The Japan World Expo 2024, which was held in Osaka from May to November, was a grand and successful event that showcased the latest innovations and achievements of Japan and the world. The expo attracted more than 70 million visitors from 192 countries and regions, who enjoyed the various exhibits, pavilions, and attractions that reflected the theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”. However, the expo also faced a major and unexpected problem that threatened to tarnish its reputation and image: the toilet smell.
What was the toilet smell problem?
The toilet smell problem was a phenomenon that occurred during the expo, where the visitors and staff complained of a foul and unpleasant odor that emanated from the toilets and restrooms in the expo site. The smell was described as a mixture of sewage, ammonia, and rotten eggs, and was so strong that it could be detected from several meters away. The smell was especially noticeable in the hot and humid summer months, when the temperature and humidity reached their peak.
The toilet smell problem caused a lot of inconvenience and discomfort for the expo visitors and staff, who had to endure the odor while using the toilets and restrooms, or while passing by them. The smell also affected the overall atmosphere and impression of the expo, as it contrasted with the high-tech and futuristic theme of the event. Some visitors and staff even reported feeling sick or nauseous after being exposed to the smell for too long.
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What were the causes and solutions of the toilet smell problem?
The causes and solutions of the toilet smell problem were complex and multifaceted, but some of the main ones were:
- Cause: The design and construction of the toilets and restrooms. The expo site was built on reclaimed land that was formerly a landfill, and the soil was contaminated with organic and chemical waste. The toilets and restrooms were connected to a sewage system that was not properly designed and installed, and that had leaks and cracks. The sewage system also lacked adequate ventilation and filtration, and was overwhelmed by the large amount of wastewater generated by the expo³.
- Solution: The improvement and maintenance of the toilets and restrooms. The expo organizers and contractors worked together to identify and fix the problems of the sewage system, such as repairing the leaks and cracks, installing more pipes and pumps, and adding more vents and fans. The expo organizers also hired more cleaners and inspectors to regularly clean and check the toilets and restrooms, and to use deodorizers and disinfectants to mask and eliminate the smell³.
- Cause: The behavior and habits of the expo visitors and staff. The expo visitors and staff came from different countries and cultures, and had different preferences and expectations for the toilets and restrooms. Some visitors and staff did not follow the proper etiquette and rules for using the toilets and restrooms, such as flushing the toilet, disposing of the toilet paper, and washing their hands. Some visitors and staff also bought and used their own products and items, such as perfumes, cosmetics, and food, that contributed to the smell.
- Solution: The education and communication of the expo visitors and staff. The expo organizers and volunteers launched a campaign to raise awareness and promote good manners and hygiene for using the toilets and restrooms. The campaign included posters, flyers, videos, and announcements that explained and demonstrated the correct and respectful way to use the toilets and restrooms, and that encouraged the visitors and staff to cooperate and comply. The campaign also provided feedback and suggestions to the visitors and staff on how to reduce and avoid the smell.
The toilet smell problem was the biggest problem that the Japan World Expo 2024 faced, as it caused a lot of inconvenience and discomfort for the expo visitors and staff, and as it affected the overall atmosphere and impression of the expo. The toilet smell problem was caused by a combination of factors, such as the design and construction of the toilets and restrooms, the behavior and habits of the expo visitors and staff, and the weather and environmental conditions. The toilet smell problem was solved by a comprehensive and collaborative approach, involving the expo organizers, contractors, volunteers, visitors, and staff, who worked together to improve and maintain the toilets and restrooms, and to educate and communicate with the expo visitors and staff. The toilet smell problem was a lesson and a challenge for the Japan World Expo 2024, which aimed to design a future society for our lives.
