Cumulatively, even after I left Japan, I've spent years there and I still struggle with those fuckin things.

It's improved a lot now though and you will only find them in places like subway stations or, occasionally, in old commercial buildings. Often even in places that retain them, there will be at least one NORMAL (yes, I used the N-word) toilet.

In SE Asia too I've seen some progress, but even today they seem to be mostly stuck with the infernal "hole in the floor + water hose" combination.

I remember the first time I saw a sign on the door of a toilet stall in Singapore reminding people not to squat ON the toilet bowl. Meaning, not to climb on top of it and put their feet on the seat to shit while suspended over the hole.

Squatting relaxes your puborectalis muscle more and straightens out your colon. Makes the poop come shooting out.

In Europe they are quite common in public buildings, they are easier to keep clean, and without body contact they are definitely more hygienic.