A Japanese nonprofit organization is calling for consumers to choose emergency portable toilets that meet its quality standards.
The standards set by Japan Toilet Labo call for a portable toilet structure that prevents leakage and breakage, along with effective absorption and deodorizing capabilities.
The group envisions a portable toilet design that uses a plastic bag placed on a Western-style toilet seat, allowing users to sit comfortably. An absorbent in the stool bag helps stabilize waste. After use, the bags can be disposed of as regular garbage.
Japan Toilet Labo released the standards in June 2025.
“In recent years, many products have been available, but there had been no criteria for choosing which one,” said Atsushi Kato, head of the organization.
The organization’s standards require strength and capacity to store feces, urine and toilet paper simultaneously. They call for the use of an absorbent capable of absorbing 400 milliliters of urine.
Japan Toilet Labo has created a recommendation mark for compliant products and encourages manufacturers to display it.
If manufacturers want, the organization conducts evaluations to determine whether their products meet its standards. Compliant products are listed on its website.
Kato also called for consumers to try out a portable toilet even in ordinary times.
“If you haven’t used it before, you wouldn’t be able to use it in emergency,” he said.