NIPPONIA

NIPPONIA No.17 June 15, 2001

Evolution of the Japanese Public Restroom

Public toilets--everyone uses them from time to time. Using them is almost always free in Japan, which may explain why they weren't cleaned very often in the past. Because they might be dirty, nobody wanted to go in unless absolutely necessary. But restrooms are shedding their bad reputation and getting better and better.

Written by Sanada Kuniko

Photos by Sugawara Chiyoshi

(Photos marked with an asterisk are courtesy of the Japan Toilet Association)

You have to remove your shoes and put on slippers at this lavatory in Koshi-machi, Kumamoto Prefecture. Slide open the door and you'll see a sign on the floor that says, "No shoes beyond this point."

Crowded streets, city parks and railway stations are some of the places where you'll find public toilets. Japan's economic growth after World War II brought many improvements to public services, but restrooms lagged behind for a long time. Up until about 20 years ago, the consensus in Japan was that public toilets were dark, dirty and smelly--and to be avoided.
The 1980s launched an affluent period in Japan, a time when people began demanding more user-friendly services. Public toilets were included in everyone's list of needed improvements.

There's an observation deck on the roof, making this restroom a central feature of the surrounding park.
(Design: Kankyo-to-zokei Architects and Planners Inc.; Goto Haruhiko Urban Design Studio, Waseda University)

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