Toilet Roll Day
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What Is Toilet Roll Day?
October 11th is "Toilet Roll Day" in Japan. It was established by Nippon Paper Crecia Co., Ltd., the company behind brands such as Kleenex and Scottie in Japan. The date comes from the "To" in "toilet" (read as 10) for October, and the lowercase "ll" in "roll" resembling the number "11." It is a day to shine a spotlight on toilet rolls, which we use every day yet rarely give a second thought.
The "ll" in "Roll" Looks Like 11
The date was born from a playful idea: reading the shapes of letters as numbers. Once you notice it, the "ll" really does look just like "11."
- Established by:Nippon Paper Crecia Co., Ltd.
- Date origin:"Toilet" (10) for October, and the "ll" in "roll" read as 11
- Purpose:to draw attention to toilet rolls, an item people rarely think about
- Company history:in 1963 Sanyo Scott, one of the company's predecessors, launched Japan's first roll-type toilet tissue for general retail, "Scott Toilet Tissue"
- Registered:certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2023
At First, Toilet Rolls Were for Ships and Hotels
Japan's first domestically made roll-type toilet paper is said to date from 1924, but it was made for ocean liners and luxury hotels, not ordinary homes. As sewer systems developed and flush toilets spread, toilet rolls became an everyday necessity. Some prefer the softness of double-ply, others the longer length of single-ply rolls -- preferences vary by household and workplace. The company has also designated October 4th as "Tissue Day."
Tips for Marking This Day
- Check the toilet roll supply at home or at work
- Chat with family or coworkers about single-ply vs. double-ply
- Keep a few extra rolls in stock for emergencies
- Put used cardboard cores out for recycling according to local rules
A Day to Appreciate Things We Take for Granted
Toilet rolls are the classic example of an everyday item whose value we only notice when it runs out. On October 11th, remember the "ll" in "roll" and take a moment to appreciate the humble tools that support daily life.