Photos: Prominent architects redesign Japan's public toilets

A public toilet designed by Japanese creative director Kazoo Sato at Nanago Dori Park in Tokyo. Featured public toilets are part of "The Tokyo Toilet" project by the Nippon Foundation, a non-profit, which commissioned a series of prominent architects to rethink and redesign what public facilities might look like.

A public toilet designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma at Nabeshima Shoto Park in Tokyo. Finding a public toilet in large modern cities like New York can be a challenge, but in Tokyo most train stations, parks and tourist spots offer clean and reliable free-to-use public services, and toilets in Japan have been raised to something of an art form.

A public toilet designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban at Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park in Tokyo. Nearly every household and most public restrooms are equipped with a seat that is plugged into the mains electricity.

A public toilet designed by Japanese interior designer Masamichi Katayama at Ebisu Park in Tokyo.

A public toilet designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto in the Nishisando area of Tokyo.

A public toilet designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando at Jingu-Dori Park in Tokyo.

A public toilet designed by Japanese creative director Tomohito Ushiro at Hiroo Higashi Park in Tokyo.

A public toilet designed by Japanese product designer Nao Tamura in the Higashi Sanchome area of Tokyo.

A public toilet designed by Japanese creative director Kashiwa Sato in front of Ebisu station in Tokyo.

A public toilet designed by Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki at Ebisu East Park in Tokyo.