IDI Water Series No. 4

THE RIVER LAW
WITH COMMENTARY BY ARTICLE
Legal Framework for River and Water Management in Japansupervised by River Bureau, Ministry of Construction
JAPANcompiled and commented by Toshikatsu Omachi
published by the Infrastructure Development Institute - Japan

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

THE RIVER LAW

WITH COMMENTARY BY ARTICLE

Legal Framework for River and Water Management in JapanA WORD OF RECOMMENDATION
It would be unnecessary to cite the examples of ancient Egyptian and China tomake the point that the relationship between rivers and humankind, that is, flood
control and water use, has always been one of the greatest concerns of the rulers of
the times. Japan, a country located at the outer edge of the Asian continent, was no
exception. As the governmental system became increasingly centralized, therelationship between people and rivers, which in ancient times had been of local
concern, gradually became a concern of communal, regional and, eventually,national importance. The governmental system was established through national
unification by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1585) and the establishment of the Tokugawa
shogunate system (1603) by Tokugawa Ieyasu. The development of vast alluvial
plains along the lower reaches of major rivers was begun in the mid-16th century by
feudal loads during the "era of warring states" (sengoku jidai). This development
started the cycle of development, increase in flood damage, flood control anddevelopment, and led to the expansion of river administration districts and theintegration of river administration measures. By the mid-Edo period the foundations
for the river administration system had been laid.
After the Tokugawa shogunate collapsed and the Meiji government took
over (1867), traditional river administration continued to be practiced. The
promulgation of the Imperial Constitution in 1989 stimulated work to institute laws
and regulations, and in 1896 the River Law (old River Law) was enacted with the aimof coping with frequent floods. Through a number of revisions, the old River Law
served the needs of the times. As Japan's social and economic conditions
underwent dramatic change, it became evident that minor revisions were no longer
enough to meet the changing needs, and the River Law was completely revised in
1964. The law has underwent a number of minor revisions since then.
Thus, introducing the River Law, which is founded on the pre-Meiji traditionand has evolved with Japan, to other countries is a meaningful undertaking. The
publication of The River Law with Commentary by Article by the Infrastructure
Development Institute, Japan, has been well timed. I hope this volume will be usedby many people and thereby contribute to international exchanges in the area ofriver and water management.
February 1999

Toshiki Aoyama
Director General, River Bureau
Ministry of Construction

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

THE RIVER LAW

WITH COMMENTARY BY ARTICLE

Legal Framework for River and Water Management in JapanFOREWORD
This is an English translation of the River Law as of July 1997 withcommentary by article.

The River Law is the legal foundation of rivermanagement

includinginJapan,

flood

control

and

water

resourcesdevelopment.
The River Law was first enacted and promulgated in 1896, commonly
known as the old River Law.

This was one of the earliest, comprehensive, andmodern river codes in the world.

In 1964, the old River Law was replaced by a

new one to accommodate changes in the social and economic environment.
The present River Law (Law No.167 of 1964) was promulgated on July 10, 1964
and took effect on April 1, 1965 covers all aspects of river administration,
namely: flood control and damage mitigation; water resources utilization anddevelopment; land and river water administration, including river zone andwater use permission systems.

The most recent amendment or reinforcementof the River Law also includes fluvial environment conservation as a clear
objective of the river administration.

The River Law in 1997 is supported bycorresponding government ordinances, Ministry of Construction ordinancesand other orders and regulations.
The purpose of this publication is to provide the full text of the most recent
version of the River Law together with relevant ordinances and commentary
and thus introduce the legal framework for river administration in Japan.

