roots in craftsmanship to its leadership in bathroom innovation.
TOTO’s Origins
TOTO was founded in 1917 in Kitakyushu, Japan, by Kazuchika Okura under the name Toyo Toki Co., Ltd. The company’s early mission was to produce sanitary ceramics inspired by Western innovations, a bold vision at a time when traditional squat toilets dominated Japanese homes and sewer infrastructure was limited.
Following its establishment, TOTO began responding to a growing demand for hygiene solutions, especially after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, which accelerated the development of modern sewer systems across Japan.
In 1946, after World War II, TOTO expanded its core business beyond ceramics to include metal fittings and faucets, laying the foundation for broader bathroom product innovation.
TOTO Today and Into the Future
Over 100 years after its founding, TOTO remains a global leader in bathroom solutions. The company now has thousands of employees worldwide, with manufacturing facilities, research centers, and showrooms across multiple continents.
TOTO’s impact extends beyond toilets and bidets, its focus on well-being, sustainability, and smart design continues to shape how bathrooms are designed and experienced in homes and public spaces alike.
The Washlet: A Pivotal Innovation![]()
The most transformative moment in TOTO’s history came in 1980 with the launch of the Washlet. It is an electronic bidet toilet seat that integrated cleansing, comfort, and convenience in one unit. This product created a new category entirely and changed global perceptions of bathroom hygiene.
The original Washlet offered warm water for cleansing, a heated seat, and warm air drying, features that were revolutionary at the time and helped redefine what a bathroom could be. Over time, the technology evolved to include self-cleaning wands, deodorization, and intelligent flush systems.
Although adoption started slowly, sales accelerated dramatically as the product gained popularity worldwide. By 2022, TOTO had sold over 60 million Washlet units globally, and continued growth pushed that figure higher in ensuing years.
Innovation and Clean Technology
Beyond the Washlet, TOTO has consistently introduced technologies that enhance hygiene and ease of use:
- EWATER+: Developed in the early 2010s to automatically clean the bowl and wand with electrolyzed water.
- Self-cleaning Wands: Improving post-use hygiene and maintenance.
- Advanced Spray Systems: Continuously refined to enhance comfort and water efficiency.
These innovations reflect TOTO’s long-standing philosophy of Cleanovation, which is the idea that technology should both elevate hygiene and improve everyday life while minimizing environmental impact.
Final Thoughts
From a small ceramic workshop in Japan to a globally recognized innovator in bathroom technology, TOTO’s history is a testament to the power of combining craftsmanship with forward-thinking design. The Washlet and other innovations have not only changed bathroom culture in Japan but have influenced plumbing design worldwide. As TOTO continues to evolve, its legacy of cleanliness, comfort, and innovation remains central to every product it creates, a legacy that continues to improve daily life for millions around the world.
