Renowned Japanese bathroom manufacturer TOTO will make its first appearance at HIX London this November. Set within a specially crafted 45-square-metre stand, TOTO will showcase its famed WASHLET, providing visitors with an immersive experience. Designed by acclaimed architects Squire & Partners, the stand includes a welcoming foyer, sensory zone, and a unique Tea House. This atmospheric installation guides attendees through a softly lit space, where the WASHLET takes centre stage, bathed in a subtle, ambient glow.

Inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics, the installation draws on classic motifs and construction techniques. Shoji screens, traditionally made from rice paper, are reimagined here with contemporary woven wire and wood mesh, creating a serene, meditative environment. The space seamlessly combines technology, culture, and design, inviting visitors to experience Japanese innovation and tradition.

Aligned with the HIX theme of "exploring places and spaces," TOTO’s installation promises an authentic cultural journey, highlighting the brand’s capacity to elevate spaces with unique guest experiences. TOTO has long led the sanitaryware industry in technological innovation. Its commitment to kaizen – a Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement – underscores its focus on comfort and hygiene. Since its introduction, the WASHLET has sold over 60 million units globally, becoming a staple in luxury hospitality and private homes alike.

For this year’s HIX, TOTO will unveil its latest innovation, the NEOREST WX, a state-of-the-art WASHLET model designed to subtly conceal its advanced functionalities. This premium model embodies TOTO’s latest achievements in hygiene and user comfort, reflecting the company's ongoing dedication to product refinement.

Since entering the European market in 2009, TOTO has established itself as a mainstay in the luxury hospitality sector, with prestigious hotels around the UK selecting WASHLET to enhance the guest experience. The expanding range of WASHLET options now allows for greater versatility across the hotel industry, catering to diverse design needs.

Inspiration from Japanese Aesthetics

A notable influence on TOTO’s HIX installation is In Praise of Shadows by Japanese author Jun'ichirō Tanizaki. This work, well-regarded by architects worldwide, explores the allure of shadow and subdued lighting within traditional Japanese culture. Tanizaki's reflections on Japanese toilets, often nestled in secluded, dimly lit spaces, highlight a design ethos that promotes tranquility and introspection. TOTO’s stand at HIX echoes this philosophy, using shadows, natural materials, and subdued lighting to create a calming, immersive experience that invites reflection and offers a fresh perspective on daily rituals.

TOTO in Iconic UK Hotels

TOTO’s WASHLET is a feature in some of the UK’s most distinguished hotels, including:

• The Londoner
• The Peninsula
• Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
• Shangri-La
• The Stafford
• The Dorchester
• Four Seasons Hotel
• The Rosewood Hotel
• Hilton Park Lane
• The Langham Hotel
• The Prince Akatoki
• Nobu Hotel
• Great Scotland Yard
• Marriott
• Eccleston Square Hotel

About HIX – Hospitality Interiors Experience

HIX is Europe’s premier exhibition for hotel design, bringing together interior designers, architects, specifiers, hotel operators, and developers for an immersive celebration of all things hospitality. Last year, the event attracted 4,280 industry professionals to London’s Business Design Centre for two days of dynamic discussions, celebrations, and installations, showcasing the best in contemporary hotel design.

Visit TOTO at Stand No: E11
HIX London, 27–28 November 2024
Business Design Centre, London

For more information, visit www.hixevent.com.