Wehope that this publication will be useful for international cooperation in the areaof the river and water resources administration.
February 1999

Hiroaki Tamamitsu

President
Infrastructure Development Institute - Japan

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

THE RIVER LAW

WITH COMMENTARY BY ARTICLE

Legal Framework for River and Water Management in Japan

PREFACEThe river never ceases to flow, and yet the water will never be the same again.
Foam floating on the pools disappears and reappears, never lingering long. So it iswith man and his abode here on earth .
[Kamo-no-Chomei (1155-1216), Hojoki]
A great creation of nature and a cradle of humankind, rivers have always been amajor factor in the birth and development of civilizations. It is true that rivers nevercease to flow, but, from the perspective of human beings, rivers vary considerably
depending on time and place. River administration, therefore, requires flexibility
according to changing social conditions, although the general rules must be
observed wherever applicable.
The original River Law, which combined the pre-Meiji tradition of Japanese riveradministration with Western logic, was later expanded and revised to meet theneeds of the times, while adhering to the doctrine of river administration that rivers
are common property belonging to the people of Japan.
The River Law with Commentary by Article is an attempt at explaining thebackground of the law, along with the related government and MOC (Ministry ofConstruction) ordinances, for the convenience of those involved in river and water
management in other countries. I hope that the present volume will be a help indeveloping a legal framework for river administration and water management.
Finally, a word of caution: The commentaries on the laws and regulations
contained here are my own interpretations and should by no means be construed as
official reading.
February 1999

Toshikatsu Omachi
Infrastructure Development Institute - Japan

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

THE RIVER LAW

WITH COMMENTARY BY ARTICLE

Legal Framework for River and Water Management in Japan

Background of the River Law
Flood control project that have been undertaken since the Meiji Period (1867-1912) have steadily
increased safety in river basins against floods, rapidly expanding rich paddies and urban areas on
flood-prone areas.

In response to a succession of major disasters that struck Japan in the postwar

years and social and economic losses due to flooding in areas undergoing rapid urbanization, various
disaster rehabilitation and flood mitigation measures were taken.

At the same time, water resources

development projects, including the construction of dams to meet the growing demand for water, were
undertaken.

These efforts made rapid growth of society and economy possible, laying thefoundations for today's economy and society in Japan.
Thus, river and water management in modern Japan evolved in the process of building a modern
country and national strength during and after the Meiji Period (1867-1912), and in the process ofrehabilitating the war-devastated economy and society, pursuing economic growth and raising theliving standard of the people.

To cope with the problems encountered in these years, Japan

continiously developed its legal systems and found ways to solve those problems.
The sections that follow presents a review of the centennial history of river and water
management in modern Japan and outlines current problems in flood control, water utilization, theenvironment and other areas.
1. River and water management in pre-modern period(1) Flood mitigation by local countermeasures (-1867)
It is said that the oldest flood control project in Japan on record dates back to around the third
century, when embankments called manda-zutsumi were built along the Yodo River.

Before thisproject, however, the construction of facilities, such as irrigation ponds, channels to draw irrigationwater from rivers and drainage works for wetland development, had been already practiced.

Withthe growth of society and economy and advances in engineering in the subsequent years, river works
gradually increased in size, and river improvement designed for rice field development and navigation
began to be undertaken.

Typical examples of this type of projects include the relocation of the Tone

River channel toward east to protect Edo (present Tokyo) and excavation of new channel for the
Yamato River carried out in the Edo Period (1603-1867).

Projects in devastated mountains primarily

involved restriction on deforestation and mountain forest control, except in some regions.
Flood control in those days depended mainly on local countermeasures.

Flood control measures,

which were designed according to factors such as the importance of the area to be protected andnatural land characteristics, included the construction of embankments of different heights on theright and left banks or at different locations along the same river so as to protect valuable nearby
farms and rice fields and local communities.

Embankments were built not along rivers but aroundTHE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

communities to prevent flood water from entering them, and woods zones were formed at planned
overflow points to reduce the energy of flood flows.

In flood-prone regions, residents themselves

built evacuation mounds (mizuka) and elevated shelters (mizuya) and even kept emergency boats in
preparation for floods.

In the Edo Period (1603-1867), river works were carried out under thecontrol of the shogunate, and the cost of river improvement work was borne by the shogunate, feudal
domains (han), villages, and the like, depending on the size of the work.
(2) River navigation and low-water works (1867-1895)
After the Meiji Restoration (1867), river works and sediment and erosion control (sabo) works
in devastated mountains in upstream areas, which aimed to prevent sediments from flowing into river
channels, began to be undertaken for major rivers such as the Yodo River.

