From Humble Beginnings to Global Innovation: The Founding of TOTO
In the quiet town of Kitakyushu, Japan, at the turn of the 20th century, an idea was born — one that would ripple across generations and continents, changing the way people interacted with one of the most essential parts of daily life: the bathroom. This is the story of how TOTO, now a global leader in bathroom technology and innovation, came to be.
The Man Himself: Kazuchika Okura
The story begins in 1912, when Kazuchika Okura, a visionary Japanese entrepreneur, traveled to Europe and was struck by something many of us now take for granted: modern plumbing systems. Indoor toilets with flushing mechanisms and sanitary designs were widely used in Europe, but Japan lagged behind with traditional squat toilets and limited sanitation infrastructure.
Okura was deeply inspired. He returned home with a mission — not just to modernize Japanese bathrooms, but to elevate them with a sense of dignity, cleanliness, and forward-thinking design.
The Birth of TOTO
In 1917, Okura founded the company that would later become known as TOTO Ltd. Originally called Toyotoki Company, TOTO was created with a clear goal: to produce high-quality ceramic sanitary ware in Japan. At a time when most Japanese households still relied on outdated facilities, this was no small feat.
The early years were tough. Japan’s infrastructure had not yet caught up with Okura’s vision, and the idea of installing Western-style toilets met resistance. But Okura was undeterred. He believed deeply in the importance of hygiene and public health, and he knew change was coming.
A Culture of Craftsmanship
What set TOTO apart from the start was its commitment to monozukuri — a uniquely Japanese approach to craftsmanship and manufacturing. Every toilet, sink, and faucet was made with precision, care, and a reverence for quality. This approach laid the groundwork for what would eventually become a cornerstone of the TOTO brand: trust.
Through meticulous attention to detail and relentless innovation, TOTO slowly gained a reputation for excellence. As Japan urbanized and modernized, more homes and businesses turned to TOTO products. The company’s ceramics became known not just for their durability, but for their elegance and innovation.
The Washlet Revolution
The real breakthrough came in 1980, when TOTO introduced a revolutionary product that would forever change the bathroom experience: the Washlet. A high-tech toilet seat with bidet functionality, warm water cleansing, heated seats, and a variety of comfort-focused features, the Washlet redefined personal hygiene.
Initially met with curiosity, the Washlet grew into a phenomenon. Its popularity spread throughout Japan, then to other parts of Asia, and eventually to North America and Europe. By the 2000s, TOTO Washlets were being praised by celebrities, tech enthusiasts, and health professionals alike.
The Washlet wasn’t just a toilet seat. It was a statement about what the bathroom could be: a place of comfort, health, and even luxury.
Today, TOTO is a global brand with manufacturing facilities, showrooms, and offices around the world. Yet it has never strayed far from its roots. The company still calls Kitakyushu home, and it remains deeply committed to the values that inspired its founding: cleanliness, quality, and thoughtful innovation.
TOTO’s presence is a testament to the enduring power of a simple yet revolutionary idea: that everyone deserves to feel clean, comfortable, and dignified. And to think — it all started with one man’s curiosity, and a dream to bring better bathrooms to Japan.