Discount chain Don Quijote said Monday that special restrooms in its new flagship store in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, are for people of all genders.
The statement followed a media report Friday saying they were built for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people, and questions were raised over the concept.
The store¡¯s second floor still has standard men¡¯s and women¡¯s rooms, but now situated between them are three individual restroom stalls. These are labeled ¡°All Gender.¡±
The new restrooms are designed ¡°to be used by anyone regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,¡± according to a press release issued by Don Quijote Co. in April.
In a written interview with The Japan Times, a company spokesman said they were installed to contribute to the Shibuya area¡¯s move toward embracing gender equality and diversity.
The restrooms have handrails for the elderly, and each has a baby chair to make using them more convenient for parents.
The spokesman said Don Quijote may install the new restrooms in other stores nationwide, depending on customer reactions.
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