TOTO’s
Universal Design
To Create, Is To Think About People
Universal Design BOOK

To Create,
Is To Think About
People
The answer is in the questions.
Who will use our products?
What is difficult for them?
What makes them comfortable?
It’s always about the person.
At TOTO, when we design products
or spaces, we keep people in mind
throughout the process.
It’s about making life better for all,because when it comes to caring for people,
meticulousness is key.
Kindness. Wisdom. Technology. Effort.

Universal Design Is Our History

The value that TOTO creates through UD
Making a clean, comfortable “everyday” something everyone takes for granted.
TOTO aims to realize this through UD that takes into consideration diverse people.

UD that supports
global society

UD thattransforms lifestyles

UD for realizing
an inclusive society

UD that takes into
consideration
ideas about gender

UD that makes
family life fun

UD that reflects
changes in society’s
age distribution

The world that TOTO aims to create through UD
Pursuing ease of use for all

CONTENTSCONTENTS 

1

Potential of TOTO’s
Universal Design

Five Principles of TOTO’s
Universal Design

7

2

1 Easy to use8

2 Simple operation

10

3 Comfortable

124 Able to choose14

5 Safe and reliable

16

Cycle of TOTO’s
Universal Design

6

Deepening TOTO’s
Universal Design

18

Delivering of TOTO’s
Universal Design 

20Transitions in TOTO’s
Universal Design23

1Potential of TOTO’s Universal Design

TOTO continues to take on various UD-related challenges tocreate a society in which we all can live comfortably.

1917

Providing a healthy and civilized way of life
Established Toyo Toki Company, Limited (present-day TOTO LTD.)At a time when vault toilets were locatedoutside people’s houses, we started on
our path to spread the use of sanitaryware based on a firm determination andunflagging spirit that “Spreading the use ofsanitary ware toilets would surely contributeto the development of society.”
Japan’s first seated flush toilet

1970s

No one washed their bottoms when using toilet
Spreading the practice of washing one’s bottom andmaking the WASHLET®, a product developed for medicaluse, a commonplace device for everyone

TOTO started to import and sell the
Wash Air Seat, the predecessor of its
WASHLET®, in the 1960s. The Wash Air
Seat was a medical device for people
who could not wipe themselves,and it was redeveloped into TOTO’s

June 1980
Sales begin（Million Units）

18 years,
1 monthJanuary 2011
Cumulative sales
exceed 30 million units

6 years,
11 month

5 years,
7 monthJuly 2015
Cumulative sales
exceed 40 million units

4 years,
6 monthMarch 2019
Cumulative sales
exceed 50 millionunits

3 years,
8 month30
20

contributed to the spread of the0

Trends in Cumulative WASHLET® Sales*“Splay seat” is a generic name for an ordinary toilet seat equipped with a warm-washing function.
*WASHLET and “WAHLET logo” are registered trademark of TOTO LTD.

2

June 2005
Cumulative sales
exceed 20 million units

40

10practice of washing one’s bottom.

July 1998
Cumulative sales
exceed 10 million units

50

WASHLET for general use, which®

November 1987
Cumulative sales
exceed 1 million units

1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018

UD thattransforms
lifestyles（FY）

WASHLET ® (Splay seat*)

2003

Although a public toilet,
it was difficult for some people to use.
Standardized button layout for public toilets soeveryone can use without confusion

UD for realizing
an inclusive
societyIn response to comments regarding users “struggling on

Call button

account of not knowing how to flush” and “mistakenly

Flushing button

pushing the call button,” TOTO launched investigative

Paper dispenser

research on creating common rules for the placementof public toilet controls on walls through industrialacademic collaboration. This research was picked up
throughout the industry, and JIS standards were formed

Toiletin 2007, and later ISO standards were formed in 2015.

JIS
S 0026で定められた逆L字の配置
Control
placement rules that became the JIS standard

2016

Era that respects diversity in gender
UD that takes
into consideration

ideas about
gender

TOTO quickly started to ascertain the needs of the LGBT
community and search for the ideal form of Public toilets

Sexual minorities, which are said to make up about 8% of Japan’s populationLGBT- (source: Dentsu Diversity Lab’s LGBT Survey 2015). In particular, in response tocomments that one common difficulty transgender people face is the use of toilets
when going out, TOTO launched investigative research on the ideal form of public
toilets. We have come to understand that not only transgender people but also people
who require the help of someone of the other sex when using the toilet, such as theelderly and people with developmental disabilities, need toilets that are not limited to

For example, helped by the
opposite sex

a particular sex. We have launched efforts to create public toilets that anyone can use
with peace of mind.

