The traditional Japanese-style toilet.

Toilet design may actually affect children's health. The Kobayashi survey showed that students at schools with Japanese-style toilets took fewer bathroom breaks than students at schools with Western-style loos. Nearly 60% of children at schools with Japanese toilets said they have put off a visit to the bathroom. That figure was just 35% for students that have access to Western toilets. 61% of Japanese parents polled said they had "trained" their children at public places with Japanese-style toilets, such as department stores, parks and libraries. before sending them to school. According to a study by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, 54% of Japanese elementary schools had mostly Japanese-style toilets, compared with 31% of nursery schools. Just five years ago, over 80% of schools had squatting-style toilets. When taking their first bathroom breaks in this intimidating environment, students often struggle to find the right position. Sometimes a foot (or two) lands in the toilet.