National / Social Issues May 6, 2022
Sanitary bins in men’s toilets meet the needs of cancer patients in Japan
More facilities are placing sanitary bins in toilet stalls to help men with prostate and bladder cancer dispose of used incontinence pads.
National May 3, 2022
'Nudge theory' deployed in bid to save national park's toilets
A lack of donations from park visitors is threatening the future of the facilities at Oze National Park.
Style & Design Oct 31, 2021
Lifting the lid on Shibuya’s designer toilets
by Florentyna Leow
The Tokyo Toilet Project has received considerable media coverage for its upscale public facilities. But how do these stylish porcelain thrones actually stack up?
National / Media | Japan Pulse Oct 23, 2021
It's past time we flush the 'weird Japan' narrative
by Spencer Cohen
As The Tokyo Toilet project continues, so does the problematic way we frame stories about Japan.
Lifestyle Oct 21, 2021
Don't stand and deliver: More Japanese men opt to sit down in the restroom
A study shows that a desire for cleanliness is behind the move to urinate while sitting down when given the option.
Business / Corporate Apr 29, 2021
Toto posts brisk sales in bidet toilets in U.S. in fiscal 2020
Sales of the firm's electronic Washlet toilet seat series increased 1.8-fold in the year ended March 31 from a year earlier in the North American market.
Business / Corporate Dec 27, 2020
Toyota and Lixil develop mobile washroom for wheelchair users
The spacious private washroom, which can be pulled by a car, will also come in handy in times of disaster.
Style & Design Aug 20, 2020
Tokyo now has transparent public toilets. Let us explain.
by Tiffany May
Public toilets around the globe have a reputation for being dirty and dangerous. Tokyo recently unveiled new restrooms in public parks that aim to address those concerns.
National | Regional Voices: Hiroshima May 1, 2020
Cities in Japan flush bad image with upgraded public toilets
Municipalities are teaming up with corporations when carrying out renovations aimed at improving experience for tourists and families.
National Feb 24, 2020
Japan's next restroom revolution? Phasing out squat toilets for Tokyo 2020
by Sakura Murakami
On southwestern Miyajima island, Hiroshima Prefecture, a short walk from one of the country's most famous ancient temple sites, there's a brand new attraction for tourists — a state-of-the art public toilet block nearly as big as a tennis court. The 183-square-meter facility — created ...
National Feb 11, 2020
Itami airport to be first in Japan to offer toilets for dogs
Itami airport is set to become the first in Japan to offer toilets for exclusive use by dogs. The regional airport, which is also known as Osaka International Airport but straddles Osaka and Hyogo prefectures, decided to introduce the canine facility after receiving requests not ...