Hygiene (衛生 (eisei))

1. Today's Japanese words
Here are some basic Japanese vocabulary words related to hygiene and toilets, written in romaji:

**Hygiene (衛生 (eisei))**

* きれい (kirei) - clean
* 汚い (きたない, kitanai) - dirty
* 衛生的 (eiseiteki) - hygienic, sanitary
* 不衛生 (fueisei) - unhygienic, unsanitary
* 手を洗う (te wo arau) - to wash hands
* 石鹸 (sekken) - soap
* 消毒液 (shoudoueki) - disinfectant

**Toilet (トイレ (toire))**

* トイレ (toire) - toilet
* 便所 (benjo) - more informal term for toilet (may be considered slightly rude)
* ウォシュレット (woshuretto) - washlet (toilet with built-in bidet functionality)
* 便器 (benki) - toilet bowl
* トイレットペーパー (toireetto pepaa) - toilet paper
* 掃除 (souji) - cleaning
* ゴミ箱 (gomibako) - trash can


**Phrases:**

* トイレに行く (toire ni iku) - to go to the toilet
* トイレを掃除する (toire wo souji suru) - to clean the toilet
* 手を洗ってください (te wo arau kudasai) - Please wash your hands (polite request)

2. Today's topic
**A clean toilet is a sign of a civilized nation**

The saying "**A clean toilet is a sign of a civilized nation**" implies that the cleanliness of public restrooms reflects the overall development and cultural sophistication of a country. Here's why:

**Public Health and Hygiene:**

* Clean toilets prevent the spread of diseases and promote public health by providing a sanitary environment for people to use.
* Conversely, dirty toilets can be breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses, leading to health problems and unsanitary conditions.

**Socioeconomic Development:**

* Clean restrooms are essential infrastructure for attracting tourists and investors, which can boost a country's economy.
* Neglected and dirty restrooms can negatively impact a country's image and hinder its economic growth.

**Cultural and Educational Factors:**

* Attitudes towards toilet cleanliness reflect a society's cultural values and educational level.
* Maintaining clean restrooms can serve as an educational tool to promote better hygiene practices and contribute to a more responsible society.

**Individual Responsibility and Action:**

* Keeping toilets clean requires conscious effort and responsible behavior from each individual.
* Using public restrooms respectfully and maintaining cleanliness is crucial for ensuring a hygienic environment for everyone.

**Supporting Resources:**

* The World Toilet Organization: [https://worldtoilet.org/](https://worldtoilet.org/)
* The Sanitation and Hygiene Fund: [https://www.shfund.org/](https://www.shfund.org/)

**Example Explanation:**

"A clean toilet is a sign of a civilized nation. It reflects a people's commitment to public health, hygiene, and overall well-being. Clean restrooms are essential for preventing diseases, improving living standards, and promoting social and economic development. It is everyone's responsibility to use toilets responsibly and maintain them in a clean condition."

**Additional points to consider:**

* Clean toilets are a basic human right and essential for dignity and well-being.
* Investing in clean toilet facilities can have a significant positive impact on public health, education, and economic development.
* Promoting awareness and encouraging responsible behavior are crucial for achieving sustainable sanitation and hygiene practices.
* Collaboration between governments, organizations, and individuals is essential to create a world with clean toilets for everyone.

3- Today’s news
What is the 'Tokyo Toilet Shuttle Tour'?
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240405/p2a/00m/0op/034000c
A total of 17 public restrooms created by internationally renowned architects
The fact tourists can freely appreciate public toilets as art and also that the restrooms have practical use seems to be attracting interest.

Ex-guesthouse in Fukuoka offers glimpse of Meiji-era French Renaissance style
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240405/p2a/00m/0et/031000c