Small hydropower, which utilizes local natural resources such as mountain streams, is a form of renewable energy well-suited for mountainous and rural regions in Japan. These facilities were built across the country from the Meiji era to the early Showa period, contributing to regional modernization. However, many were decommissioned after several decades of operation due to the shift toward larger-scale power plants and centralized electricity control. Since the introduction of the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) system in 2012, there has been a growing movement to revive small hydropower at former plant sites. While the general characteristics and significance of small hydropower have been discussed in various prior studies, little research has focused specifically on cases where such facilities have been revived. As a result, the unique features and values of revival projects remained unclear. This study investigated the process of reviving small hydropower facilities in Ishikawa, Gunma, and Hyogo prefectures, with a particular focus on the roles played by tangible and intangible elements that symbolize former power stations. The findings revealed that these elements play multiple roles in the revival process: they serve as triggers for project initiation, are sometimes reused as components in new facilities, and enhance the motivation of project stakeholders. Ultimately, they function as valuable resources that tell the story of regional history and culture, contributing meaningfully to the success of these revival efforts.