Effectiveness of theseprojects was limited, however, because of the country's weak financial base.

During this period, thenational policy for increasing production and fostering industry aiming to modernize the country was
implemented.

Since inland mass transportation in those days relied mainly on navigation, rivers

were the major arteries of the economy.

River improvement itself was a means of implementing thenational economic policy, and in 1880 low-water works for navigation for the Yodo River was carriedout as a national project.

River improvement works in those days were implemented with theassistance of engineers invited from the Netherlands, and river projects were planned andimplemented for many rivers including the Yodo and the Kiso rivers. High-water works for flood
protection, however, were planned and executed by local governments and were designed mainly for
local protection.
In the mid-Meiji Period, flood disasters occurred one after another along major rivers such as theYodo, the Tone and the Kiso rivers.

The necessity of fundamental flood control measures was felt

strongly as a result of these disasters, and this was discussed repeatedly at the Imperial Diet.

By thistime, river navigation had declined as the development of railway networks progressed, and theimportance of low-water works for river navigation declined rapidly.
These years coincided with the period during which Japan was building its legal system required
for a modern state.

To the Japanese government, which was trying to establish national institutional

systems as soon as possible, the establishment of a legal system under which to implement flood
control projects was a priority goal.
2. Beginning of modern flood control(1) Government-led effort to control floods (1896-1945)
Under these circumstances, the River Law was enacted in 1896, and the Sabo Law and theForest Law in 1897.

These laws laid the foundations for modern flood and erosion control in Japan.

The original River Law remained the basis for river administration in Japan until it was completely
revised in 1964.
Under the River Law, rivers became national asset to be managed by local governments.

The

River Law denied private rights with respect to the use of rivers, riparian lands and river water incases where their use seriously affects the interests of the public.

The law requires local

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

governments to assume the primary responsibility for river works and maintenance as in the past, but
the law stipulated that the national government undertake a river improvement project cases:(a) where a river improvement project affects other prefectures;(b) where a river improvement project is difficult to implement and requires a high level oftechnology;(c) where the cost of a river improvement project exceeds the financial capacity of the local
government concerned; or(d) where a river improvement project is to be implemented as part of a master plan.
The enactment of the River Law made full-scale river improvement possible.

A representative

example is the excavation of the New Yodo River (floodway).
The Sabo Law was enacted with the aim of preventing disaster by designating particular areas for
sediment and erosion and controlling sediment runoff from devastated mountains.
Following the nationwide flood of 1910, an Emergency Flood Control Committee was formed by
an Imperial order.

The committee framed a First-phase Flood Control Plan and deliberated on theselection of rivers to be improved through national projects, priority of improvement, and the costs
and periods of construction.

On the basis of these deliberations, the national government started

flood control works, using funds set aside for that purpose.
In 1921, the Second-phase Flood Control Plan was formulated.

In 1933, the Civil Works

Commission, which succeeded the Emergency Flood Control Committee, drew up the Third FloodControl Plan.

The plan also called for supplementary projects for smaller rivers; under the plan, thescope of projects was gradually expanded from main streams to tributaries.

Large-scale river works

during this period include the construction of the Arakawa Floodway for Ara River and the Okozu
Diversion Floodway for Shinano River.

As a result of the improvements of major rivers that werecarried out by the early Showa Period (mid-1930s), continuous embankments were built in areas that
could not been protected earlier, and the basic structure of rivers was formed.
designed on the basis of the maximum recorded flood.

River works were

However, for the Tone River where floods

exceeding the design flood discharge occurred, the plan was revised each time the design flood
discharge was exceeded.
Utilization of river water during this period was still in its infancy and, except for hydroelectric
power generation, which had just begun on a modest scale, was limited to irrigation.

Consequently,

the River Law's provisions regarding the use of river water were simple, and local governments
possessed the power to administer water utilization including the use of river water.

As iron andsteel, machinery and other industries grew and, especially, as the economy grew after World War I,
hydropower generation increased rapidly.

As for agriculture, the arable land readjustment program

initiated in the late Meiji Period began to progress steadily, contributing greatly to land improvement
projects, particularly irrigation and drainage projects.

