Nine Disaster-Relief Container Toilets Deployed in Areas Affected by the Kumamoto Earthquake
October 7, 2026
- Deployed from disaster-resilient roadside stations nationwide in cooperation with national and local authorities
- N3 N-CUBE, powered entirely by renewable energy, helps secure restroom facilities during disasters
NTN Corporation (“NTN”) extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected by the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake and sincerely hopes for the earliest possible recovery and reconstruction of the affected communities.
As part of disaster-response efforts led by MLIT, disaster-relief container toilets utilizing NTN's Transportable Independent Power Supply, “N3 N-CUBE,” were relocated from disaster-resilient roadside stations and other locations nationwide to disaster-affected areas in Kumamoto Prefecture. The units are currently being used in the affected areas.
MLIT is promoting the deployment of disaster-relief container toilets at disaster-resilient roadside stations and other locations throughout Japan with the aim of improving living conditions for evacuees during disasters. As part of this initiative, NTN provides disaster-relief container toilets utilizing its Transportable Independent Power Supply “N3 N-CUBE” Restroom Model*1. Following the Kumamoto Earthquake, MLIT relocated nine of NTN's eleven units that had been pre-positioned at disaster-resilient roadside stations and other locations in the Kyushu, Kanto, and Kinki regions to seven locations in Kumamoto Prefecture.
The “N3 N-CUBE” Restroom Model is a container-type restroom that operates on 100% renewable energy. It can be used even during power outages or water supply disruptions. The units have been installed in disaster-affected areas across Kumamoto Prefecture, helping secure restroom facilities for evacuees. NTN employees also provided on-site support for relocation and operation of the units.
NTN will continue to work with local governments and related organizations to contribute to disaster prevention and mitigation initiatives.
- Press release on May 21, 2026:
Transportable Independent Power Supply “N3 N-CUBE” Adopted at 11 Locations Nationwide, Including Disaster-Resilient Roadside Stations
https://www.ntnglobal.com/en/news/new_products/news202600035.html
“N3 N-CUBE” relocated to Yatsushiro City,Kumamoto Prefecture
Transported by truck from the disaster-resilientroadside station “Seaside Takahama”
in Takahama Town, Fukui Prefecture,
to Kumamoto Prefecture
Deployment Destinations of “N3 N-CUBE” disaster-relief container toilets
| Permanent Location | Deployment Destination |
|---|---|
| Roadside Station “Tarumizuhamabira” (Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture) |
Ogawa General Cultural Center (Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture) |
| Roadside Station “Seaside Takahama” (Takahama Town, Fukui Prefecture) |
Roadside Station “Ryuhoku” (Hikawa Town, Yatsushiro District, Kumamoto Prefecture) |
| Roadside Station “Nagomi” (Kyotamba Town, Kyoto Prefecture) |
Roadside Station “Ryuhoku” (Hikawa Town, Yatsushiro District, Kumamoto Prefecture) |
| Roadside Station “Tajimanomahoroba” (Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture) |
Kagami Branch Office, Yatsushiro City (Kagami Town, Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture) |
| Roadside Station “Shiotsukaido Adikamanosato” (Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture) |
Sencho Community Center (Sencho Town, Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture) |
| Roadside Station “Yufuin” (Yufu City, Oita Prefecture) |
Misato Town Country Park (Misato Town, Shimomashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture) |
| Roadside Station “Hari Tea Time Resort Station” (Nara City, Nara Prefecture) |
Sencho Branch Office, Yatsushiro City (Sencho Town, Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture) |
| Roadside Station “Susami” (Susami Town, Wakayama Prefecture) |
Sencho Branch Office, Yatsushiro City (Sencho Town, Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture) |
| Roadside Station “Miyakonojo NiQLL” (Miyakonojo City, Miyazaki Prefecture) |
Hikawa Town Memorial Museum (Hikawa Town, Yatsushiro District, Kumamoto Prefecture) |
Disaster-resilient roadside station beforedeployment to Kumamoto Prefecture
Deployment locations of disaster reliefcontainer toilets utilizing “N3 N-CUBE”
in Kumamoto Prefecture
About the Transportable Independent Power Supply “N3 N-CUBE”
The “N3 N-CUBE” is a transportable independent power supply that operates solely on renewable energy generated by wind turbines and solar panels. Featuring high mobility, it can be rapidly deployed and installed wherever needed. The interior space of the container can be flexibly utilized for a variety of purposes and configured for various applications, including restrooms and multipurpose spaces.
Related Links
-
NTN Natural Energy Products Website (Japanese only):
https://n3.ntn.co.jp/
About the “N3 N-CUBE” Restroom Model
The N3 N-CUBE Restroom Model is equipped with a self-contained circulation type flush toilet system. The container houses both the restroom and a treatment tank that decomposes and purifies wastewater. Wastewater generated after use is purified within the container and reused as flushing water, eliminating the need for water supply and sewerage infrastructure. Operating on electricity generated by solar panels and other renewable-energy sources, the system provides a clean and comfortable restroom environment even in locations where electricity and water are difficult to secure, such as disaster areas, temporary facilities, and tourist destinations.
Following the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, a toilet unit introduced by Gojo City, Nara Prefecture, was dispatched to a volunteer center in Noto Town, Ishikawa Prefecture, with the support of the city, contributing to improvements in restroom conditions in the disaster-affected area.
Related Links
-
“N3 N-CUBE” Restroom Model Website (Japanese only):
https://n3.ntn.co.jp/wp-content/themes/ntn2026/lp.html
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