We have all entered a public toilet, been disgusted, and walked back out. Japan is solving the problem with transparent toilet facilities. Nobody wants to relieve themselves in a transparent room, but they have solved that issue, too.
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The facility’s walls become opaque with activation of the lock mechanism. Although slight shadowing is visible, people outside the room cannot see any detail. Even shadows are not visible once a person steps away from the door.
Shigeru Ban and Sou Fujimoto are the architects behind the design innovations. The restrooms are in several parks as part of the Nippon Foundation’s Tokyo Toilet Project. The designs employ bright colors, including lime, watermelon, and mango. Some have theme designs, such as the “Squid Toilet” in Ebisu East Park or the red toilet in Higashi Sanchome designed for the LGBTQ+ community.
Leaders at the Nippon Foundation want the newly designed facilities to change the “stereotypes that [public toilets in Japan] are dark, dirty, smelly and scary.” This sentiment echoes worldwide for many public restrooms.
When properly locked, the clear, tinted glass becomes opaque or frosted. Unlocking the door engages an electrical current that realigns the crystals to allow light in, returning the toilet to a transparent state.
Reviews vary. Some users worry that a malfunction will enable the glass to become transparent while they are occupied. Others are optimistic but admit that adjusting to the concept will take some time. Another user stated she trusts the technology and welcomes the clean facilities.
The overall sentiment is more positive than negative. Having visited some of the worst of the worst in the United States, I would be willing to try a transparent toilet.
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