Napkins Installed in School Restrooms: A New Trend Aiming to Alleviate "Period Poverty"

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Period Poverty and Educational Disparity

2. The Expanding "Permanent Toilet" Model in Japan
   2-1. Pioneering Cases in Tokyo Metropolitan Schools
   2-2. Mechanism of IoT Dispenser "OiTr"
   2-3. Dramatic Increase in Usage and Learning Effects

3. Successful Overseas Examples and Legal Systems
   3-1. Scotland's "Period Products Act"
   3-2. England's Support Scheme
   3-3. Trends in North America and Oceania

4. Voices from the Field: Students, Faculty, and Parents

5. Sustainable Operation Models

6. Cost Estimation and New Business of Advertising × CSR

7. Ripple Effects on Gender Equality and Mental Health

8. Challenges and Solutions for Implementation

9. Future Prospects and Policy Recommendations

10. Conclusion

1. Introduction: Period Poverty and Educational Disparity

The lack of menstrual products due to economic reasons or family environment leads to absenteeism and decreased concentration, widening gaps in academic performance and self-esteem. In a 2021 national university student survey, about 20% of respondents reported having used substitutes because they couldn't afford products. While the government and local authorities have provided temporary distribution support, they have not achieved permanent stockpiling.Aichi Prefectural Assembly

2. The Expanding "Permanent Toilet" Model in Japan

2-1. Pioneering Cases in Tokyo Metropolitan Schools

In autumn 2021, the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education stocked sanitary napkins in girls' toilets at 250 schools. At Shinjuku High School, annual usage skyrocketed from 10 to over 300, and classroom departures during lessons decreased.Aichi Prefectural Assembly

2-2. Mechanism of IoT Dispenser "OiTr"

OiTr automatically detects remaining quantities and notifies replenishment timing via an app. As of April 2025, over 3,400 units are operational nationwide, with school installations expanding.Press Release & News Release Distribution Share No.1 | PR TIMESOiTr (Oiteru)

2-3. Dramatic Increase in Usage and Learning Effects

Under the "declaration system" in health rooms, annual usage was limited to a few dozen items, but with permanent toilet installations, it increased to about 100 items per month. This is attributed to the removal of barriers such as embarrassment and travel time.Bengo4.comLivedoor News

3. Successful Overseas Examples and Legal Systems

3-1. Scotland's "Period Products Act"

With the world's first national-level legislation (enacted in January 2021), schools and public facilities are obligated to provide menstrual products free of charge. The operational cost is estimated at about 35 million pounds annually for the entire country.Scottish ParliamentTIME

3-2. England's Support Scheme

England launched a government-funded limited-time program in 2020, with a decision to continue through the 2025–26 fiscal year. Schools order the required quantities online, and the government covers delivery costs.GOV.UK

3-3. Trends in North America and Oceania

In the United States, state-level free provision bills are being introduced, with experts noting that it can be achieved at an annual cost of $4 per person, including R&D expenses. New Zealand implemented it nationwide in compulsory education courses in 2021.hospecobrands.com

4. Voices from the Field: Students, Faculty, and Parents

• Student A (2nd year high school)"I feel secure even with unexpected periods. I can now concentrate on my classes."

• Health Teacher B"The number of consultations has decreased, but consultations on menstrual pain and PMS have increased, allowing for more essential support."

• Parent C"It has reduced not only the financial burden on the family but also the anxiety of the children."

5. Sustainable Operation Models

OiTr displays corporate advertisements on the front of dispensers, covering consumable costs with advertising fees. Local governments are securing CSR slots and testing a model that solicits sponsorship from local businesses.OiTr (Oiteru)

6. Cost Estimation and New Business of Advertising × CSR

• Tokyo Metropolitan High School Model: 500 female students / 2 pads per month → 12,000 pads annually = approximately 180,000 yen

• Advertising Model: 15,000 yen monthly advertising revenue per dispenser → 180,000 yen annually for profitability

• Subscription: Schools pay a monthly fee of 2,000 yen, with the remainder covered by advertising revenue

7. Ripple Effects on Gender Equality and Mental Health

The UN defines menstrual hygiene as a "basic human right." In addition to reducing absenteeism among female students, there are reports that awareness classes for male students have improved the overall quality of sex education.ELEMINIST

8. Challenges and Solutions for Implementation

9. Future Prospects and Policy Recommendations

• The Ministry of Education plans to allocate 8.3 billion yen in next year's budget request for the "School Napkin Stocking Promotion Project."

• Local governments are expanding to public libraries and sports facilities

• Private companies are developing recycled paper napkins and plastic-reducing packages

10. Conclusion

The permanent toilet-type napkin is a frontline measure to eliminate "period poverty" and is steadily expanding in Japan. The costs are fully covered by advertising and local government support, and the investment effect is high from the perspective of learning opportunities and gender equality. Efforts should be accelerated with both legal systems and private sector collaboration towards nationwide standardization by 2030.

List of Reference Articles (in order of publication)

1. Bengo4.com "Installing Napkins in School Toilets... Expanding New Initiatives to Tackle 'Period Poverty'" (2025-07-10) Bengo4.com

2. Livedoor News "Usage Surge with School Toilet Installation" (2025-07-10) Livedoor News

3. OiTr Official Site "Mechanism of Free Sanitary Napkin Dispenser" (2025-05-15) OiTr (Oiteru)Press Release & News Release Distribution Share No.1 | PR TIMES

4. Scottish Parliament "Period Products (Free Provision) Act" (2021-01-12) Scottish Parliament

5. GOV.UK "Period Product Scheme for Schools and Colleges in England" (2025-06-18) G