Unveiling the Hidden History: How World War II Shaped Bidet Usage in America
by AZHAR UMAR on May 18, 2023
Step into the intriguing world of bidets as we unveil a fascinating tale from the annals of history. Join us on a journey back to World War II, where unexpected encounters and cultural perceptions paved the way for bidet usage in America. Prepare to be captivated by the untold story of bidets, brothels, and the enduring influence of war.
An Unlikely Discovery in Paris
As American soldiers traversed the streets of Paris, their eyes were opened to a unique bathroom fixture known as the bidet. Surprisingly, these soldiers encountered bidets in the most unexpected of places – the city's infamous brothels. Though initially met with skepticism, this encounter would leave a lasting impact on their perceptions of personal hygiene.
The Divide in Perspectives
While American soldiers viewed bidets with skepticism, the story was quite different in Japan. As part of the Axis powers, Japan embraced bidets for their exceptional cleanliness benefits. However, the limited space in Japanese bathrooms posed a challenge for traditional bidet installations. This dilemma sparked Japanese ingenuity, leading to the invention of sit-on bidets that incorporated water into daily personal hygiene routines.
The Flawed Design
Sit-on bidets presented a practical solution for the limited space in Japanese bathrooms. However, their design created a fundamental flaw in the user experience. Traditional bidets were intended to be straddled, mimicking the posture of riding a tiny horse, while also ensuring proper cleansing from front to back. The forcefully ejected water of sit-on bidets violated this essential principle and raised concerns among health practitioners.
Enter the Handheld Bidet
Amidst the quest for a bidet solution that addressed both space constraints and cleansing efficacy, the handheld bidet emerged as a game-changer. This innovative device combined the best of both worlds, providing the convenience of a handheld tool while offering precise and effective cleansing. The handheld bidet finally resolved the historical dilemma, leaving behind the misconceptions associated with sit-on bidets.
Embracing a New Era of Personal Hygiene
The intriguing history of bidets intertwines with the shifting tides of war and cultural encounters. World War II served as a catalyst, introducing Americans to bidets through unconventional means, while Japan's unique circumstances led to innovative bidet adaptations. The advent of handheld bidets now allows individuals to embrace enhanced cleanliness without compromising on tradition or hygiene.
At Emowai, we honor this rich history by bringing together some of the best product designers, engineers and professionals to design a handheld bidet that exemplifies the culmination of centuries of refinement and innovation. Discover a new chapter in personal hygiene, one that combines the benefits of tradition, modern design, and optimal cleansing. Embrace the legacy of bidets and join us as we redefine the future of personal hygiene.
