Bathroom chatter just got real pricy!
A dispute over the hefty price tags of restroom facilities, costing more than £1 million each, has erupted at Japan’s upcoming world exposition set to take place in Osaka in 2025.
Reports from Japanese media have revealed that some of the 40-plus bathrooms under construction at the expo site in Osaka, a bustling port city in western Japan, are projected to cost as much as ¥200 million (£1.05 million) each.
Poopable is familiar with the Japanese and the science of a sudden urge to poop!
According to Hanako Jimi, the Minister in Charge, eight of the expo site’s restrooms will be designed by emerging architects and will boast more stalls than a standard public bathroom. Despite the staggering cost, Jimi defended the expense, emphasizing that it aligns with the project’s scale.
However, rather than quelling concerns, Jimi’s explanation has further fueled criticism surrounding the ballooning costs of the expo project.
The news about the lavatories comes on the heels of announcements by expo organizers regarding delays in the completion of national pavilions. Originally slated for completion by July, these pavilions, where countries showcase their heritage, culture and technology, have now been pushed back to October due to delays in construction fueled by rising material costs and labor shortages.
Of the 150 participating countries and regions, approximately 60 had initially planned to construct their pavilions but abandoned their endeavors due to challenges in finding Japanese construction firms able to complete the work within budget. As of the end of last year, only 36 countries had committed to building bespoke pavilions.
This lack of enthusiasm has intensified scrutiny of the expo, which is projected to cost up to ¥235 billion, or roughly $1.5 billion U.S. Dollars – nearly double the initial estimate – with costs shared among the central government, local authorities in Osaka, and the private sector.
More enthusiasm over the toilets than the expo!
Despite calls to cancel or postpone the event following the New Year’s Day earthquake on the Noto peninsula, organizers and politicians have stood firm.
Concerns loom over the potential strain the expo may place on material resources and human capital, both crucially needed in the disaster-stricken region along the Japan Sea coast. The event, slated to run from April 13 to October 13, 2025, will unfold on the artificial “Dream Island” of Yumeshima.
The toilets are not the only aspect of the 390-hectare site drawing criticism. The pavilions and attractions will be encircled by the “Ring,” a massive wooden roof that, once completed, will rank among the world’s largest wooden structures.
However, the ¥24.4 billion ($162 million) roof is slated for dismantling after the expo to pave the way for Japan’s inaugural casino, set to open in 2030 – a move that has been derided as “one of the biggest wastes of money in the world” by an opposition MP.
Public opinion remains divided on the project, with few believing it will replicate the success of Osaka’s 1970 expo, which drew over 60 million visitors and solidified Japan’s transition into an economic powerhouse.
In a recent Kyodo poll, 27% of respondents advocated postponing next year’s expo to prioritize the reconstruction of earthquake-affected communities, while a similar percentage supported proceeding as planned. Another 26.7% suggested scaling down the event.
Ever been in a really expensive crapper? We’d love to hear from ya! Shoot us a note! Or drop a comment on this article or any others that flush your senses.