Toilet Roll Day

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 it launched Japan's first toilet roll for general retail, "Scott Toilet Tissue," followed the next year by Japan's first double-ply roll, "Softness"

Single-Ply vs. Double-Ply: Double Has a Long History in Japan

Double-ply toilet rolls are standard today, but they first appeared in Japan in the 1960s. Some prefer the softness of double-ply, others the longer length of single-ply rolls -- preferences vary by household and workplace. In some years, the company has run social media giveaways to mark the 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.