Characteristics and functions of water institutions

This article outlines the history of legislation in Japan covering the range of issues connected with the control and use of water resources. The legal aspects of flood control are first discussed, and the conflict between public and private rights examined. The legal and actual status of rights to water use are next considered; it is noted that groundwater use has posed particular problems. Thirdly, recent innovations in environmental policy are described; these concern the protection of water quality and quantity, and more recently the aesthetic aspect of riverine environments. Appendices provide a chronology of Japan's recent history as it concerns water use, and a summary of the themes and objectives of new water policies.