As a result, friction associated with waterrights among water users such as agriculture, power generation and municipal water supply became
increasingly serious.
In order to meet the growing demand for water, the River Water Control Scheme for flood

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

control and water utilization, which focused on dams and weirs, was initiated.

This scheme wasstimulated by a number of factors including the TVA projects then underway in the United States aspart of the New Deal Policy, increasing agricultural production to meet the growing demand for food,and changes in water demand, namely, growing drinking water consumption due to concentration of
population in urban areas.

Projects under this scheme were implemented by the national and local

governments on the basis of the Study on River Water Control begun in 1937.

The scheme, however,

was discontinued shortly without achieving significant results when World War II broke out.
3. River and water management in postwar half century(1) Infrastructure development for economic growth (1946-1964)
Little progress was made in river and water management during the war.

In the period fromthe years immediately following the World War II to the 1950s, a series of large typhoons including
Typhoon Kathleen (1947) struck war-devastated Japan and caused major disasters.
After World War II, the multiple fiscal year system was abandoned and a single fiscal year
system was adopted as part of the postwar institutional reform.

In 1953, Guidelines for Emergency

Measures for Erosion and Flood Control were formulated in order to ensure successful
implementation of flood control projects that extend over two or more years and to promote drastic
and systematic flood control projects.

The guidelines were not approved by the Cabinet for financial

reasons but became the basis for subsequent long-term flood control plans.
The Ise Bay Typhoon which resulted in devastating damage to the country in 1959 led to theenactment of the Erosion and Flood Control Emergency Measures Law and the Flood Control Special
Account Law in 1960.

Thus, for the first time a legal basis was established for long-term flood

control plans (10- or 5-year plans).

Repeated occurrences of flood damage raised awareness of theimportance of flood fighting, as well as flood control.

In response to this growing awareness, theFlood Defense Association Law was revised in 1949, and the Flood Fighting Law, which provides forflood-fighting activities to be performed by flood defense associations, was enacted in the same year.
As for sediment disasters, in 1958 the Landslide Prevention Law was enacted, followed by theLaw for Prevention of Disasters Due to Collapse of Steep Slopes in 1969.
In 1950, the Comprehensive National Land Development Law was enacted with the aim of
rehabilitating the war-ravaged land and economy.

The centerpiece of comprehensive national landdevelopment is comprehensive development of rivers, and in 1952 the Electric Power Development
Promotion Law was enacted to meet the growing demand for electricity.

Multi-purpose dams

designed for both flood control and water utilization were constructed to develop water resources
needed to meet the rapidly growing demands for industrial and municipal water accompanying rapid
economic growth.

In the Specified Multipurpose Dam Law enacted in 1957, the construction andadministration of dams were centralized under the control of river administrators.

During the period

between 1955 and 1964, the legal system concerning water utilization was improved with theenactment of the Industrial Water Supply Law, the Water Supply Law, the Sewerage Law and theWater Resources Development Promotion Law. The necessity of measures to promote upstream

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

areas where dams were to be constructed was realized, and the Special Measures Law Concerning
Upstream Area Development was enacted in 1972.
In 1964, the River Law was overhauled to meet the changing river administration needs shown
below, which resulted from the socioeconomic progress and administrative system reform since themid-1950s.
(a) The drastic administrative system reform made in line with the newly established
Constitution necessitated reconsideration of divided management of rivers by prefectural
governors based on administrative jurisdictions.
(b) There was a growing need for a switchover from conventional section-by-section riveradministration to integrated administration consistent throughout river basins in order to
respond to the progress of river basin development accompanying socioeconomic
developments and to meet the growing demand for water for various purposes.
(c) The progress of water utilization projects has necessitated the establishment of legal
provisions concerning water utilization, such as adjustment between new and existing water
uses.
(d) As the number of large dams increased in keeping pace with the advancement ofconstruction technology, legal provisions for the prevention of disasters associated with dam
operations, etc., became necessary.
As a result, river administrators were obligated to formulate a Basic Plan for the Implementation ofConstruction Works, and river administration underwent a major change from the conventional
section-by-section management to integrated management consistent throughout river systems.
(2) River improvement in line with rapid urbanization (1965-)
In the years preceding and following the enactment of the new River Law (1964), cities andindustry grew dramatically as Japan entered the period of rapid economic growth.

