Incredibly Ingenious: Japanese Inventions You Can't Find Elsewhere
12. A public phone cleaning and handwashing station
What It Is: A Place Where You Can Sanitize Your Phone and Wash Your Hands
Average Cost: Free to Use
In today’s world, the importance of hand hygiene cannot be overstated. However, many people overlook the fact that their smartphones can be just as contaminated as their hands. Studies have shown that phones harbor millions of bacteria, making them significant germ magnets.
To address this issue, some facilities now offer dedicated spaces where individuals can sanitize their phones while also providing access to handwashing stations. This dual approach helps promote better hygiene practices, ensuring that both hands and devices are kept clean and safe from harmful germs.

Source: The Flighter/Pinterest Public Handwashing/Phone Cleaning Station
In Tokyo's Ginza neighborhood, innovative public phone-washing facilities have been introduced alongside hand-washing stations. These advanced stations effectively sterilize smartphones, ensuring they are free from harmful germs.
Developed by WOTA Corp., a Japanese start-up, these devices aim to "revolutionize" hygiene practices and enhance "access to clean water." By providing a convenient solution for both hand and phone sanitation, WOTA Corp. is addressing the growing need for improved hygiene in urban environments.