“The Tokyo Toilet” by Kazoo Sato

Kazoo Sato, one of Japan’s most recognized creative directors, is known for pushing boundaries in design and storytelling. And his contribution to The Tokyo Toilet project, ‘Hi Toilet’, is no exception.

Given the task of reimagining what a public restroom could be, Kazoo Sato created ‘Hi Toilet’, also known as a “contactless” toilet. This public restroom is a space located in Nanago Dori Park that blends modern aesthetics with functionality, while at the same time, reflecting Japan’s culture of hospitality. His design concept is more than just a facility—it’s a statement about how creativity and innovation can transform even the most ordinary public space into something truly inspiring. And the best part, it is a “voice-activated” public restroom, where all commands are activated by voice.

According to Kazoo Sato, years of research across Europe and the U.S. showed that many users instinctively avoid touching surfaces in public restrooms—flushing with their foot, using paper to open doors, and so on. To address this and ensure accessibility for users with mobility difficulties, Sato and his team implemented a voice-command system in the ‘Hi Toilet’ project.

Design that Inspires “Hi Toilet”

Overall design of the ‘Hi Toilet’ project in Nanago Dori Park
All images in this article are sourced from The Tokyo Toilet project, © Shibuya City / The Nippon Foundation

The Tokyo Toilet series is not just about functionality—it’s about transforming a simple necessity into a work of art. Designed by Kazoo Sato, the ‘Hi Toilet’ concept brings sleek aesthetics and innovative thinking into public spaces. With clean lines and a modern outlook, his toilet design changes how people perceive public restrooms, turning them into places that feel inviting, stylish, and well thought out.

Convenience and Accessibility for All

Interior toilet layout of the ‘Hi Toilet’ project
All images in this article are sourced from The Tokyo Toilet project, © Shibuya City / The Nippon Foundation

At the heart of Sato’s design is accessibility and inclusivity. Public toilets are often overlooked in terms of user-friendliness, but the ‘Hi Toilet’ project ensures that everyone—locals, tourists, children, the elderly, and even those with disabilities—can use the facilities with ease and comfort with the implementation of the voice command system. By prioritizing convenience, safety, and thoughtful layouts, Sato’s work reflects Japan’s deep respect for hospitality and care in even the smallest details.

Elevating Everyday Experiences

What makes the ‘Hi Toilet’ project truly remarkable is its ability to elevate an everyday experience into something memorable. Public restrooms are often seen as mundane, but through this project, they become a reflection of culture, design, and innovation in Japan. This same philosophy is shared by TOTO, a brand dedicated to enhancing lives through advanced bathroom solutions. Just as The Tokyo Toilet inspires people to rethink public spaces, TOTO continues to redefine how we experience comfort and hygiene in our own homes.

The ‘Hi Toilet’ project reminds us that great design has the power to improve everyday life, no matter how simple the setting. By combining style, accessibility, and innovation, it sets a new standard for what public facilities can be.

At W.Atelier Malaysia, we share this same belief—through our partnership with TOTO, we bring Japanese innovation and thoughtful design into Malaysian homes and spaces. Just like The Tokyo Toilet, TOTO’s advanced bathroom solutions show that even daily routines can be transformed into moments of comfort, cleanliness, and inspiration.

Disclaimer: This article includes references to publicly available information and images from The Tokyo Toilet project — an initiative by the Nippon Foundation and Shibuya City. To explore all unique toilet designs and learn more about the initiative, please visit the official website : https://tokyotoilet.jp/en/