Show Notes

This week, we review and analyze Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ (機動戦士ガンダムΖΖ) episode 13 - “Little Sister!” (妹よ!) - discuss our first impressions, and provide commentary and research on calcium deficiency, the history of Japanese toilets and the Toto company (東洋陶器), and napkin etiquette.

- Symptoms of calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia).

- Japanese sources on calcium deficiency and "frustration."

- Wikipedia pages for Toto Ltd., the Toto Washlet, and the history of toilets in Japan.

- Toto company website page on the history of the washlet.

- The 1982 Washlet ad that led to public outcry.

- Article about prevalence of Toto washlets in Japan and the difficulty of breaking into the overseas market (also describes the public reaction to the 1982 TV ad).

- Another article that mentions the public reaction to the 1982 ad, as well as outlining some of the high-tech new features on contemporary washlets.

- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has a great kids-oriented site that includes information on toilets in Japan.

- More on the history of toilets in Japan (with great photos of different styles of old toilet - including lacquer and painted porcelain).

- Article with historic data on Toto’s sales of traditional vs. western-toilets, discussing the transition to more western toilets in public restrooms as well as in schools.

- History of napkin etiquette.

- History of table manners generally.

- Blog post about dining etiquette in the Imperial Japanese Navy.

- Japanese etiquette guide specifically about the correct usage of napkins.

- Etiquette guides advising placing the napkin on the table when fi