In 2020, Mr. Koji Yanai created and commenced the execution of the public toilet renovation project The Tokyo Toilet in Shibuya, Tokyo. Representing Japan and featuring 16 internationally renowned creators, including architects at the forefront, this project brought the world's highest level of creativity and design to the often-overlooked realm of urban architecture: the public toilet. It successfully introduced new value. Mr. Yanai has also initiated a new film project to address the challenges of the Tokyo Toilet. His debut production, Perfect Days, earned the Best Actor award at the 2023 Cannes International Film Festival. Now the movie is currently actively promoted for the Academy Awards. In this talk, Mr. Yanai will explain why he embarked on the toilet project, what insights he gained, and why he produced a film at the end of those insights. Respondents will talk about how this project illustrates behavioral design, novel takes on addressing global health and sustainability, and how public-private partnerships can be successful.

A reception will follow the talk and panel in Dodds Atrium, Robertson Hall.

If you need an accommodation for disability, please contact behavioralpolicy@princeton.edu by November 2.

Note: The film Perfect Days will be screened for free, to the University community on November 10 at 6:30 pm, well prior to widespread North American release.

About the Featured Speaker

Mr. Koji Yanai is the board director and senior executive officer of the Fast Retailing group—the parent company of international brands such as Uniqlo. His appointment as SEO and board director in 2020 followed eight years of overseeing sustainability communications for the group, as well as global marketing strategies for Uniqlo. Mr. Yanai is also the founder of The Tokyo Toilet, a renovation project of public toilets in Tokyo's Shibuya district that took place ahead of the 2020 Olympics. The enterprise gained international acclaim for integrating design and community pride into city streets.