OtoKun – Bathroom Happy Noise
The boys over at Genki Robot have just released their first iPhone app, OtoKun (音くん).
OtoKun - Bathroom Happy Noise
For those intimate with modern Japanese toilets will know that they come equipped with a control panel that offers a whole range of functionality from a washlet and bidet with variable water pressure, a warm air dryer and a toilet seat warmer gauge control (to name a few).
Further, Japanese toilet maker ‘Toto’ offer the ‘Otohime’ (or Sound Princess) which, when activated, makes the sound of a typical toilet flush to conceal any unwanted echoing emissions.
This is where the boys from Genki Robot have stepped in with an app available for download on the iTunes App Store.
Devoted users of Toto’s Otohime often find themselves ‘stranded’ when they are using a toilet that is not furnished with the Sound Princess functionality, something that they have come to depend on. But now, just pop out your iPhone and launch OtoKun and voilà problem solved. Embarrassing situation averted.
For more information, check out:
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Oh, it’s so true. Since coming back the states after 2+ years using Toto and Otohime toilets, I feel even more than half-naked using plain old silent toilets. Until I get an iPhone, I’ll be stuck running the faucet to mask my embarrassment.
Hi Liv, thanks for your comment. It’s amazing how what can be considered a luxury item can immerse itself into our daily lives and become a dependency.
Btw, I just voted your site 10/10 on the BlogNet Awards.
This is so cute! I headed straight to the iTunes store and downloaded the app. The bagpipes option is great. The bubbles are a bit quiet to be useful, though. I just wish it would warm the seat for me.
Hi Kara, cool! It is a great little app. Glad that you are enjoying it. Seat warming option is a great suggestion. I think they should add in a washlet option too.
Thanks for the great post reesan!
Liv, Kara, thanks for your comments! Great to hear that people are enjoying the app!
Yes, I think we can do something about the volume on ‘bubbles”. Will see if we can get that into an update soon.
As for the seat warmer, will talk to the guys in engineering about that.
jonathan sleeuw
Partner, Genki Robot
I know all cultures, including my own U.S. culture, have their own stupidities, but Japanese women really need to get over their discomfort of being heard while peeing.
Spend even a short bit of time in US public bathrooms and these technologies become very understandable. Now if we could just convince US businesses to put in ventilation, stalls with actual walls etc.