On September 11, 2024, we visited Kao Corporation with Jack Sim, who had become the international ambassador for O-MU-TSU WORLD EXPO.

Jack Sim is the founder of the Singapore-based World Toilet Organization, which works to improve toilets and sanitation worldwide. He has drawn global attention to toilet and sanitation issues, including promoting the establishment of November 19, World Toilet Day, as a United Nations international day.

During this visit to Japan, he met Kei Hirabayashi, Representative Director of the Japan Welfare and Medical Fashion Association. They subsequently visited Kao Corporation with Deputy Representative Director Hiroshi Yagi and others, where Kao shared information about Japanese adult diapers.

Jack Sim offered a range of ideas about diapers from an international perspective. In particular, he emphasized Japanese hospitality and the concept of kaizen as important considerations for the future of diapers.

His perspective, shaped by toilet and sanitation work around the world, was fascinating and included ideas we had not considered.

With his advice, we will continue preparing O-MU-TSU WORLD EXPO, scheduled for June 24, 2025, at the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Date: September 11, 2024

Organization visited: Kao Corporation

Participants:
Jack Sim
Founder and Director, World Toilet Organization
O-MU-TSU WORLD EXPO Ambassador

Kei Hirabayashi
Representative Director, Japan Welfare and Medical Fashion Association

Hiroshi Yagi
Deputy Representative Director, Japan Welfare and Medical Fashion Association
Administrator, Omutsu Johokyoku (Adult Diaper Information Center Japan)

World Toilet Organization: Jack Sim’s profile
https://worldtoilet.org/web-agency-gb-about-us/jack-sim/

O-MU-TSU WORLD EXPO official website
https://jwmf.jp/expo2025/