Japan's government has launched an investigation after the country's largest toilet manufacturer was forced to do a massive recall of 180,000 bidets due to faulty wiring.

Toto said several of its Z series units caught fire between 2006 and 2007. The deluxe bidet, which was not sold overseas, features a pulsating massage spray and deodorizer.

In April, rival toiletmaker INAX said that from 1991 through 2005, it had also had reports of seven cases of its toilets malfunctioning. The company said it had filed reports with the appropriate government agencies at the time of those reports.

Meanwhile, the Japan Warm Water Bidet Council, representing nine bidet manufacturers, said at least 105 reports of toilets flaming or smoking had been reported since 1984.

Deluxe toilets, which range between $1,600 and $2,600 US, are common in Japan and boast a range of features including heated seat warmers, lids that automatically rise, and control panels to set music and sound effects.