A Step Towards Inclusivity, But Room for Improvement

The 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo is featuring "all-gender" restrooms, designed to accommodate all visitors. These facilities are intended to be symbols of the international fair's theme of a "laboratory for future society." The expo organizers have included 18 gender-neutral restrooms among the 45 restrooms on the grounds. Some are located near men's and women's bathrooms, while others feature stalls arranged in separate cubicle zones.

Two individuals, whose sex does not match their gender identity, provided feedback on the inclusivity of the washrooms. One of the evaluators, a 26-year-old trans woman named Yukie, found the facility easy to use and appreciated the balanced gender distribution of visitors. The restroom, located near the Azerbaijan pavilion, features over 30 gender-neutral stalls.

Another evaluator, a 39-year-old X-gender individual named Hibiki, noted the restroom's layout, which encourages a one-way route with separate entrances and exits. Hibiki found this design helpful in avoiding potential discomfort. Both evaluators inspected multiple locations and offered suggestions for improvement. One suggestion included changing the color of the external wall.

Yukie emphasized the need for continuous refinement to meet the diverse needs of all users. She hopes for better bathrooms developed through feedback from people with diverse backgrounds. The terminology used to describe these restrooms was also discussed. Yukie suggested that the Japanese word for unisex might be more suitable.

Akiko Hino, an employee of Lixil Corp., believes that providing accessible restrooms for everyone is essential. She argues that a society without such restrooms cannot be considered equal or open to all. She sees readily accessible washrooms as a way to protect human rights.

The inclusion of gender-neutral stalls at the expo was influenced by an Osaka-based citizen's group advocating for their necessity. This group is dedicated to raising awareness of the challenges faced by LGBT individuals. Sexual minorities may hesitate to use gender-segregated restrooms due to fear of judgment.

The lack of gender-neutral restrooms can lead to physical health risks. More gender-neutral bathrooms would benefit other demographics as well. The head of Shinsetsu C Team Kikaku, stated that all-gender restrooms are needed by more than just sexual minorities.

Despite the benefits, there is still a lack of widespread understanding about gender-neutral bathrooms. Some claim there is potential for sexual harassment in these spaces. However, there is no evidence to support this claim.