Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2009

In our first few encounters with Japanese toilets, the ubiquitous automatic flushing noises took us by surprise. But now, after growing accustomed to their constant, soothing presence, a trip to a silent WC can lead to an embarrassing case of shy-bladder syndrome. To help combat this scourge, companies have begun creating portable, hand-held sound machines which emit the watery noise. So we suppose it was only a matter of time before things progressed to the next step: the new Eco-Oto iPhone application (¥115). This handy (and fully bilingual) app from Polygon Magic can be activated in 30-, 60-, 90- or 120-second increments with adjustable volume. Even better, the buttons have been made extra big to ensure ease of use no matter how clunky your fingernails—or how desperate your defecation situation. Our only suggestion? Multiple “flush-tones” for variety, please.
www.polygonmagic.com