Kokenawa, a startup based in Nagoya, Japan, has developed the Pocketoilet – the world’s smallest portable toilet.
Pocketoilet portable toilet. (Photo: O.C)
In war-torn areas or regions affected by natural disasters, toilets are among the most sought-after facilities. However, aside from mobile toilets and some unsanitary options, many people have limited choices. With the introduction of Pocketoilet, these complex issues can be addressed easily. This mini toilet stands just 7 cm tall and 6.5 cm wide, fitting comfortably in most bags, even wallets.
Yoshinori Kokenawa, 30, the founder of Kokenawa, conceived the idea for the Pocketoilet in 2019 while volunteering in Nagano, a region devastated by Typhoon Hagibis. There, he witnessed long lines of people waiting to use the mobile toilets.
“Although everyone was making efforts to restore normalcy in the area, they still had to wait 30 minutes or more each time they needed to use the toilet. I wanted to do something to solve that problem,” Kokenawa recounted.
In December 2020, Kokenawa’s company launched the Pocketoilet – an ultra-compact portable toilet that can be used almost anywhere. This toilet consists of a bag made from a special, highly durable fiber and a package containing a gelling agent. The bag can be affixed to a toilet seat or a trash bin. The company’s tests indicate that there is seemingly no odor emanating from the Pocketoilet containing waste when stored indoors for about a week.
“They can easily fit in women’s handbags. Therefore, we hope people will carry them conveniently,” Kokenawa stated, adding that his company has sold approximately 50,000 Pocketoilets to date. They have also donated around 6,000 Pocketoilets to Ukraine, a country currently in conflict with Russia.