Example layout of unisex
individual toilets
For example, accompaniedby the opposite sex

Wheelchair userpriority toilets

Unisex individual
toilets

For example, sexual minority(transgender)

3

Potential of TOTO’s Universal Design
2016

Number of dual income
households grew to 12.19 million.** Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s 2017 Health,Labour and Welfare White Paper

UD that makes
family life fun

Proposing comfortable homes that makehousework easy, such as easy cleaning

Taking into consideration present-day social backgrounds,
including the growing number of dual-income households,
TOTO also focus on proposals related to homes that makehousework easier. EWATER+*, which was developed from
TOTO’s unique technology, not only keeps toilets, bathrooms,
and kitchens clean but also makes routine cleaning easier. We
are creating homes that are always clean and comfortable andmake it possible for you and your families to enjoy life.
*EWATER+:electrolyzed water(containing hypochlorous acid)* See the product information webpage or product catalog for details.

2018

Foreign visitors to Japan hit historic high of 31 million*Source: Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
Inbound Tourists By YearUD that supports
global society

Supporting the widespread use ofJapanese toilets, a pride of JapanAs the number of inbound tourists to Japan
increases, there are growing calls for public

Problems with Japanesepublic toilets when first visiting Japan (top 10 answers)

toilets that are comfortable for anyone to use.
Did not know how to use Japanese-style toilets

With growing demand for western-style toilets,
improved operability, and the full-introductionof WASHLET , we at TOTO offer support for®

formulating standard pictograms so that anyone
can use toilets with ease and installing equipment
such as remote controls and WASHLET® that take
into consideration users’ religion and culture.

Did not know what the various buttons did 25.7%
Did not know how to operate the warm-washing toilet seat
Toilets were too narrow
Explanations were written only in Japanese
Did not know how to flush the toilet after using it
Could not use because lines were long

18.5%

17.3%

15.7%

14.7%

13.5%

Could not use the toilets because they were dirty 12.7%

10.0% There was no toilet paper
Flushing Toilet
Flush

Flushing Toilet
Light Flush

Lid
Opening andClosing

Seat
Opening andClosing

Stop

Rear Cleansing

Front Cleansing

Dryer

Japan Sanitary Equipment
Industry Association “Standard
pictgram”
Japan Sanitary Equipment Industry
Association“Standard
pictogram”

4

26.7%

9.0% Did not know it was alright to flush toilet paper

Conducted: Sept.–Oct., 2014
Target: Non-Japanese living in JapanCountries respondents were from: Korea,
Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, U.S., France, U.K.,
Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia
Age: 20+
Respondents: 600 (multiple answers)
TOTO Survey * TOTO was not indicated on survey form.
Comment “Non-Japanese Toilet Culture Tour Survey”
October 2014 TOTO Survey

2023

50%* of Japanese will be
50 years or older* Source: “Population Projections for Japan (2017 Projections)”
released by National Institute of Population and Social Security Research

UD that reflects
changes insociety’s age
distribution

Proposing products and consideration for living
at home for a long time based on research on
the physical condition and living environmentof the elderly acquired over many years

At TOTO, we have focused on research that

Population

1200001980s. Over many years, we have researched

100000not only what consideration should be

80000

given to disabilities as people grow older

60000

but also devices and spaces necessary to live
independently. In response to ideas about
what consideration is given to the elderly
at welfare facilities and public spaces andpeople’s desire to stay in their home for a longtime, we introduced a flush toilet that can beinstalled next to a bed in 2013. We also give

54%

140000takes into consideration the elderly since the

52.1%
52%

51.7%
51.2%
50.6%

50.0%

47.5%
46.9%

48.0%

49.3%
48.6%

50%

48%

Bedside Flushable Toilet

46%

40000
44%

20000
0

2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027

75歳〜

65〜74歳

50〜64歳

0〜49歳

42%

50歳以上の割合

Sourcewhen conducted: Compiled
from“Population
Projections
出典：国立社会保障・人口問題研究所「日本の将来推計人口（平成29年推計）」
for Japan(2017
Projections)”（出生中位
・死亡中位推計）
より集計(estimates based on medium-variant
fertility and medium-variant mortality projections) released by
National Institute of Population and Social Security Research

Bathroom / Washroom
warm and comfortable set

consideration to heating in rooms so thatpeople can spend a comfortable time in suchplaces. We propose products and plans so thatpeople can stay in the homes they have grownused to for a long time.

TOTO will continue to increase
what it can do through UD.

5Cycle of TOTO’s Universal Design

TOTO’s Universal Design has evolved by considering the life ofdiverse people and solving their problems.
We will continue to listen to user opinions and pursue usability foras many people as possible.

Develop
new products

Customer

Customer

Look for further
comfortablenessShare
the needs

Createproducts

Customer

Proposeproducts
Verifythe usability

6Five Principles of TOTO’s Universal Design

At TOTO, we think that universal design starts with considering
what is ease of use and comfort for diverse people.
We develop better products and make better proposals by keeping
in mind the Five Principles of TOTO’s Universal Design to realize ease ofuse and comfort.

