Toto, primarily known for its innovative bidet-style toilets, is making waves in the tech sector through its advanced ceramics division, which produces critical components for NAND memory chips. This segment has experienced a remarkable 34% growth over the past year, driven by the increasing demand for AI chips, and now accounts for 55% of Toto's total operating profit of 53.8 billion yen (approximately $343.5 million). Looking ahead, Toto anticipates continued growth of around 27% in this division next year and plans to invest 30 billion yen (about $192 million) in production and research and development efforts. Toto is recognized as the world's second-largest producer of electrostatic chucks (E-chucks), essential for securely holding silicon wafers during NAND memory chip fabrication. This unexpected success highlights how the AI boom is benefiting various industries beyond traditional tech companies, including firms like cosmetics manufacturer Kao and monosodium glutamate (MSG) inventor Ajinomoto, both of which are also investing in semiconductor-related ventures. However, there are concerns about a potential AI bubble that could impact the economy.