Abstract
This paper describes the development of bridge technology in modem Japan from the viewpoint of the diffusion of knowledge of design and theory of structures introduced from western countries. In the first half of Meiji Era (1868-1912) most of iron bridges were imported from western countries or designed and fabricated by foreign engineers hired by Japanese government. From the end of 19th century to the beginning of 20th century design and theory of structures had been started to diffuse, which was greatly supported by the publications on bridge engineering in Japanese language. In this study the process of the development of design and theory of bridge structures has been clarified and studied by examining the publications on bridge engineering.