1

Easy to use•	Easy body position and movement•	No movement that forces anuncomfortable posture•	Easy to hold the posture•	Easy to clean

52

Safe and reliable

Simple operation•	Consider the safety of various users•	Reliable just in case•	Easy to understand how touse•	Easy to operate

Five Principles of
TOTO’s
Universal Design43Able to choose

Comfortable•	Respond to various users anddifferent conditions of use•	Add or choose the necessaryfunctions according to any
change in the users’ lifestyles•	Set the appropriate temperatureand brightness according to theuse environment•	Always comfortable andpleasant to use

7Five Principles of TOTO’s Universal Design

1 Easy to use
Easy body position and movement
Nomovement that forces anuncomfortable posture

Easy to hold the posture
Easy to clean

ToiletNo movement that forces an uncomfortable posture

Auto open/close lid● utomatic opening and closing and automaticA
toilet bowl flushing eliminate movements that
require getting into an uncomfortable position,such as stooping down.

●

 liminating the back of the toilet bowl rim,
E
where grime easily accumulates, makes it
possible to clean around the whole rim with asingle wipe.

Auto flush

Easy to clean

Rimress design

Rimress WASHLET®

Bathroom

Easy body position and movement●

Comfort shower
bar that supports
standing, sitting
and moving. (Alsoused as a handrail)

Handrail● he easy bath lid
Tmakes it possible toopen and close witha light force.

● he easy cleaningT
counter makes it
possible to clean evenparts where grime
easily accumulateswith a single wipe.

Easy bath lid

Easy to clean●

Automatic bathtub cleaning

8Automatic bathtubcleaning reduces
an uncomfortableposture to clean.
Easy cleaning counterWashroom

No movement that forces an uncomfortable posture● he Swing three-sided mirror eliminates the need to lean forwardTwhen using the mirror, such as when putting on makeup.

● here is no step from the bowl to the bottom of the faucet, so it is easyT
to clean with a quick wipe.

Swing three-sided mirror

Easy to cleanHigh back guard

Kitchen

No movement that forces an uncomfortable postureInterlocking floor cabinet●

 he interlocking floor cabinets and eye levelTcabinets eliminate the need to get into an
uncomfortable posture to take out items.

●

 he Slide sink and Zero filter hood reduce theThassle of cleaning.

Eye level cabinet

Easy to clean

Slide sink

Zero filter hood eco

PublicEasy body position and movement

Easy to hold the posture●The toilet paper holder, which users can place their hands on to
support themselves, offers support for standing and sitting movements
and during excretion and eliminates uncomfortable posture.

●

The wall-mounted
toilet makes it possible
to clean the floor
without getting into an
uncomfortable posture.

Paper holder

Easy to clean

Wall-mounted toilet●

 he target mark on theTurinal eliminates splatterand makes cleaning easy.

Target mark (Microwave sensor wall-mounted urinal set)9

Five Principles of TOTO’s Universal Design

2 Simple operation
Easy to understand how to use
Easy to operate

ToiletEasy to understand how to use detects the movement of people from when they enter the roomIt
until they leave, automatically turning on lights and lighting up thecontrol panel.
● The control panel is designed with clearly illuminated buttons andlettering, making it easy to see.
●

Restroom dresser built-in remote control

Easy to operate●

Water starts flowing when you extend your hands.

Restroom dresser automatic faucet

Bathroom

Easy to operate●

The 2WAY touch faucet can be operated fromabove or front, making it simple to operate
whether standing or sitting.

2WAY touch faucet●

Comfort-wave click shower

10The Comfort-wave click shower can be turned both on and off with asingle touch of a button at hand.

Washroom

Easy to understand how to use●With the Eco-single faucet, water only comes out up to the center ofthe lever. There is also a clicking feel when switching from cold water
to warm water, which makes it easy to know when changing between
cold and hot water.

Eco-single faucet

Easy to operate●

The automatic faucet not only stays clean because there is no need
to touch the lever with soapy or dirty hands but is also easy for smallchildren who have difficulty reaching levers to use.

Automatic faucet

KitchenEasy to operate●

The sensor is on the side of the faucet, so it is easy to hold your handover it, and you can turn on or off the water without disrupting yourwork pace.

Touchless water broom faucet●W ith a foot switch, it is possible to operate the faucet even when one’s
hands are full.

Easy toe push faucet switch

PublicEasy to operate●

Clean Dry

Users can dry
their hands justby inserting hands
into the Clean Dry.

●

Urinal for kids Wash button●

Even a light push
to the flush button
activates the toilet sothat small children,too, can flush thetoilet.

