Story perspectives

JR East Cuts Toilet Paper at Stations Amid Cost-Cutting

4/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Japan's JR East eliminates toilet paper at unmanned stations as part of cost-cutting.
The move sparks online frustration and shows a shift from unprofitable lines to bus rapid transport routes, per Professor Yoshitsugu Hayashi.
A social media post criticized Oshikiri station's lack of toilet paper and warned of potential closures.
Over the past three decades, railway firms have removed 1,366 km of track, primarily due to declining rural populations.

1 of 1

Story summary

Japan's JR East eliminates toilet paper at unmanned stations as part of cost-cutting.
The move sparks online frustration and shows a shift from unprofitable lines to bus rapid transport routes, per Professor Yoshitsugu Hayashi.
A social media post criticized Oshikiri station's lack of toilet paper and warned of potential closures.
Over the past three decades, railway firms have removed 1,366 km of track, primarily due to declining rural populations.