Celebrating Innovation in Care: OBUTSU Mini Wins Good Design Award
On October 15, 2025, TOSEI Co., Ltd., located in Shinagawa, Tokyo, announced that its latest product, the OBUTSU Mini, crafted by the renowned global brand Electrolux Professional from Sweden, has been recognized in the top 100 of the 2025 Good Design Award. This award, bestowed by the Japan Design Promotion Association, is a significant accolade in the world of product design, aimed at enhancing the quality of life through innovative design.
Redesigning the Challenges in Care Facilities
The OBUTSU Mini addresses a lesser-known yet substantial burden in the caregiving and healthcare sectors—waste management. In many Japanese caregiving environments, standard household washing machines are typically employed to clean clothing tainted with waste such as feces and urine. Care workers often resort to hand-washing or chemical-soaking, which not only creates a strong odor but also poses physical and mental challenges due to the nature of this demanding work. The risks of infection associated with improper handling also exacerbate the situation.
This essential yet overlooked task is referred to as