The automatic dispenser releases soap just by extending one’s hands.

Automatic soap dispenser

11Five Principles of TOTO’s Universal Design

3 ComfortableSet
the appropriate temperatureand brightness according to the use
environment
Alwayscomfortable and pleasant to use

Toilet

Set the appropriate temperature and brightness according to the use environment●

Soft Light soft light turnsA
on when someone
approaches. Even atnight, one can findthe toilet bowl andremote control.

●

Warm air drying

Thanks to several functions—a room
heater timer, which warms theroom at a set time, and anti-cooling
function, which automatically comeson when the room temperature falls
below about 5°C—the toilet is always
at an appropriate temperature.

Always comfortable and pleasant to use●

Particular about the smallest●

detail, including the shape ofa single water drop, we are
pursuing pleasant cleaning.
Self Cleaning
Bowl*

WASHLET®

Self Cleaning
Seat*EWATER+*
maintains thecleanliness of the
toilet by eliminating
bacteria,* the causeof grime.

Bathroom

Set the appropriate temperature and brightness according to the use environment●

Both the bathroom and washroom heater can be simultaneously
turned on by flipping a single switch.

Bathroom / Washroom warm and comfortable set

Always comfortable and pleasant to use●

First class bathtub

12With a greater
surface area tosupport the body,the bathtubdisperses pressure
on the body.

●

Floor wiper cleaning(EWATER+*)

The continuallycleaning function
prevents mold andpink grime fromforming, making it
possible to always
enjoy a bathpleasantly.

WashroomSet the appropriate temperature and brightness according to the use environment●A warming function for winter and cool breeze function for summer
makes the after-bath experience even more comfortable.

Comfortable cool and warm wall cabinet

Always comfortable and pleasant to use●

After brushing your teeth, rinse your toothbrush with water and sprayit with "EWATER+*" to clean and eliminate bacteria*. You can brush
your teeth comfortably with a clean toothbrush.

Clean toothbrush*

KitchenSet the appropriate temperature and brightness according to the use environment

Wide LED lighting

Always comfortable and pleasant to use●

Clean cutting board*Spraying cutting boards and knives with “EWATER+*”after cleaning makes it possible to cook with peaceof mind anytime.

Clean kitchen knife*

PublicSet the appropriate temperature and brightness according to the use environment●

This lighted mirror makes it easy to put on makeup because the soft
light from the right and left beautifully illuminates the whole face.

Mirror with LED lighting

Always comfortable and pleasant to use●

The sound of flowing water like a murmuring stream covers
unpleasant toilet sounds (sound of excretion). The natural sound is
not only very effective for masking but also makes public toilets more
comfortable.

OTOHIME* EWATER+: electrolyzed water (containing hypochlorous acid)* See the product information webpage or product catalog for details.

13Five Principles of TOTO’s Universal Design

4 Able to chooseRespond
to various users and different
conditions of useAddor choose the necessary functions
according to any change in the users’
lifestyles

ToiletAdd or choose the necessary functions according to any change in the users’ lifestyles●

The Bedside Flushable Toiet is a moveable flush toilet that can becustom installed next to a bed. It not only makes it possible for people
to continue to use the toilet on their own but also eliminates concerns
about odors and cleanup.

Bedside Flushable Toilet●

With a powered toilet seat that rises and lowers on its own, this Toilet
Lift helps users sit down on the toilet seat and stand up afterward. It
can be custom installed on existing toilet bowl to match the physicalcondition.

Toilet Lift

Bathroom

Respond to various users and different conditions of use●

The bench-type counter, which is designed to be comfortable to sit on,
is the same height as the bathtub and can be slid while sitting.

Bench counter

Add or choose the necessary functions according to any change in the users’ lifestyles●

Bath Lift

14

The Bath Lift helps people get into and out of the bathtub, it reduces
the workload of assisting people take a bath as the powered seat rises
and lowers.

Washroom

Respond to various users and different conditions of use●

The washbasin counter with an open underside makes it
possible to sit comfortably and relax.

ESCUA
●

With a mirror that expands down to the countertop, evensmall children can see their faces.

ESCUA LS

Kitchen

Respond to various users and different conditions of use●

With this electric lift type kitchen cabinet, it is easy to reachand put items up and down shelves.

Electric lift type kitchen cabinet●

User's height 150cm

160cm

T
 he height of the counter can be set to one that makes it
comfortable for users.

170cm

Counter height variations

PublicRespond to various users and different conditions of use●

With the Compact barrier-free toilet pack, functions can beselected to match the needs of various public toilet users.

Compact barrier-free toilet pack●

Left: Urinal for kids

For the infant’s toilet bowl, consideration was given to
size and ease of use of the child. It is also possible to installhandrail.

