Cultural Study & Field Trip Water Reincarnation in Toyama
From Itai-Itai Disease to “the home of famous spring water”
Toyama is known as a “home of famous spring water” in Japan. There were eight waters in Toyama region were selected as the best 100 Famous Waters by the Ministry of Environment. This number ranks the top in entire Japan.
However, the excellent water quality in Japan today is the result of the efforts of many generations, overcoming numerous difficulties and hardships from the negative water problem legacy in this region.
Itai-Itai disease, caused by chronic cadmium poisoning from the Kamioka Mine in Toyama's Jinzū River basin, was officially recognized in 1968 as Japan’s first cadmium-related pollution disease. The contamination affected local rice paddies and water, leading to severe health impacts. Following a 1971 court ruling against Mitsui Mining, substantial efforts were made to prevent further pollution and restore the land. Today, Toyama has not only recovered but now boasts a sewage treatment coverage of 97.8%, ensuring clean, high-quality water used in various industries and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
Kurobe Public Washing Area
The Kurobe Public Washing Area, utilizing the region's clean spring water, consists of 10 washing spots in the Kurobe River fan delta, managed by locals. These areas serve as hubs for washing, cooling produce, and socializing. The water, sourced from the melting snow of the Tateyama Mountain Range, flows through granite, resulting in soft water with low mineral content, ideal for various uses, including sake and tofu production. With its mild flavor, it's sought after for tea and coffee. Many local households rely solely on private water supplies, and the area's abundant water has attracted companies like YKK and Asahi Soft Drinks. The whole community, from the little children to the elderly, is working hard to preserve the clean and delicious water.
Kurobe Public Washing Area (The official Toyama Travel Guide, https://www.info-toyama.com/attractions/51055) Address: 938-0066, Ikuji, Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture
The most beautiful cylindrical water tank in Japan: Higashiyama Cylindrical Water Tank (The official Toyama Travel Guide, https://www.info-toyama.com/attractions/91000) Address: 937-0015 Toyama Prefecture, Uozu City, Higashiyama
Uozu Higashiyama Cylindrical Water Divider
The Uozu Higashiyama Cylindrical Water Divider, designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, is an agricultural facility in Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture. Built in 1954, it fairly distributes water from the Katakai River to the Tenjinno, Higashiyama, and Aoyagi districts by dividing its circumference according to each area's rice field size. This innovative design resolved long-standing water disputes caused by Uozu's steep terrain. The structure, with water cascading over its edges, is both functional and visually striking, attracting tourists to the region.