During thisperiod, rapid urbanization brought about various river-related problems, such as water pollution inrivers and lakes; flood damage in urban areas because of inadequate flood control; serious water
shortages including the serious water shortage in Tokyo in 1964, the year of the Tokyo Olympic
Games; and a sharp increase in the occurrence of sediment disasters.
Various measures were taken, therefore, to address the problem of river pollution.

On the basisof the River Council's 1977 report titled "Interim Report on Policies for Comprehensive Flood Control
Measures," various comprehensive flood control measures and water shortage prevention measures
were taken, including stormwater retention and infiltration coupled with river improvement, theimprovement of warning and evacuation systems coupled with debris flow control, and dam
construction.
New approaches such as the concept of high-standard levees were also introduced, on the basisof the River Council's 1987 report titled, "Recommendations on Policies for Protection from Extreme
Floods," to protect urban areas where property and important business functions are concentrated
from extreme floods that exceed the design level.
Today, a wide variety of projects design to create sound river environments, such as theTHE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

construction of streamflow maintenance channels and the creation of close-to-nature rivers, are under
way for various purposes including the improvement of river water quality, protection of habits, andcloser contact between water and humankind.
4. Present state of river and water management and problems
4.1

Lack of integrity in water management
Although water in river is managed by river administrators under the River Law, once

withdrawn from the river channel, water is managed differently under different laws.

Consequently,

some of the water management problems that are caused by complex factors and that have farreaching impact, such as the prevention of ground subsidence due to overpumping of groundwater,
flexible and efficient application of water rights, and the protection of the quality of river water andgroundwater, cannot be addressed by individual laws or administrators alone.
4.2

Increasing damage potential of floods and sediment disasters(1) Present state of flood control
The history of Japan is practically synonymous with the history of struggles with floods andsediment disasters.

Destructive floods and sediment disasters occurred even in recent years.

Floodcontrol projects have decreased the number of flood victims over the years, but the level of safety
remains low.

In the 10 years from 1986 to 1995, about 90 percent of all municipalities in Japan havesuffered a flood or sediment disaster.
Various measures are being taken to cope with this situation.

For major rivers, the goal has

been set to improve each river so as to be capable of safely carrying a flood that is likely to occur oncein 100 to 200 years.

The short-term goal is to improve the channels of major rivers so as to becapable of safely passing a 30- to 40-year flood by the beginning years of the 21st century.

The goal

for smaller rivers is to safely carrying a 30- to 100-year flood, and the immediate goal is to cope witha 5- or 10-year flood.

As for measures to prevent sediment disasters, the long-term goal of copingwith a 100-year rainfall has been set.

The short-term goal is to guard against a 5- to 10-year rainfall.

Accomplishment so far are falling far behind the goals, however.

Even in comparison with theshort-term goal, the area of flood-prone land that is now protected from flooding is less than half thetotal area.
(2) Growing risks of floods and sediment disasters
Urbanization in Japan has taken place mainly on alluvial plains prone to river floods.

Withthe progress of urbanization, the retention and detention functions of river basins were gradually lost,while at the same time flood discharges in river channels have increased, thereby increasing the risksof flood damage.

As hills and mountains have been developed, damage potential of sediment flows

including debris flows, landslides and steep slope failures has increased rapidly.
Ironically, increased safety from floods has led to further concentration of city functions andhousing on floodplains, resulting in higher damage potential.
therefore, remains.

Economic damage due to floods,

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(3) Risk of catastrophe
The economy and society of Japan rely on intensive urban and industrial activities.

If high-tech equipment that supports a key portion of these activities goes under water or if urban
infrastructure such as transportation, telecommunications and lifelines are rendered unusable for an
extended time period, obviously the impact on people's lives and the economy will be immeasurable.
As society ages, the number of people particularly vulnerable to disaster is expected to grow.