Right: Toilet bowl for kids / Handrail

15

Five Principles of TOTO’s Universal Design

5 Safe and reliableConsiderthe safety of various users

Reliablejust in caseToiletReliable just in case●Even in the case of a blackout, the toilet bowl can be flushed
by pulling the manual lever.

Safe design in the event of a blackout

Bathroom

Consider the safety of various users●

The level difference at the entrance to the bathroom is reduced
prevent tripping.

Doorway step that is hard to trip●

High temperature hotwater regulation

16

Touch switch with lock function

The shower faucet incorporates a function that
regulate high temperature hot water and lockthat prevents misuse by small children.

Washroom

Consider the safety of various users●

The drawer closes quietly and dampens the corresponding
shock, which prevents users from pinching their finges.

Silent rail specifications

KitchenConsider the safety of various users●

Reliable just in caseSupports cooking with basic safety functions (potlessdetection function, empty-heating automatic OFF function,etc.).

IH cooker

PublicReliable just in case●In a situation that the toilet bowl gets clogged, it is possible
to remove the blockage from the cleaning port.

Public compact toilet
Flush tank type (with cleaning port)

17

Deepening TOTO’s Universal Design
TOTO’s Universal Design is based on discoveries in daily life, such as something being
difficult to use or something making it easier to use.
Valuing these discoveries, TOTO focuses its energy on the pursuit of ease of use,which includes verifications and home-visit surveys during the product development
process in which customers actually use the products.

Researchingpeople’s motion

Repeatedly analyzing and considering factors, such as analyses ofusers’ movements, daily life scenes, and space design, is useful forachieving greater ease of use.

ファーストクラス浴槽を動画でチェック

Relax※通信料はお客様のご負担となります。
※ 携帯電話の機種によっては、動画を再生できない場合がございます。あらMotion analysis

かじめご了承ください。

It can be useful to conduct numerical analyses of the workload of various motions in plumbing spaces,
when designing products.
Toilet example
Analysis of standing up and sitting downfrom a toilet (verification of the benefit
offered by handrail)

Bathroom example

頭と首をやさしく支えて入浴を快適にサポー

背 中 も包 み 込 まれる形 状を目指しました 。

身体を包み込む形状の浴槽が、安心で快適なバスタイムを実現。
ットする、
ヘッドレストと浴槽を一体化したデザ
Research on bathtub shapes that is lessburdensome totheファーストクラス浴槽を動画でチェ
body
ック首まわりにほどよくフィ
リラッ クス
Relax
従来の浴槽に比べて接触面が広く、背中にかかる圧力を分散させます。
※通信料はお客様のご負担となります。

頭と首を自然に支えることで、身体の力も抜けてリラックスでき※ 携帯電話の機種によっては、動画をConventional bathtubs*

再生できない場合がございます。あらThe smallsurface area supporting the body
かじめご了承ください。
results in concentrated force on the body
(3-point support). The pressure on the bodyis strong because the tub is not fitted on theback.
* Conventional bathtubs: SUPRINO (20082013 product) full-submersion bathtub［従来の浴槽 ※ ］
背 中 も包 み 込 まれる形 状を目指しました。
背中のフィット感がないため、身体を包み込む形状の浴槽が、安心で快適なバスタイムを実現。
身体にかかる圧力が集中。
従来の浴槽に比べて接触面が広く、背中にかかる圧力を分散させます。

［ファーストクラス浴槽］［従来の浴槽 ※ ］［ファーストクラス浴槽］
頭と首をやさしく支えて入浴を快適にサポート。
背中のフィット感があるため、背中を浴槽につけてもたれるのみの首まわりにほどよくフィットする、ヘッドレストと浴槽を一体化したデザイン。
身体にかかる圧力が分散。
形状のため首まわりが不安定。

浴槽が首まわりにフィットする
リラックスしやすい形状。

頭と首を自然に支えることで、身体の力も抜けてリラックスできます。

※従来の浴槽：2008-2013年商品「スプリノ」どっThe larger surface area supporting theFirst class bathtub

種 類は 全 部 で４つ。 body results in dispersed force on the

body (four-point support). Because it isfitted on the back, the pressure on the
body is small.

