Japanese design
One of my favorite things in Japan is to see how design problems are solved, because often the solutions are genius…space-saving, energy-efficient, simple, and practical.
Take the toilet sink for example: it is common, especially in private bathrooms, to find a sink built into the back of the toilet. When you flush the toilet, the water runs for approximately 2 minutes while it refills the tank — the perfect amount of time to wash your hands (and a great way to save water, since it can still drain into the toilet).
There are lots of cool contraptions in public bathrooms too… For moms: a place to put your baby down, or a family stall that includes a tiny urinal. I also love the places that have a curved door (when closed, it adds a few square feet to the stall, and then automatically swings back to the open position when unlocked)
Most public bathrooms are very clean, and usually have a lovely bidet toilet with a heated seat. There's often a “privacy” button as well, which makes a pleasant (but loud) sound, to block out any embarrassing bathroom noises.
…Ok, so apparently there are a lot of bathroom examples, but there are other cool solutions too. Honestly, nothing is arbitrary here. Everything seems to be deliberately placed (or omitted) — for convenience, simplicity, or even politeness.
Here's an interesting umbrella dryer you can use when entering the building, so you don't drip water all over the floor…
Check out these cool pedestrian bridges we found in Tokyo — there is a ramp in the middle so you can walk your bike easily up and down the stairs. And at Costco there is an inclined moving sidewalk that locks the cart wheels with a magnet so a steady stream of shoppers can flow between floors 🤯
Moving companies (of which we see a lot!) have box trucks where the side panel hinges up, making it easier to see and remove the contents. And some parking garages use lifts to easily stack cars off the street.
This time-saving hack for the train-workers is genius, too. At the end of the line, they walk through and flip the seat backs to face the new traveling direction.
One of my favorite new discoveries at the grocery store was this container of heavy cream. It comes with its own pastry bag attached! (I had already opened it before I thought to make a video, so I didn’t stuff the bag back inside the canister)
It's not just cool and clever gadgets, but solutions to accessibility as well. Every city has an elaborate network of yellow “lego” paths to help guide people who are visually impaired. Train stations and airports also have guiding information — via audio or brail.
Nearly every day I see something in Japan that surprises me (almost always it a good way)! Although sometimes it's just downright comical…
Will keep you posted as we discover more design solutions on our travels!
So interesting to see Katelyn, thank you for sharing! I’m learning a lot for your posts!
Not to overstate your various bathroom amenities there, but when I was there I couldn’t help compare “the public service” to the United States- here in the US we tend to run fast and hard away from any public bathroom unless it is an emergency. (Knowing at least there will be a sink for “clean up”- IF it works and IF someone has loaded the paper towel dispenser 🙄)… but in Japan, every single public bathroom is a comforting, clean, and welcoming experience. You don’t think twice about using ANY bathroom at ANY location.
Everything and everyone in Japan seems to be built upon respect. Respect for others, animals, the environment, possessions, routines, and rules. It’s evident everywhere from trains to gas stations, to tourist spots, and grocery stores. EVERYWHERE. Quite the welcomed, noticable difference from the USA 😢
And this doesn’t even touch upon the discussion of no trash or public trash cans or tunnel systems on roadways that are immaculate from entrance to exit! Impressive!