The globally renowned brand has been expanding its shower toilet technology beyond Japan and across international markets
Japanese innovation turns utilitarian ceramic fixture into sophisticated appliance that transforms personal hygiene
LIXIL Corporation, maker of pioneering water and housing products, announced that its ‘Sanitarina 61’—Japan’s first domestic shower toilet launched in 1967—has been recognized with the prestigious ‘IEEE Milestone’ designation.
The designation also jointly recognizes Toyo Toki (now TOTO Ltd.) and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (now Panasonic Housing Solutions Co., Ltd.), for their contribution to electric bidet toilet technology in Japan.
Human-centric engineering
The recognition by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) highlights how LIXIL’s ongoing commitment to human-centric engineering and innovation has been fundamental in transforming daily bathroom routines worldwide.
LIXIL’s journey in shower toilets began in 1964 with a challenge to create an entirely new standard for personal hygiene in Japan. At a time when no anatomical or behavioral data existed for such devices, engineers at Ina Seito, one of LIXIL’s core heritage companies, conducted thousands of meticulous practical evaluations using clay and plaster.
LIXIL has been expanding its shower toilet technology beyond Japan to redefine daily bathroom routines across international markets. Through its global brand portfolio, including INAX, GROHE, and American Standard, LIXIL has been adapting its human-centric engineering to meet regional cultures, preferences, and infrastructure needs.
Immense honour
“The IEEE Milestone recognition is an immense honour for LIXIL and a testament to an ongoing commitment to innovation, which has been driven not only by our own journey since ‘Sanitarina 61’ in 1967, but by the collective achievements of Japan’s sanitaryware industry,” affirmed Hiroyuki Onishi, Executive Officer, LIXIL Water Technology Japan.
“What began as a Japanese innovation is now redefining daily wellness and hygiene practices around the world. As a pioneer, LIXIL remains dedicated to advancing this technology to make better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere,” he continued.
To deliver on its commitment to daily wellness across diverse international markets, LIXIL has been incorporating key technological advancements across its global portfolio of bathroom products.
The technological evolution of shower toilets is fundamentally a history of inclusive innovation. In 1981, responding to feedback from female users, LIXIL introduced Japan’s first dedicated feminine-wash function, later incorporating a dual-nozzle system to separate rear-wash and feminine-wash nozzles and address cross-contamination concerns.
LIXIL’s proprietary ceramic technology features super-hydrophilic performance that prevents waste and limescale buildup from adhering to the bowl. Designed to maintain its shine through simple daily cleaning, Aqua Ceramic ensures long-lasting cleanliness across LIXIL’s global product lineup.