Acatastrophic flood or sediment disaster, therefore, must not be allowed to occur in urban areas.
These circumstances require that the short-term target level of safety, particularly in urban areas,
be achieved as soon as possible.

It is also necessary to minimize damage due to floods or debris

flows that are beyond the control by facilities and to take safeguard measures so that flood control
facilities, if damaged, can be restored quickly.
4.3

Increasing frequency of droughts(1) A country inadequate in water resources
The average annual precipitation in Japan is about 1,750 mm, nearly twice the world average.
Per-capita annual precipitation, however, is about 5,500 m3, which is merely one-fifth of the world
average.

In addition, a considerable portion of precipitation occurs during the rainy season and thetyphoon season.

About 70 percent of the total land area of Japan is steep mountains, and rivers are

so short and steep that water in rivers reaches the sea in a short time period.

It is difficult, therefore,

to use water resources in a stable manner.
Under these circumstances, water resources have been developed by constructing dams and otherstructures, in order to meet the rapidly growing demand for water due to the rapid economic growthand urbanization.

The conventional approach to water resources development, however, is expected

to become increasingly difficult primarily because of the scarcity of suitable dam sites, considerable
cost and time required for relocation, the declining economic efficiency of water resources
development projects, and, in particular, growing public concern for the natural environment.
(2) Recurrent droughts
Use of agricultural water, which accounts for two-thirds of all water intake, is has remained
more or less stable despite the decreasing area of paddy fields.

Industrial water use has also

remained unchanged thus far because of the changes of industrial structure and the improvement in
the recycling rate.

Domestic water use, in contrast, is still growing owing to changes in lifestyle.

Precipitation has been on the decrease in recent years, causing frequent droughts in the Tokyo
metropolitan area, the Chubu region and western Japan.

The drought of 1994, for example, had afar-reaching and serious impact, affecting almost the entire country.
(3) Present state of water resources development
Water resources development today is planned on the basis of a design drought having a
return period of 10 years.

By the standards of the international community, this factor of safety islow. The recent tendency toward decreasing precipitation makes the planning standard even moreinadequate.

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

In the Tokyo metropolitan area, the supply of water remains to be unable to keep up with thedemand, upsetting the region's stable water supply. There is a pressing need, therefore, for a reliable
source of water that can be used to solve this problem of chronic water shortage.
(4) Social structure vulnerable to drought
As water use has increased, Japan's social and economic activities have become increasingly
vulnerable to water shortage.

The establishment of lifestyles dependent on intensive use of waterand the growing number of elderly people who are vulnerable to water shortage have made cities
particularly susceptible to drought.

As the droughts in Tokyo in 1964 and in Fukuoka in 1978

demonstrated, a major drought may have a serious impact on Japan's social and economic activities
and people's lives.
4.4

Deteriorating river environment
Rapidly changing social and economic conditions have reduced water and greenery in river

basins.

It is also an undeniable fact that past flood control and water development projects, whichgave priority to early completion with economic efficiency, failed to give adequate consideration to
the environment.

These factors have gave rise to a number of environmental problems:(1) Decreasing biodiversity and shrinking habitat
Past channel improvement projects relied on the use of channel cross sections and concrete
revetments consisting of straight lines so as to safely pass flood flows downstream within a limited
space available.

In some projects, a dam or weir interrupted the continuity of the environment

upstream and downstream of the project site.

Urbanization has also reduced water and greenery inriver basins, destroyed the continuity between the river and its basin, and eroding diverse habitat for
wildlife.
(2) Deteriorating water environment
Changes in land use, impervious paving and the construction of sewerage facilities have
impaired the retention, detention and infiltration functions of river basins and changed the paths ofwater circulation in the hydrological cycle.

These changes have brought about such adverse effects

as depletion of springs and decreases in streamflow.
Domestic, livestock and other wastewater entering rivers have severely polluted some closed
waters, such as lakes and reservoirs, and some sections of urban rivers.

There is a strong demand forsafe and tasteful water.
(3) Growing concern for possible changes in hydrological cycle
Depopulation and aging of population in rural regions may lead to inadequate forest
management.

