Japanese Toilet South Park

"Japanese Toilet," the third episode of South Park's 26th season (episode 322 overall), was written and directed by Trey Parker and aired on March 1, 2023. The episode focuses on Randy Marsh's purchase of a $10,000 Japanese toilet, which sparks conflict with his son Stan and the townsfolk. Sharon Marsh initially resists the costly purchase but becomes enamored with the toilet's features. Randy brags to neighbors, leading Stan to be mocked at school.

Randy's proctologist, Dr. Sheltair, grows frustrated after Randy claims the Japanese toilet has cured his hemorrhoids, reducing Sheltair's income and thwarting his plans for a Tuscany vacation. Meanwhile, Stan's classmate Jimmy Valmer points out that 70% of the world does not use toilet paper, criticizing Americans' excessive consumption and its environmental impact.

Randy delivers a speech at city hall praising Japanese toilets and denouncing toilet paper, but he is injured in an attempted assassination and falls into a coma. Sheltair, holding hostages at Home Depot, confesses to fearing silencing like Jimmy, who wrote a school exposé on toilets two years prior. Corporations had silenced Jimmy to protect their interests.

Stan decides to expose this suppression but is stopped by Randy, who retracts his anti-toilet-paper stance and apologizes publicly, restoring the family's old toilet. The episode concludes with Randy vowing to appreciate common household items.

Reception highlights the episode's humor and critique of societal norms, praising its exploration of environmental issues despite acknowledging a decline in comedic intensity compared to earlier seasons.