Evolution of river management in Japan: from focus on economic benefits to a comprehensive view

Abstract

The article traces the evolution of river management policies in Japan since the Meiji Era when large-scale public construction works for flood control were commenced. In general, these works produced desired results until the 1930s. At the same time, reliance on modern science and technology concentrated decision-making power into the hands of the Government and technical elites. After World War II, river construction works intensified with an emphasis on dam construction. During the period of high economic growth, no consideration was given to environmental issues. The 1960s saw the rise of anti-dam movements that intensified in the coming decades. The combined forces of public opposition to drastic river construction works and the realization by the professional community of the need for improving the river environment led to gradual but rapid changes in river management policy since the early 1970s. As a result, the present river management policies in Japan give due consideration to environmental dimensions and the value of river environments as a public amenity. The Japanese experience is of particular interest to especially the present developing countries because of the initial extent of river construction works and the rapid and dramatic reversal policy that took place since the 1970s. It is suggested that the Japanese experience would benefit these countries in formulating their own river management policy.