Have you ever wondered, where are TOTO toilets made? It’s a common question because TOTO is one of the most recognized names in bathroom fixtures. The company is famous for its reliable flushing systems, comfortable designs, and advanced smart toilet technology.
Although TOTO is a Japanese company, not every TOTO toilet is manufactured in Japan. The brand has expanded its production network to several countries, including the United States and other parts of Asia.
If you’re planning to buy a TOTO toilet, knowing where it’s manufactured can help you understand the brand’s global operations and identify the origin of a specific model.
In this article, we’ll explore where TOTO toilets are made, the company’s history, its major manufacturing locations, and what makes these toilets different from other bathroom fixtures.
The History and Origins of TOTO
TOTO started its journey in 1917 in Kitakyushu, Japan, under the name Toyo Toki Company.
The company was established by Kazuchika Okura with the goal of bringing modern ceramic sanitary fixtures to Japanese homes.
At the time, modern flush toilets were not widely used in Japan. TOTO helped introduce reliable ceramic bathroom products as the country’s plumbing infrastructure developed.
The name TOTO comes from the company’s original Japanese name, Toyo Toki, meaning Oriental Ceramics.
Over the years, TOTO expanded from ceramic toilets and washbasins into plumbing fittings, bathroom accessories, and electronic hygiene products.
How TOTO Became Famous Worldwide
One of TOTO’s most important achievements came in 1980, when the company introduced its Washlet product line.
The Washlet combined a toilet seat with electronic bidet washing functions. Later models introduced features such as heated seats, adjustable water temperature, warm-air drying, and automatic operation.
These products helped change how many people thought about bathroom comfort and personal hygiene.
Today, TOTO remains headquartered in Kitakyushu, Japan, while serving customers in numerous international markets.
Where Are TOTO Toilets Made? Manufacturing Locations
TOTO toilets are made in several countries, including Japan, the United States, Mexico, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Taiwan.
However, this doesn’t mean every factory in these locations makes complete toilets. TOTO’s manufacturing operations include ceramic sanitary ware, bathroom fittings, and other product categories.
The company operates different production facilities for different products and markets.
A December 2025 industry report identified 16 TOTO production plants, including four in Japan and twelve across overseas locations. However, factory counts can change as facilities open, expand, or close.
Let’s look at the major manufacturing regions.
1. Japan
Japan is the original home of TOTO and remains an important location for manufacturing, product development, and research.
TOTO operates Japanese production facilities that manufacture sanitary ware and other bathroom products.
Japan is also closely associated with the company’s advanced electronic toilet technology and premium product development.
However, not every TOTO Neorest or Washlet model should automatically be assumed to be made in Japan. Manufacturing origins can vary by model and production period.
2. United States
Yes, some TOTO toilets are made in the USA.
TOTO has a manufacturing presence in Georgia, serving the North American market.
In 2025, the company opened a new manufacturing facility in Morrow, Georgia, as part of an approximately $224 million investment.
This expansion strengthened TOTO’s American production capacity and helped support its regional supply chain.
However, a TOTO toilet sold in the United States isn’t necessarily manufactured there. Imported models are also available.
3. Mexico
Mexico is another important manufacturing location for TOTO.
Its production facilities support the company’s regional manufacturing network and help serve markets in the Americas.
Exact product origins should be checked by model, as not every toilet distributed in North America comes from the same facility.
4. China
China has played an important role in TOTO’s international manufacturing operations.
The company has produced sanitary ware and related bathroom products for the Chinese and regional markets.
However, TOTO has also reorganized parts of its Chinese production network. This means older factory lists may not accurately reflect its current manufacturing footprint.
5. Vietnam
Vietnam is a significant location in TOTO’s Southeast Asian production network.
TOTO has invested in sanitary ceramic manufacturing there, helping supply products to regional and international markets.
6. Thailand
Thailand is another established TOTO manufacturing location.
The company’s Thai operations support ceramic sanitary ware production and help meet demand within Southeast Asia and other markets.
7. Indonesia
TOTO has a long history in Indonesia through its local manufacturing operations.
The country remains part of the company’s wider sanitary ware manufacturing network.
