Swipe right? 'Toilet paper' for smartphones trialled in Japanese airport bathrooms

Source

22 December 2016

Sheets bear the message ‘welcome to Japan’ and contain information on Wi-Fi spots and other travel information

Japan has taken its reputation for hygiene up another notch with the introduction of “toilet paper” for smartphones inside toilets at Narita international airport.

In a new take on the meaning of public convenience, users are invited to pull off a piece of paper from a dispenser next to the regular toilet roll and give their phone screens a germ-busting polish.

The smartphone sheets, which bear the message “welcome to Japan”, were installed in 86 cubicles at Narita’s arrivals hall this month, according to the Mainichi Shimbun.

The telecoms company behind the service, NTT Docomo, said the option of an extra wipe would remain until next March.

The introduction of the cleaning paper came in response to studies showing that smartphone screens typically house more germs than toilet seats. Surveys show that foreign visitors are universally impressed with the cleanliness and versatility of Japan’s public toilets.