Evolution of river development and flood control in the Echigo plain, Niigata, Japan

Abstract

The development of flood controls in the Echigo Plain began with the excavation of the Matsugasaki Floodway, constructed in 1731 during the mid-Tokugawa period. After the modernization of flood control techniques, the development was completed with the accomplishment of the Okouzu Floodway in 1931. With the use of the modern techniques, river flows can easily be controlled even though the plain is attacked by large-scale flooding.