If you have traveled to Japan you know that Japan's well-deserved reputation as one of the cleanest countries in the world does not extend to its public toilets. An idea that is corroborated in the Nippon Foundationa non-profit organization that focuses on humanitarian needs and disaster relief.
To address this situation in style, the Nippon Foundation in Japan launched the project Tokyo Toiletwhich aims to add 17 new public restrooms in one of the busiest centers of the city, Shibuyaa large shopping area in greater Tokyo famous for the tide of pedestrians at its main intersection, seen in multiple anime and film. For this purpose, they have commissioned designs from some of the Japan's best-known architectsand other designers from around the world, such as Tadao Ando, Shigeru Ban, Kengo Kuma and Marc Newson.

"The use of public toilets in Japan is limited due to stereotypes that they are dark, dirty, smelly and scary. The power of creative design is the key to overcoming such challenges."
Mihoko Ueki, Nippon Foundation project coordinator
In partnership with the bathroom manufacturer Toto and the prefabricated housing builder Daiwa HouseThe foundation asked designers to create top-notch restroom facilities. Five of the restrooms have opened in recent weeks.
On the periphery of the large Yoyogi Parktwo pastel-colored glass toilets have been designed by the architect and winner of the Pritzker PrizeShigeru Ban. They are the HARU-NO-OGAWA COMMUNITY PARK at 5-68-1 Yoyogi and the YOYOGI FUKAMACHI MINI PARK in 1-54-1 Tomigaya.


Transparent when not in use, the toilets use a type of exterior glass that becomes opaque when their doors are closed. Illuminated at night, the toilets become candy-colored lanterns.
The other three toilets in operation are located near the busy Ebisu train stationwhere several lines stop. One, designed by designer Nao Tamura is located in a narrow triangle of land between the train line and a road. It is a concrete structure in a bright red monochrome, it is the HIGASHI SANCHOME at 3-27-1 Higashi. Visible from far away.
Another, the EBISU PARK at 1-19-1 Ebisu-Nishi, by interior designer Masamichi Katayama of the firm Wonderwall, also uses concrete to raise 15 high, flat walls to create distinctly separate entrances for the three toilet spaces. The concrete is treated to simulate gray wood.
Last but not least, architect Fumihiko Maki, another winner of the Pritzker Prizehas been in charge of the cleaning EBISU EAST PARK at 1-2-16 Ebisu. This restroom is located in a small neighborhood park that features an octopus-shaped slide that was the inspiration for the design, as Maki, aiming for the restroom to be known as the "octopus restroom," placed a swooping white ceiling and frosted glass to create a vaguely oceanic structure to match the octopus.
Most of the rest of the public toilets are scheduled to open sometime in 2021, but two more, designed by Takenosuke Sakakura and Tadao Ando, will be ready for use in the coming weeks. And to make sure these shiny new toilets don't become the realm of darkness, filth, odor and fear, the project has partnered with the local government and tourism agency to keep them clean.

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