Japanese Invent Mobile Toilets
The Japanese have indeed invented various types of mobile toilets, with minimLET portable toilets and Pocketoilet pocket toilets being two of the more well-known designs.
minimLET Portable Toilet: Designed by the Japanese company nendo, it primarily addresses the issue of toilet shortages after disasters such as earthquakes. It consists of six parts, including four aluminum tubes, a C-shaped cushion, a tent, tissue paper, garbage bags, and a coagulant. It is usually stored in a specially made carry-on bag for easy portability. When in use, insert the four aluminum tubes under the C-shaped cushion, or use four mineral water bottles filled with water or sand as substitutes for the aluminum tubes, and then place a garbage bag over them to form a makeshift toilet. If privacy is needed, an umbrella can be fixed to the aluminum tubes and then covered with the tent. The tent is made of nylon fabric, providing not only privacy but also serving as a poncho; the carry-on bag is made of waterproof material and can also be used as a water bag, holding up to 16 liters of water. This design takes into account both practicality and portability, as well as privacy protection, making it highly suitable for use after disasters.
Pocketoilet Pocket Toilet: Produced by the Japanese startup Kokenawa, it is compact in size, measuring 7 centimeters in height and 6.5 centimeters in width, easily fitting into a pocket or wallet. It consists of five parts, including a black bag that can hold 1000ml, a coagulant, deodorizers and anti-odor bags, and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. The design was inspired by the founder's experience as a volunteer after a typhoon disaster, aiming to solve the problem of difficult toilet access for disaster victims. When in use, simply pour the coagulant and deodorizers into the black bag to create a makeshift toilet. After use, the waste can be conveniently disposed of, preventing environmental pollution.
These two types of mobile toilets reflect the innovative thinking and practical designs of the Japanese in response to disasters and emergencies, providing disaster victims with more convenient and hygienic toilet solutions.