8. India and Taiwan
India and Taiwan are also included in TOTO’s reported manufacturing footprint.
These facilities form part of the company’s broader international production network, although the exact product categories and manufacturing activities differ.
Why Does TOTO Manufacture Toilets in Different Countries?
Manufacturing toilets in several countries offers practical advantages.
- Regional demand: Different markets have different preferences for toilet dimensions, flushing systems, and bathroom design.
- Transportation: Manufacturing closer to customers can reduce shipping distances and logistical costs.
- Supply availability: Multiple facilities provide flexibility when demand or supply conditions change.
- Local requirements: Products can be developed and supplied for different plumbing standards and market regulations.
Having factories in multiple countries also helps TOTO serve a wider customer base.
However, the country where a toilet is manufactured doesn’t automatically determine whether it will perform better or last longer.
How Can You Tell Where Your TOTO Toilet Was Made?
Knowing the company’s manufacturing countries is helpful, but what if you want to identify the origin of a particular toilet?
The easiest way is to check the exact product information.
1. Check the Product Label
Look for a country-of-origin label on the packaging, toilet, or accompanying product documentation.
Depending on the model, you may find identification information inside the tank or on another accessible area of the fixture.
2. Find the Model Number
TOTO toilets typically have model numbers that identify the product configuration.
For example, a complete toilet may have a different model number from its individual bowl or tank.
Use the model number when contacting TOTO or looking up product documentation.
3. Contact TOTO Customer Support
If the country of manufacture isn’t clearly listed, contact TOTO with the model number and any available serial or production information.
This is more reliable than assuming that all toilets from a particular series come from one factory.
Remember: The manufacturer’s headquarters and the country of manufacture are not necessarily the same.
What Makes TOTO Toilets Unique?
Knowing where TOTO toilets are made is interesting, but manufacturing location is only part of the story.
TOTO has built its reputation around flushing performance, toilet comfort, hygiene features, and product innovation.
1. Automatic Features
Some advanced TOTO toilets include automatic flushing, sensor-operated lids, and built-in night lights.
These features can make the toilet more convenient, especially in bathrooms where touch-free operation is preferred.
However, automatic functions are model-specific and aren’t included with every TOTO toilet.
2. Washlet Technology
The TOTO Washlet is one of the company’s best-known innovations.
Depending on the model, it may provide adjustable warm-water cleansing, heated seating, oscillating spray, warm-air drying, and deodorizing.
Some Washlet models also offer front cleansing, pulsating spray, and automatic cleaning functions.
If you’re considering an electronic toilet seat, our guide to bidet toilet seats can help you compare features.
3. Water-Efficient Flushing
TOTO offers toilets with different flushing technologies, including Tornado Flush and E-Max systems.
Many models use 1.28 gallons per flush or less, while some products offer other water-consumption options.
Selected TOTO toilets also carry EPA WaterSense certification.
It’s worth checking the exact model’s flushing specifications and certification rather than assuming every TOTO toilet uses the same amount of water.
4. Advanced Cleaning Technology
Some TOTO toilets feature CEFIONTECT glaze, which creates a smooth ceramic surface designed to reduce waste adhesion.
Other advanced models offer PREMIST, which wets the bowl before use, or EWATER+, which uses electrolyzed water for designated cleaning functions.
These systems can reduce buildup, but they don’t eliminate the need for regular toilet cleaning.
5. Comfortable Toilet Designs
TOTO manufactures different toilet bowl shapes and heights.
Its Universal Height models are designed to provide a comfortable seating position for many adults, while other models have standard bowl heights.
The right choice depends on your bathroom dimensions and personal preferences.
6. Modern Appearance
TOTO offers both traditional two-piece toilets and modern one-piece designs.
Premium Neorest models feature streamlined shapes with integrated electronic functionality.
These designs can create a clean, minimalist appearance in a modern bathroom.
7. Convenient Controls
Advanced Washlet and Neorest models often include remote controls for adjusting water pressure, spray position, water temperature, and other functions.
The available settings depend on the specific model.
Popular TOTO Toilet Models Worth Knowing
TOTO manufactures toilets for different budgets and bathroom layouts.
Here are some recognizable product lines worth comparing.
