Abstract
Development of flood controls in the Niigata Plain began from the excavation of the Matsugasaki Floodway in 1731, the mid-Tokugawa era. After modernization of flood control techniques, this development was completed, for the time being, through the accomplishment of the Okozu floodway in 1931. This modern flood control techniques mainly cover weirs, gates, and the use of pumps, modern construction equipment and methods. By using these modem techniques, river flow can easily be controlled in spite of large flood. This new technology had been devised through trial and error by Japanese engineers in the latter Meiji era. Hence, we can trace the development of flood control techniques in Japan through a research on the history of flood controls in the Niigata Plain.
