NTN Installs World's First 100% Renewable-Energy Circulation Type Flush Toilet with Separated Restroom and Treatment Tank in Oyodo Town, Nara to Address Disaster Related Sanitation Issues
March 6, 2026
- Installing a new model of the Transportable Independent Power Supply “N3 N-CUBE” and signing a comprehensive partnership agreement with the town
The Transportable Independent Power Supply “N3 N-CUBE” Restroom Separate Model — developed by NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) and equipped with a closed-loop, self-contained circulation type flush toilet system (hereafter, the circulation type flush toilet system) — has been installed in Oyodo Town, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, Japan.
Developed by NTN in response to requests from Oyodo Town, this new model features the world's first separated structure for a circulation type flush toilet system that operates entirely on renewable energy, in which the restroom unit and the treatment tank are housed in independent containers. All electricity is supplied by solar panels, allowing the system to maintain a clean and hygienic restroom environment even in the event of power or water supply disruptions. The model is expected to serve as a reliable sanitation infrastructure in times of disaster.
NTN and Oyodo Town have also signed a comprehensive partnership agreement to strengthen future disaster-response capabilities. Under this agreement, both parties will advance initiatives such as disaster-prevention education and demonstration activities utilizing the “N3 N-CUBE.”
The “N3 N-CUBE” is a transportable independent power supply that combines a compact wind turbine, solar panels, and storage batteries inside a container. It offers high mobility-transportable by truck-and can be customized internally to meet various needs, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in both normal and emergency situations. The “N3 N-CUBE” has already been deployed at numerous disaster sites and is also being tested at “Michi-no-Eki” (roadside stations) in line with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's guidelines for utilizing high-value-added containers.*1 As such, it is gaining attention as a new model for disaster-prevention infrastructure.
In the event of disasters, power and water supply disruptions often render flush toilets unusable, leading to deteriorated sanitary conditions and increased difficulties for elderly and disabled individuals. To address these challenges, NTN developed the new “N3 N-CUBE” Restroom Separate Model for Oyodo Town-the world's first circulation type flush toilet system that operates entirely on renewable energy and features a separated structure in which the restroom unit and the treatment tank are housed in independent containers. Electricity is supplied entirely by solar panels, eliminating the need for an external power source. The restroom features a universal-design layout that is spacious, accessible, and comfortable. The unit is also designed to be transported by a standard 4-ton truck operable with a ordinary vehicle license by reflecting requests from the town. This installation marks the first unit of the newly developed Separate Model.
On February 10, Oyodo Town and NTN held a signing ceremony for the comprehensive partnership agreement, along with a site tour of the operating “N3 N-CUBE.” Mayor Masahiro Tsujimoto of Oyodo Town commented, “We never know when or where a disaster will strike. By leveraging the high mobility of the ‘N3 N-CUBE,’ we hope to strengthen disaster-response capabilities not only within Oyodo Town but also in neighboring municipalities.” Hideki Umemoto, General Manager of the Green Energy Products Unit, Innovation & Business Development HQ., NTN added, “Disaster sites are places where many people experience great anxiety. We hope to support as many people as possible by providing safety and peace of mind.”
NTN will continue to aim for the realization of a sustainable “NAMERAKA Society” through the development and deployment of products that utilize renewable energy, including the “N3 N-CUBE.”
- Press release on October 9, 2024:
NTN Has Held Demonstration Test for Transportable Independent Power Supply “N3 N-CUBE” in the Event of Disasters
https://www.ntnglobal.com/en/news/press/news202400082.html
About the Transportable Independent Power Supply “N3 N-CUBE” Restroom Separate Model
“N3 N-CUBE” installed in Oyodo Town
Structure of the “N3 N-CUBE” Restroom Separate Model
Features of the “N3 N-CUBE” Restroom Separate Model
| 1. Environmentally friendly | Operates on 100% renewable energy and features a closed loop circulation type flush toilet system that generates no wastewater |
|---|---|
| 2. High mobility | Designed for transport and installation using a 4 ton truck that can be operated with a standard driver's license |
| 3. Accessible for everyone | Designed with a universal access restroom layout that accommodates elderly users and individuals with disabilities |
| 4. Spacious and comfortable | Features the world's first separated structure, dividing the restroom unit and the treatment tank, for a circulation type flush toilet system that operates entirely on renewable energy, providing a roomy and comfortable space even during emergencies |
| 5. Stable operation during power or water outages | Provides the same clean and hygienic restroom environment as under normal conditions, even in the event of power or water supply disruptions |
Signing of the comprehensive partnership agreement between Oyodo Town and NTN
(Right:Masahiro Tujimoto, Mayor of Oyodo Town, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture;
Left:Hideki Umemoto, General Manager of the Green Energy Products Unit,
Innovation & Business Development HQ., NTN)
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