A walk in Akihabara, Tokyo's computer store district, will quickly convince you that the Japanese like to use electricity. Up and down the main drag and on most of the smaller side avenues as well, the scene is awash in a neon glow, accented by flashing strobes and animated displays. This area of Tokyo is one place which even Las Vegas' or Hollywood's best efforts cannot beat. Add to this the launch of some hot new computer product, like Windows95 or the iMac, and the visual scene becomes even more electrifying as thousands of people fill the shops and sidewalks. People from all over Japan, not just Tokyo, come to this area of town seeking the latest and greatest additions and accessories to their digital tools.

While electricity and computers go together like toast and toasters, we do not make the same association for many of the other things in our daily lives. Let's pick, for example, our toilets. Generally speaking, in the mind of the average American, electricity and toilets do not go together. But in Japan, it's a different story.

I've had many homestays in Japan and in nearly every house there has been a fully equipped 'appliance' which the Japanese affectionately call a "washlet". Where we would normally find a regular plain old toilet seat, I've found instead a heavily modified spruced-up replacement which must be plugged into an electric outlet to work. And what exactly does a washlet do? First of all, washlets come in various styles and with different functions depending on what they cost. The most basic models consist of little more that a heater built into the seat, so your tush can stay warm while you take care of things. The more expensive models also come with built-in bidets, one for women and one for men. It is here that things become a little crazy.

Some washlets have adjustable sprays so you can position the bidet just right. Others have armrests with knobs and buttons to adjust the temperature of the water spray. Still others have hidden blow dryers which dry you off after you use the bidet. Some washlets even come with a built-in radio. And, I'm not kidding, I have seen advertisements for portable washlets which can fit in your briefcase for when you're away from home!

Don't despair if you think this sounds too good to be true and you just gotta have one of these in your bathroom. Not too long ago I read a newspaper article which said that some of the big washlets makers, like Panasonic and Hitachi, are making efforts to introduce them into the US market. At present, something like 2000 of them are sold over here a year. For some reason, I can't see them really becoming too popular this side of the Pacific. But, I was wrong with the Tamagotchies (the electronic pets which even Cumby's sold at one point). So, I guess I wouldn't be too surprised if before too long Dave's Appliances has a washlet display room, and Charpentier Plumbing carries a catalog with a myriad of models to choose from. Let me know if you see any.

Until next month, peace be with you. Daniel Heller