いず れも人 間 工 学 の 考え 方 を取り入れ た 形 状 です。※ 詳細はP.80をご参照ください。

［従来の浴槽 ※ ］［ファーストクラス浴槽］［従来の浴槽 ※ ］

背中のフィット感がないため、身体にかかる圧力が集中。

背中のフィット感があるため、身体にかかる圧力が分散。

背中を浴槽につけてもたれるのみの形状のため首まわりが不安定。

［ファーストクラス浴槽］
浴槽が首まわりにフィットするため、リラックスしやすい形状。

※従来の浴槽：2008-2013年商品「スプリノ」どっぷり浴槽ストレート（ステップなし）

ストレート（ステップ付き）

ワイド（ステップ付き）

スーパーワイド（ステップ付

Bathtubs with shapes that envelop the body offer pleasant, reliable bath times.
類はthan
全 部 で４つ。
The contact area is 種
largerthat of conventional bathtubs, and the pressure applied to the
いず れも人 間 工 学 のback
考えis方dispersed.
を取り入れ た 形 状 です。※ 詳細はP.80をご参照ください。
TOPIC

スポーツ工学 の 研 究を行う東 京工 業 大 学 の中島 教 授 の 協力を得て、研大学との共同研究で、 究開発を行っています。従来の浴槽に比べて、浴槽形状を工夫することで、関節にかかる負担が減ってリラックスできることが検 証できました。
浴槽の形状を中島 求
工夫することで
東京工業大学 教授
関節にかかる負担が研究分野：スポーツ工学、バイオメカニクス、
バイオロボティクス、福祉工学など軽減されることも
特に近年では競泳からシンクロ、水球に至るまで
To achieve various goals, including new product planningストレート
and（ステップなし）
design and ストレート
examiningproduct
proposals , we
幅広く水泳に関わるオリンピック・パラリンピック選
検証しています。
（ステップ付き）
ワイド（ステップ付き）
スーパーワイド（ステップ付き）

Daily life scene verification

verify ease of use by having customers actually use products.

の活躍を研究開発の面からサポートしている。

Daily life scenes verification process
1 Ask

While relaxing, we ask customers about everyday life scenes.

2 Measure

We take measurements appropriate for what is to be verified,such as length of arms and knee height when sitting anddimensions of wheelchair.

TOPIC

大学との共同研究で、浴槽の形状を工夫することで関節にかかる負担が軽減されることも検証しています。

スポーツ工学 の 研 究を行う東 京工 業 大 学 の中島 教 授 の 協力を得て、研究開発を行っています。従来の浴槽に比べて、浴槽形状を工夫することで、関節にかかる負担が減ってリラックスできることが検 証できました。

中島 求

東京工業大学 教授
研究分野：スポーツ工学、バイオメカニクス、
バイオロボティクス、福祉工学など
特に近年では競泳からシンクロ、水球に至るまで、幅広く水泳に関わるオリンピック・パラリンピック選手の活躍を研究開発の面からサポートしている。

3 Reproduce movements

TOTO has people move around the verification set as normally as
possible and confirms their motions and flow lines. If there aretools and items they usually use, we ask them to actually preparethem.

4 Conduct briefing

The results of verifications are discussed with all staff members.

18

21

Space design verification
To confirm installation measurements and space design
where a product will actually be used, we conduct
verification by having customers actually use the products.

User needs survey andfield fact-finding survey
Group interviews
We discuss lifestyles, products, and other itemswith customers.

We conduct not only online and mail surveys but
also home-visit surveys so that we can ascertain
how people actually live and related difficulties.

WEB questionnaire and survey
We ask about how customers actually live their lives
and what they want through questionnaire surveys.

Home-visit surveys
We visit the homes of customers and conduct surveys
regarding how they actually live and their discoveries.

Research venue
TOTO UD Laboratory
TOTO UD Laboratory
In 2006, the TOTO UD Laboratory was established in
the city of Chigasaki-city, Kanagawa Prefecture. To
conduct manufacturing that is closely tied to people’s
daily lives, we develop products and make proposals
that take into consideration various elements of the
lives of individual customers, including their age,physical condition, family composition, and lifestyles.

19Delivering of TOTO’s Universal Design
We work to deliver ease of use to diverse people.

Proposal and information
dissemination related tolaws, ordinances,and standards.

At TOTO, we actively undertake various activities, including
contributing to the creation of laws, regulations, andstandards, disclosure of knowledge at academic conferences,and releasing research results.

Proposals related to laws, ordinances, standards (JIS S 0026 / ISO 19026)
In recent years, public toilets have become better
equipped, but the various operation equipments usedaround toilets cause confusion and problems such asusers “struggling on account of not knowing how toflush” and “mistakenly pushing the call button, notflush button.”
Therefore, through industry-academia collaboration
with Toyo University,1 we have examined and conducted
research since 2003 related to developing common rules
for the wall layout of the three operation equipments(toilet paper dispenser, toilet flush button, and callbutton).
As a result, we discovered that the inverted L-shaped
placement is easy to understand and makes toilets easy
to use for various users, including those with visually
impaired and those in wheelchairs. It can also be used
for both general toilet booths and toilets for people

who use wheelchairs. In 2005, we started to propose
this layout.
With this research as a trigger, the activity to adopt
common rules spread throughout the industry.
Following additional investigative research, in 2007,
these common rules were formulated into Japaneseindustrial standards, which include the shape andcolor of the toilet flush button and call button (JIS S
0026). The JIS standards were also incorporated into
various guidelines stipulated in the Act on Promotion of
Smooth Transportation, etc. of Elderly Persons, Disabled
Persons, etc., the so-called “Barrier-free Law,” and it isrecommended that public toilet operation equipments
be designed in line with JIS.
Furthermore, in 2015, International Organization forStandardization (ISO) rules based on these JIS were
formulated (ISO 19026).
Call button
Flushing button
Paper dispenser

