An overview of dams in Japan

The Japanese people have been constructing dams with reservoirs to improve various aspects of their lives since at least the 7th century. This effort has resulted in more than 200 000 irrigation ponds and around 2700 dams more than 15 m high (as of 2009) built throughout the country. In today’s Japanese society, dams and reservoirs are considered as indispensable infrastructure to supply water and energy and to prevent flood disasters. This article traces the background of dam development, and the roles dams have played in Japan’s development, from the 7th century to the present day.