The Ministry of Environment (MOENV), in collaboration with the Friends of Daan Forest Park Foundation and the Taiwan Toilet Association, hosted the "Taiwan-Japan Restroom Trends Exchange Seminar" on June 27. The event brought together Japanese and Taiwanese experts, scholars, and central and local government agencies to discuss trends in public restroom design and management, aiming to create clean, comfortable, user-friendly, and sustainable public restrooms.

During the seminar, the organizers shared about progress made in upgrading public restrooms, including the introduction of scientific diagnostic technologies, dry-cleaning methods, smart monitoring systems, and all-seated toilet cubicle designs. These improvements have effectively addressed odor issues and enhanced safety and user satisfaction. Japanese experts also shared insights on "disaster restrooms and earthquakes," "restroom improvement and maintenance in Japan," and "responding to the challenges of an aging society in Japan." Deputy Minister Shen Chih-Hsiu expressed hope that this exchange of cross-national experience and practical dialogue would jointly enhance public restroom quality.

The seminar focused on three main areas: restroom design, maintenance and management, and inclusive services. In terms of design, with society rapidly aging, the promotion of all-seated toilet cubicles reflects not only the widespread use of seated toilets in homes but also better accommodates the needs of the elderly and those with limited mobility. In terms of maintenance, the adoption of dry-cleaning methods helps keep public restrooms clean and dry. Smart technologies have improved management efficiency, while the use of scientific "public restroom diagnostic techniques" enables precise identification of odor sources, allowing for targeted design or cleaning adjustments to further optimize maintenance.

In addition, to meet the diverse needs of various groups, such as people with ostomies, visually impaired individuals, children, and seniors, facilities like changing rooms and diaper-changing stations are introduced to enhance public restroom inclusivity.

The MOENV will continue promoting the construction of uniquely designed public restrooms. It also plans to review and revise its subsidy guidelines for public restroom construction and renovation, requiring funded projects to incorporate accessibility, gender-friendly, family-oriented, and senior-friendly features, thereby improving the inclusiveness and user-friendliness of these spaces.

Through the seminar, not only has bilateral cooperation deepened, but new momentum has also been injected into Taiwan's pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — advancing efforts toward clean and safe sanitation facilities (SDG 6), gender-equal service spaces (SDG 5), reduction of inequalities (SDG 10), and the creation of inclusive, safe, and sustainable cities (SDG 11).