Inverted L-shape placement

ToiletVerification scene (envisioned)JIS
S 0026で定められた逆L字の配置
Inverted
L-shape placement stipulated by JIS S 0026

* 1 Takahashi Lab (Professor Gihei Takahashi), Dept of Human Environment Design, Faculty of Human Life Design, Toyo University (2003)

Presentation of research atacademic conferences
We are actively presenting papers that take into consideration
space design for the ease of use of various users.

20

Publication of survey results
We actively publish the results of research on the needsof various users.

Dissemination of information through Barrier-free Book
Barrier-free Book (Public Toilet Edition) was firstpublished in 1974 and has carried the result of researchon the movements of people with various physicalconditions, including people in wheelchairs.
By the research seriously tackling the problems facedby people who use these facilities, we are able topropose products and physical layouts that anticipate
market demand and also use the results to make

Barrier-free Book
(Public Toilet Edition)

Barrier-free Book
(Hospital, Home for the Elderly,and Elderly Facility Edition)

UD proposal bases
TOTO Technical Center
The TOTO Technical Center is a venue where wecollaborate with expert customers and create optimal
toilet. We make UD-related proposals throughvarious efforts including communicating information
on toilets, such as user awareness survey data, fullscale verification spaces, and confirming techniquesthat are difficult to communicate with photos andexplanations only.

proposals to academic associations and the national
government, which also contributes to the nation andsociety.
By releasing a total of three editions of this book,including a Hospital, Home for the Elderly, and Elderly
Facility Edition and Residential plumbing spaces
Edition, we continue to propose consideration for “easyto use for as many people as possible.”

Barrier-free Book
(Residential plumbing spaces
Edition)Communicating
information at H.C.R.
TOTO has exhibited every year at the International
Home Care and Rehabilitation Exhibition (H.C.R.) since
1995.
The exhibition is a valuable venue for exhibiting
not only recommended products and necessities forplumbing spaces at homes and elderly facilities andpublic toilets but also for gaining the opinions ofcustomers.

21

Delivering of TOTO’s Universal Design
Human resource
development

At TOTO, we undertake activities so that we can acquire the knowledge
and skills necessary for manufacturing and proposal activities from a
UD perspective.

Learning the movements ofpeople in their daily lives
For example, by doing actual cooking and observing
cooking in kitchens, we consider how to make thingseasier to use and how to clearly explain things tocustomers in their own words.

Learning consideration fordiverse people
We will acquire a “customer perspective” by thinking
about plumbing spaces from the viewpoint ofcustomers of various ages and physical conditions.

22

Learning what people findinconvenient in their lives
We reproduce plumbing spaces from the 1960s andalso the latest ones that take UD into consideration.
By experiencing both, we physically learn what “easeof use” is.

Mastering overall basic knowledge
We will learn about the physical condition of andassistive products for the elderly and people withdisabilities through both class work and hands-on.
In addition, about 1,400 employees have acquired
various welfare-related qualifications, such as thosefor welfare living environment coordinator andwelfare equipment planner, through our support forcorrespondence courses.

Transitions in TOTO’s Universal Design
In 1917, when vault toilets were located outside people’s houses, TOTO started on its path to spreadthe use of sanitary ware based on a firm determination and unflagging spirit that “Spreading theuse of sanitary ware toilets would surely contribute to the development of society.”
After launching efforts to give consideration to people with disabilities in the 1960s and thenconducting research on consideration for the elderly in 1990s, TOTO started to work on universal
design in the 2000s.
For half a century, TOTO has provided easy-to-use plumbing spaces for as many people as possible.
Through Barrier-free Book, which was first published in 1974, TOTO has continued to disseminate
the plumbing spaces that meet the problem and needs of people with various physical condition, as
well as the movements of national law and regulations.

