Sensor-Flush Urinal Row in a Tokyo Public Restroom

Public restrooms like this one in Tokyo commonly use sensor-activated, waterless or low-flow urinals to cut water use and reduce maintenance in high-traffic facilities. Japanese building codes and design standards favor this dual-row layout in transit stations and commercial complexes, where restrooms serve large volumes of commuters each day. Ceramic fixtures with automatic flush sensors became standard in Japan starting in the 1980s, part of a broader push by manufacturers like TOTO and LIXIL toward hygienic, hands-free plumbing. Dark-tiled wainscoting and light flooring, as seen here, are typical choices meant to hide water spots while keeping the space easy to clean.

Photo taken in March 2023.