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The Tokyo Toilet Project: Top Creators Cast Public Restrooms in a New Light

  • The see-through toilets at Haru no Ogawa Community Park.

    The see-through toilets at Haru no Ogawa Community Park.

  • The public restrooms at Ebisu East Park were designed by 1993 Pritzker Prize winner Maki Fumihiko. The squid-like appearance was inspired by the ground’s nickname, “octopus park.”

    The public restrooms at Ebisu East Park were designed by 1993 Pritzker Prize winner Maki Fumihiko. The squid-like appearance was inspired by the ground’s nickname, “octopus park.”

  • Nippon Foundation Executive Director Sasakawa Junpei sports a cleaning staff uniform outside the restroom designed by Katayama Masamichi at Ebisu Park.

    Nippon Foundation Executive Director Sasakawa Junpei sports a cleaning staff uniform outside the restroom designed by Katayama Masamichi at Ebisu Park.

  • Ban chose a “cool” color scheme for the restroom at Haru no Ogawa Community Park, while the facility at Yoyogi Fukamachi Minipark boasts a “warm” motif.

    Ban chose a “cool” color scheme for the restroom at Haru no Ogawa Community Park, while the facility at Yoyogi Fukamachi Minipark boasts a “warm” motif.

  • The restrooms are equipped with a changing table and an ostomate toilet.

    The restrooms are equipped with a changing table and an ostomate toilet.

  • The clear walls turn opaque when the door is locked.

    The clear walls turn opaque when the door is locked.

  • The facilities brighten the park at night, increasing the sense of safety and making them easier to use. (Photo courtesy of the Nippon Foundation)

    The facilities brighten the park at night, increasing the sense of safety and making them easier to use. (Photo courtesy of the Nippon Foundation)

  • The plain concrete walls give the facility an unrefined beauty.

    The plain concrete walls give the facility an unrefined beauty.

  • The entrance to the men’s restroom has a labyrinth-like appearance, but is designed to be easily accessible to any user.

    The entrance to the men’s restroom has a labyrinth-like appearance, but is designed to be easily accessible to any user.

  • The sign showing the layout of the facility is easy to notice and is equipped with an emergency light.

    The sign showing the layout of the facility is easy to notice and is equipped with an emergency light.

  • The interior of the restroom is spacious and refined.

    The interior of the restroom is spacious and refined.

  • The red walls of the facility contrast the drab, jumbled surroundings.

    The red walls of the facility contrast the drab, jumbled surroundings.

  • The public restroom is a short walk from Ebisu Station.

    The public restroom is a short walk from Ebisu Station.

  • Viewed from a distance, the facility appears to be an art installment.

    Viewed from a distance, the facility appears to be an art installment.

  • The stall interiors are smartly designed and spacious.

    The stall interiors are smartly designed and spacious.

  • The men’s, women’s, and multipurpose cubicles are connected by a curved roof. Visitors can rest on a bench built into the outer wall.

    The men’s, women’s, and multipurpose cubicles are connected by a curved roof. Visitors can rest on a bench built into the outer wall.

  • The “squid toilet” complements the park’s iconic octopus slide.

    The “squid toilet” complements the park’s iconic octopus slide.

  • The stalls surround an inner patio.

    The stalls surround an inner patio.

  • The restrooms have high- and low-set sinks to accommodate all users.

    The restrooms have high- and low-set sinks to accommodate all users.

  • The simple design of the restroom blends in with the surroundings while remaining approachable to passersby.

    The simple design of the restroom blends in with the surroundings while remaining approachable to passersby.

  • The exterior walls are made of frosted glass, ensuring privacy while allowing in sunlight. Illuminated at night, the facility shines like a lantern.

    The exterior walls are made of frosted glass, ensuring privacy while allowing in sunlight. Illuminated at night, the facility shines like a lantern.

  • The frosted glass contains images of trees, providing a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere for users.

    The frosted glass contains images of trees, providing a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere for users.

  • The surrounding green space adds to the inviting atmosphere.

    The surrounding green space adds to the inviting atmosphere.

  • The broad disk of the roof protects the front entrance facing Shibuya Station from the elements.

    The broad disk of the roof protects the front entrance facing Shibuya Station from the elements.

  • A fully accessible toilet is located in the middle of the structure, with the men’s and women’s areas on either side.

    A fully accessible toilet is located in the middle of the structure, with the men’s and women’s areas on either side.

  • Slits in the outer wall allow in natural light. A sink is conveniently located along the passageway.

    Slits in the outer wall allow in natural light. A sink is conveniently located along the passageway.

  • The structure has a second entrance facing Harajuku Station.

    The structure has a second entrance facing Harajuku Station.

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