Consideration for people with disabilities (wheelchair users)

1964

Launched import and sale of “Wash Air Seat”, the predecessor to the“WASHLET ®”Tokyo Olympics/Paralympics held

1968

Launched Sanitary Ware Seminar
Conducted joint research with University of Tokyo, Chiba University, Naito
Architects, and Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology

1971

Launched sales of toilet bowl for people with disabilities(present-day barrier-free toilet), the origin of manufacturingthat reflects user opinions (A)

A

1974

Released Equipment and Devices for People with Physical
Disabilities (predecessor to the present-day Barrier-free Book),which offers proposals on how to use plumbing spaces (B)

B

1980

Launched sales of “WASHLET G ”as
the practice of using toilets thatwash bottoms spread (D)Launched sales of “ITAWARI
bathtub” for households, which
increases the safety of bathtubs
by incorporating a seat onto thebathtub rim (C)

1987

C

D

Consideration for the elderly

Launched sales of “Interior
Bar”, a handrail that fits wellinto daily life and takes into
consideration safety and relief
for toilets and bathrooms (E)E

1988

Started to publish Plumbing Spaces: Design For Aging, aplanning catalog for housing that take into consideration theelderly who have less physical function (F)

F

1989

”Gold Plan“ formulated23

Transitions in TOTO’s Universal Design
Consideration for the elderly

Consideration for people with disabilities (wheelchair users)

1991

Established “Silver Research Office” to undertake research on reduced
physical function related to aging with an eye toward aged society

1993

Established “SUNAQUA TOTO Ltd.”, which employees
people with serious physical disabilities
Launched sales of “Toilet Lift”, which helps people stand up
after using toilet (G)G

1994“Heartful Building Law” enacted“New Gold Plan” formulated“Design Guidelines for Homes in a Long-life Society” formulated

1995

Started to exhibit at “International Health and Welfare Assistive
Device Exhibition” (present-day “International Home Care andRehabilitation Exhibition”)
Published public toilet and home editions of the planning catalog“Barrier-free catalog” (H)H

1996

Launched sales of “REVLIS Products”, whichtakes into consideration the elderly andfamily members living with them
Published REVLIS Book to communicate thenecessary consideration for the elderly andproduct use (J)I

J

Opened technical centers, showrooms for specialists that include a barrier-freelaboratory where the installation of devices can be checked (I)1999

Launched sales of “Bath Lift”, which helps people get
into and out of bathtubs (K)K

Consideration for visually impaired people

Universal design consideration

Consideration for ostomates

Consideration for making movements easier

24

2000

“Transportation Barrier-Free Act” enacted“Long-Term Care Insurance Act” enacted“Housing Quality Assurance Act” enacted

2001“Act on Securement of Stable Supply of Elderly Persons'
Housing” enacted

L

2002

Published an issue of planning catalog Barrier-Free Book for
elderly facilities (M)Started to make proposals of “Multifunctional Toilets” thatincorporate consideration for large bed users and ostomates (L)“Heartful Building Act” amended
M

2003

Launched research on introducing common rules for the wall placement ofoperation equipments in public toilets
Joint industrial-academic research with Toyo University

2005

Received The Prime Minister Award Distinguished Barrier-free Promoter

Universal design consideration

Consideration for staying in one’s home

2006

Established “TOTO UD Laboratory” (R&D Center),which undertakes technical research related touniversal design (N)“Barrier-free Law” enacted“Basic Act for Housing” enactedN

2007

Public Toilet operation equipments JIS formulated (JIS S 0026)

2008

Launched sales of “RESTROOM ITEM 01”, which takes
into consideration both ease of use and space design (P)Presented with The 2009 Good Design Gold Award
P

Consideration for infants

2010

Presented with “The Grand Prize of the Kids Design Awards” for products that take
into consideration being with an infant (“Baby Seat”, “Fitting Board”, “Baby Chair”)

2011

Launched joint research with Toyo University regarding movement of people inwheelchairs when using bathrooms with limited space (200 cm x 200 cm) andspace measurements“Act on Securement of Stable Supply of Elderly Persons' Housing” amended2012

Launched sales of barrier-free “Compact Multifunctional Toilet Pack” forrenovations and small-scale facilities

Consideration for diversity in gender

Proposals for renovations and small-scale facilities“Building design standards in Barrier-free Law” amended

2013

Launched sales of moveable “Bedside Flushable
Toilet” which can be used independently even when
nursing care is needed (R)

R

2015

Public Toilet operation equipments ISO standards formulated (ISO 19026)

2016“Building design standards in Barrier-free Law” amended
Japan Sanitary Equipment Industry Association’s “Toilet Control Panel Standard Pictograms”
formulated

2018

Published Let’s Think of Everyone’s Public Toilet–Considerationof Diversity, a pamphlet on toilets that also take sexual
minorities into consideration (S)

S

2019

Joined “The Valuable 500”, an international initiative promoting the inclusion ofpeople with disabilities

2020“Building design standards in Barrier-free Law”
amended2021“Barrier-free Law” amended
Tokyo Olympics/Paralympics held
2021.10

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