What they have done in Japan, which I find so inspirational, is they've brought the toilet out from behind the locked door. They've made it conversational. People go out and upgrade their toilet. They talk about it. They've sanitized it.

The quote by Rose George, "What they have done in Japan, which I find so inspirational, is they've brought the toilet out from behind the locked door. They've made it conversational. People go out and upgrade their toilet. They talk about it. They've sanitized it," highlights the cultural transformation of the toilet in Japanese society. George admires how Japan has turned something typically private and hidden into an open topic of conversation. The country has revolutionized the way people view and talk about toilets, making them a point of pride and modernity rather than a taboo subject.

The origin of this quote likely stems from George’s observations of Japan's innovative approach to sanitation and technology. In Japan, toilets are often equipped with advanced features such as heated seats, bidets, and even music, making them a subject of fascination and pride. George finds this shift in perspective, where the toilet is no longer hidden away or considered embarrassing, but instead is openly discussed and upgraded, to be highly inspirational.

By stating that Japan has sanitized the toilet, George underscores the country’s commitment to cleanliness and hygiene, which are culturally significant values. The introduction of high-tech toilets has made sanitation a more accessible and normalized aspect of daily life. Rather than viewing toilets as a necessary but unspoken part of life, Japan has embraced the idea of improving and celebrating the technology and design behind them.

Ultimately, this quote emphasizes the power of innovation and cultural change in transforming everyday objects into sources of pride and conversation. Rose George admires Japan’s ability to shift perceptions and remove the stigma surrounding something as ordinary as the toilet, showcasing how practical innovation can lead to widespread social acceptance and improvement in quality of life.