A rural town’s ambitious attempt to attract visitors may have taken things a little too far
In recent years, Japanese public toilets have gained a reputation for being far more than functional facilities. From innovative technology to striking architecture and artistic design, some have even become tourist attractions in their own right.
So it’s understandable that the Kagawa Prefectural Government saw an opportunity to turn an ordinary station toilet into something that could attract visitors. What they ended up creating, however, has proven surprisingly controversial.
As reported here, the new facility was unveiled outside JR Kinashi Station in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture. At the official opening ceremony that evening, local officials celebrated the building as a major upgrade from the station’s former toilet — an outdated, unisex squat toilet that had become a frequent source of complaints over its poor condition and hygiene.
The project came about after station operator JR Shikoku decided that it could not afford to replace the aging facility and was considering removing it altogether. Prefectural officials stepped in and proposed constructing a new public toilet to serve the station’s roughly 600 daily passengers, as well as students from a nearby prefectural high school who regularly use the facilities.
The result is a modern building featuring separate men’s and women’s toilets, along with a multi-purpose facility and updated amenities. Local residents have generally welcomed these improvements.
But the toilet’s most eye-catching feature is found outside rather than inside.
The building’s exterior doubles as a screen for two projection-mapping shows each evening, running from 7:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and again from 8:20 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Weekday performances feature illuminated angel wings, while weekend shows display a rotating selection of artwork, including videos created by local students.
The project is intended to do more than simply make the station toilet look impressive. By inviting students and emerging artists to submit their own projection-mapping creations, officials hope to give young people an opportunity to have their work displayed publicly while encouraging interest in the arts.
There is also a broader tourism strategy behind the unusual attraction.
Kinashi is already known internationally as Japan’s leading producer of pine bonsai, drawing visitors interested in the area’s long-standing horticultural tradition. Officials hope that the striking new toilet will generate word-of-mouth among overseas travellers and encourage more tourists to make a stop in the area.
There is, however, one rather large sticking point: the price tag.
Despite the project’s ambitions, many locals were taken aback when they learned that the entire facility reportedly cost around 100 million yen (US$670,000).
The hefty bill has divided opinion in the community. Some residents believe the money could have been put to better use elsewhere, while others argue that the publicity surrounding the project could ultimately benefit the town by drawing attention to Kinashi and its attractions.
As with many local revitalization projects, it may take years before the true return on investment becomes clear. For now, it remains to be seen whether this remarkably expensive toilet can actually help breathe new life into the area.
One thing is already certain, though: the facility has put Kinashi Station firmly on the map. And if you happen to find yourself visiting the area, you’ll know exactly where to go when nature calls.