Urbanization may reduce agricultural lands and have adverse effects on thestormwater retention and detention functions of river basins and changes in flooding and sediment
runoff patterns.
There is also growing concern for sea level rise and the expansion of areas below sea levels due
to global warming, and adverse effects of acid rain on water quality and ecosystems.

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(4) Emerging sediment-related problems
Problems associated with sediments are occurring in various forms at different places, suchas mountains, plains, estuaries and coastal zones.

In past projects, different measures were taken ona case-by-case basis according to the purpose of the project.

This approach, however, will notprovide fundamental solutions.
4.5

Weakening relationship between communities and rivers(1) Rivers becoming less familiar
As urbanization progresses, rivers have become far removed from people's lives.

As riverimprovement reduces flood and sediment disasters, the traditional feeling of awe and fear diminishes,
and invaluable lessons learned from past disasters and wisdom handed down from the past are being
lost.
These phenomena are making people less and less aware of rivers.
(2) Rebuilding the relationship between the river and local community
People are rediscovering rivers as natural networks of water and greenery that connect themountains and the sea or natural space in their own right.
again.

Public interest in rivers is now growing

Because a river is an important element that helps to form regional characteristics and culture,

efforts to create rivers that reflect the personality of local community are being called for.
Activities of local governments and citizens, such as the conservation of river water quality,
replenishment of water source areas and clean up of rivers have become increasingly active in recent
years. River administrators must support these local activities.
Spaces provided by rivers are precious in urban areas with limited open space.

River spaces

can be used not only during ordinary times but also in an emergency such as in case of an earthquake
for purposes such as disaster relief activities, emergency water supply and transportation.

The

relationship between community and river must be reviewed from these viewpoints.
(Excerpted and summarized from Basic Policies of Water Resources Management for the 21st Century, River Council)

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

THE RIVER LAW

WITH COMMENTARY BY ARTICLE

Legal Framework for River and Water Management in JapanLEAGAL FRAMEWORK SURROUNDING THE RIVER LAW
Comprehensive National Land Development Law
National Land Utilization and Planning Law
LAND USEENVIRONMENTCity Planning Law, Urban Renewal Law,
Building Standard Law, etc.

Environmental Basic Law, Nature Conservation Law,
Water Pollution Prevention Law, Sewerage Law,
Industrial Water Law, etc.

RIVER LAWDISASTER PREVENTION& LAND CONSERVATION

Disaster Countermeasures Basic Law,
Flood Fighting Law, Sabo Law,
Landslide Prevention Law, Seacoast Law,
Weather Service Law, etc.

WATER USE
Water Resources Development Promotion Law,
Specified Multipurpose Dam Law,
Water Resources Development Public Corporation Law,
Electric Power Development Promotion Law,
Electric Utility Industry Law, Water Supply Law,
Industrial Water Supply Law,
Land Improvement Law,
NavigationCanal Law, etc.

THE RIVER LAW: Contents

THE RIVER LAW
WITH COMMENTARY BY ARTICLE-Legal Framework for River and Water Management in Japan-

CONTENTS
Page

Chapter I. General Provisions
Article 1.
Article 2.
Article 3.
Article 4.
Article 5.
Article 6.
Article 7.
Article 8.

Purpose of the River Law
Principles of river administration
The river and the river administration facilities
Class A rivers
Class B rivers
The river zone
The river administrator
River works

Chapter II. The Administration of Rivers
Section 1. General Rules
Article 9.
Administration of class A rivers
Article 10. Administration of class B rivers
Article 11. Administration of class B rivers on the prefectural boundaries
Article 12. River ledgers
Article 13. Structural standard for river administration facilities
Article 14. Operation regulations for river administration facilities
Article 15. Consultation among river administrators
Section 2. River Works
Article 16. The fundamental river management policy
Article 16-2. The river improvement plan
Article 16-3. River works by municipalities
Article 17. Joint use structures
Article 18. Works by person who has necessitated such works
Article 19. Appurtenant works
Article 20. River works by persons other than the river administrator
Article 21. Compensation for loss caused by river works
Article 22. Emergency measures to be taken during floods, etc.
Article 22-2. Restoration of high standard levees on third party land
Section 3. Regulation and Restrictions for River and River Use
Subsection 1. General Provisions
Article 23. Permission for river water use
Article 24. Permission for land occupancy
Article 25. Permission for taking earth, stone, etc.
Article 26. Permission for construction of structures
Article 27. Permission for land excavation-1-

THE RIVER LAW: Contents

Article 28.

