which way is front?

Before visiting Japan, I really thought all toilets were created equal, aside from the European version of the bidet that the US never embraced, but that's another story. Today's story is about the Japanese style toilet "squatty potty" and it how it became one of my biggest challenges while in Japan, ranking right up there with eating. Who knew it could be so hard? I'm sure cleanliness and cost effectiveness were the driving forces behind the design of this style of toilet, but it comes as a shock to Americans and is somewhat perplexing, to say the least. I mentioned the high-tech toilets in one of my first posts, and the "squatty" is definitely on the low-tech end of the spectrum. Another contrast in Japan, I guess. Many foreigners are baffled as to which way to face when squatting to do what they came to do. I only had to use the squatty once while at a karaoke venue as I searched out for "western" toilets everywhere I went. Most department stores have them as do restaurants though I actually think these "normal" toilets are for the handicapped though "not being able to use the squatty without wetting my clothes" could be considered a handicap I'm sure. The squatty is something that I hope I will never have to do again without serious training. I'm sure Japanese women have thighs of steel from using the squatties and I bet yoga is a cinch for them as well. Oh yeah, just in case you ever find yourself faced with a "squatty" while in Japan...you should face the raised portion of the toilet, toward the flusher (does that part of the toilet even have a name?...hmmmm)