The Tokyo Toilet

Sixteen creators participated in a major project that drastically changed the convention of public toilets. The book introduces seventeen toilet facilities through photographs, drawings, and data, along with extensive interviews with and contributions from those involved. Participating architects and creators include Tadao Ando, Toyo Ito, Tomohito Ushiro, Masamichi Katayama, Kengo Kuma, Junko Kobayashi, Takenosuke Sakakura, Kashiwa Sato, Kazoo Sato, Nao Tamura, NIGO®, Marc Newson, Shigeru Ban, Sou Fujimoto, Miles Pennington, and Fumihiko Maki.

If you have seen the film ‘Perfect Days’ by Wim Wenders, about a man who leads a tranquil life cleaning public toilets in Shibuya, you might recognise just how truly beautiful such places can be. In the past, public toilets may not have left a good impression due to sanitary and safety concerns. These facilities were usually lacking inclusive design qualities. Toilets should be accessible, comfortable, and anxiety-free for everyone at all times. With this in mind, the project team considered what sort of public toilet would be safe, clean, and comfortable for every user.