bathroom confusion

Admittedly, it is not initially clear as to which way one is supposed to face when making use of a Japanese toilet.  I, however, never thought to sit on it!  eeewwww!

The hood in reality is much closer to the ground that it appears in this drawing and I find it hard to believe that people actually sit on it!

Hint: To avoid finding yourself in this uncomfortable situation, avoid the public toilets in parks and look for the sign on the door that reads "Western Toilet."

Mata ne,
Melissa