Back to Japanese toilets, briefly
Rusty's Electric Dreams :: (Big in Japan)
Hey, it’s Rusty, I went to Japan and now I'm aching to write about Japan. So, I will be sharing my observations on their quirky, cool, and kawaii culture as a gaijin (essentially a "gringo") in (Big in Japan), a sub-Substack of my main inbox zine, Rusty’s Electric Dreams. (Don’t worry, that’s not going anywhere.)
Family-style
Not all Japanese toires (restrooms) are created equal.
In high-traffic spots like Haneda Airport and Tokyo Disneyland, they don’t just meet expectations. They exceed them big time. The Japanese anticipate needs before you even have them, making some of their public restrooms feel downright next-next-level.
First up: the child seat.
It’s mounted inside the stall, which isn’t some flimsy metal divider like in the U.S. These stalls are more like private little rooms, with tall doors that reach the floor—no awkward gaps, no broken locks, no catching glimpses of people moving around outside. Such dignity!
Traveling with a youngster? Pop them in that child seat while you do your business and then futz with the toilet’s many, many functions.
SJ’s new friend, Olu Mel, demonstrates:
Next up: the Potty Training Seat.
I only spotted one of these, and it was at Tokyo Disneyland. If you’ve ever been in charge of a kid learning to use the toilet, you know what a blessing this is.
Next stop, little urinals
I snapped this picture in the women’s restroom at Tokyo Disneyland’s Adventureland. Yep, that’s a tiny urinal, conveniently positioned low to the ground. It caught me off guard at first because I’d never seen a urinal in a ladies' room before. But as usual, the Japanese are one step ahead, thinking of moms, aunties, and really any caregiver traveling with a little guy.
A restroom for the rest of us
On my way out of Japan, I made one last intentional bathroom break at a Tokyo Haneda Airport restroom, soaking in its beauty, functionality, and spotless cleanliness—knowing I’d soon be back to the sad reality of U.S. bathrooms.
As I stepped out of the ladies' room, I noticed this standalone restroom.
It’s Japan’s take on an accessible restroom, but it goes beyond the basics. According to the sign, it’s got wheelchair and ostomate facilities, a multi-purpose bed, a diaper-changing station, and a “changing board.” And it’s not just for those who need these features. The sign also welcomes “general use,” making it truly inclusive.
I mean, just look at this thing!
Next week, we take a side quest to the place where I was born and raised, Cape Cod. Well, sort of. Imagine my shock and delight when I discovered that Tokyo DisneySea has its own “Cape Cod.”
— Rusty Blazenhoff
I think we all know it's a pretty safe bet that the US is never going to "step up its restroom game," nor probably any other game at all if it involves addressing the needs of its general population with safety, hygiene, and/or common sense.