1. TOTO Drake
The Drake is one of TOTO’s well-known two-piece toilet families.
Depending on the model, it offers water-efficient flushing, elongated or round bowl options, and different seat-height configurations.
You can explore individual models in our TOTO Drake review.
2. TOTO Drake II
The Drake II is another familiar TOTO toilet series.
Selected versions use 1.28 gallons per flush and feature CEFIONTECT glaze.
Older Drake II configurations may have different specifications from current Drake models.
For more information, read our Drake II toilet review.
3. TOTO Ultramax II
The Ultramax II is a one-piece toilet known for its smooth design and efficient flushing system.
Its one-piece construction eliminates the separate tank-to-bowl joint found on two-piece toilets.
This can make cleaning around the toilet easier.
4. TOTO Neorest
The Neorest series represents TOTO’s premium integrated smart toilet range.
Depending on the model, features may include Washlet cleansing, heated seats, automatic operation, and advanced bowl-cleaning technology.
Neorest toilets generally cost more than conventional TOTO models.
5. TOTO Entrada
The Entrada is a more affordable TOTO toilet family with a straightforward design.
Selected models feature E-Max flushing and use 1.28 gallons per flush.
If you’re comparing lower-priced TOTO options, our TOTO Entrada review explains the available configurations.
Are TOTO Toilets Made in Japan Better Than Those Made in the USA?
Not necessarily.
Although TOTO is a Japanese company, the country of manufacture isn’t enough to judge the quality of a particular toilet.
For example, a Japanese-made premium smart toilet and an American-made conventional toilet may be designed for completely different purposes.
Instead of judging a toilet based only on its origin, I suggest comparing:
- Flushing performance and water consumption.
- Quality of the ceramic glaze.
- Toilet dimensions and seat height.
- Warranty coverage and available replacement parts.
- Cleaning convenience and maintenance needs.
- Smart features, if you want them.
A toilet that fits your bathroom and performs reliably is a better investment than one chosen only because of its manufacturing location.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where are TOTO toilets made?
TOTO has manufacturing operations in Japan, the United States, Mexico, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Taiwan. The exact country of manufacture depends on the product and model.
2. Are all TOTO toilets made in Japan?
No. TOTO is headquartered in Japan, but the company manufactures bathroom products in several countries. A TOTO toilet sold in the United States may be domestically manufactured or imported.
3. Does TOTO manufacture toilets in the USA?
Yes. TOTO has manufacturing facilities in Georgia, including a new Morrow facility opened in 2025. However, not every TOTO model sold in America is made there.
4. How do I know where my TOTO toilet was manufactured?
Check the product label, packaging, or manufacturer documentation. If the information isn’t available, contact TOTO customer support with the exact model number.
5. Is TOTO a Japanese or American company?
TOTO is a Japanese company founded in Kitakyushu in 1917. It operates internationally, including manufacturing and sales activities in the United States.
6. Are Japanese-made TOTO toilets higher quality?
Not automatically. Product design, manufacturing standards, quality control, and model specifications are more useful indicators than country of origin alone.
Final Thoughts
So, where are TOTO toilets made? The answer is that TOTO is a Japanese company with a manufacturing network spanning multiple countries.
Japan remains central to the company’s history and innovation, while facilities in the United States, Mexico, and Asia support production for different markets.
TOTO’s reputation comes from more than its manufacturing locations. Reliable flushing systems, quality ceramic fixtures, innovative Washlet technology, and thoughtful bathroom designs have helped the brand become widely recognized.
Whether you’re considering a basic Entrada, a popular Drake, or an advanced Neorest, focus on the specific model’s performance, features, and suitability for your bathroom.
My suggestion: If the country of manufacture matters to you, check the exact model’s origin before purchasing. Don’t assume that every TOTO toilet is made in Japan simply because the company is Japanese.
Hi, this is Robert Crossan, the owner of this website, has 17 years of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of toilets and plumbing systems. After completing the Level 2 Basic Plumbing course in 2005, I started working in both domestic and commercial buildings as a professional plumber. So I can figure out the core difference between different toilet models and brands. It also helped me monitor their work performance and setbacks.