Unless it’s absolutely necessary, some or most people try to avoid using public restrooms because of the infamous “5K” slogan; Kurai (dark), Kusai (stinks), Kitanai (dirty), Kowai (scary), and Kowareteiru (it’s broken). However, a company named “Urban Oasis,” and Chiyoda district have teamed up to create “Oasis@Akiba,” a public restroom that will attempt to change the 5K image that a majority of the public holds. This past October, a warm water cleansing, air-conditioned restroom is in service on the east side of Akihabara. For a 100 yen, you can use this public restroom’s Internet access, read a local information pamphlet, and if you desire have a cigarette in one of their smoking corners. It’s free to use for the disabled, and elementary school kids and younger. Since it’s opening, Oasis@Akiba has gradually become more and more popular and now welcomes about 200 people a day. Because of the 5K image, only 3% of women surveyed, use public restrooms. With these new public restrooms, Urban Oasis is betting this percentage will increase, thus becoming even more of a success.

Also to note, Kyoto has three Oasis public restrooms that provide a slightly different service - floors are automatically cleaned after each use?

 Print This Post