Prohibition, restrictions and permission for floating down
trees/bamboo and navigation of boats/ships

Article 29.

Prohibition, restrictions and permission for act likely to hinderriver administration

Article 30.
Article 31.
Article 32.
Article 33.
Article 34.
Article 35.
Article 36.
Article 37.

Use of permitted structures
Restoration orders
Charges for the use of river water etc.
Succession of status
Transfer of rights
Consultation with the concerned administrative organizations
Consultation with the prefectures and municipalities
Entrusting of construction of permitted works to riveradministrators

Subsection 2. Water Use Conciliation
Article 38. Notification upon receipt of application for water use
Article 39. Submission of opinion by concerned river users
Article 40. Criteria for the permission of water use
Article 41. Compensation for loss related to water use
Article 42. Consultation on compensation for loss
Article 43. Restriction of storing and taking river water
Subsection 3. Provisions Related to Dams
Article 44. Maintenance of the existing functions of a river
Article 45. Monitoring of hydrological situation
Article 46. Report on the dam operation
Article 47. Regulations for dam operation
Article 48. Preventive measures for damage
Article 49. Preparation and custody of operation record
Article 50. Appointment of a chief superintendent for a dam
Article 51. Exception for water utilization dams used as riveradministration facilities
Subsection 4.
Steps to Be Taken During Emergencies
Article 52. Instructions for flood control
Article 53. Water use conciliation during droughts
Article 53-2. Exceptional arrangement for water use during droughts
Section 4. The River Conservation Zone
Article 54. Designation of the river conservation zone
Article 55. Restrictions within the river conservation zone
Section 5. The Projected River Zone
Article 56. The projected river zone
Article 57. Restrictions within the projected river zone
Article 58. Projected river zone whose land title is acquired by the riveradministrator-2-

THE RIVER LAW: Contents

Chapter II-2.

The Spatial River

Article 58-2. The spatial river zone
Article 58-3. The spatial river conservation zone
Article 58-4. Restrictions within the spatial river conservation zone
Article 58-5. The projected spatial river zone
Article 58-6. Restrictions within the projected spatial river zone
Article 58-7.Spatial river zone whose land title is acquired by the riveradministrator

Chapter III. Financial Responsibility for River Administration
Article 59. Principles
Article 60. Prefectural share for cost for class A rivers
Article 61. Subsidy for cost for a designated section of class A rivers
Article 62. Subsidy for cost for class B rivers
Article 63. Sharing of cost for class A and B rivers for the benefited prefectures
Article 64. Payment and receipt of share
Article 65. Sharing of cost for class B rivers on prefectural boundary
Article 65-2. Sharing of cost for river works carried out by municipalities
Article 66. Sharing of cost for joint structures
Article 67. Sharing of cost of works carried out by a person necessitating
river works
Article 68. Sharing of cost of appurtenant works
Article 69. Sharing of cost of works carried out by a person other than riveradministrator
Article 70. Sharing of cost by beneficiaries
Article 70-2. Sharing of cost by special river water users
Article 71. Notification of amount of share and payment procedure
Article 72. Vesting of shares collected
Article 73. Sharing of cost to perform obligations
Article 74. Compulsory collection of shares and charges

Chapter IV.

Supervision

Article 75. Supervisory measures and orders
Article 76. Compensation for loss due to supervisory measures
Article 77. River guards
Article 78. Reporting from permittees and inspections by riveradministrators
Article 79. Approval by the Minister of Construction

Chapter V. The River Council and the Prefectural River Council
Article 80. Jurisdiction of the river council
Article 81. Organization
Article 82. Chairman
Article 83. Special members
Article 84. Subcommittees
Article 85. Matters left to government ordinance
Article 86. The prefectural river council-3-

THE RIVER LAW: Contents

Chapter VI.

Miscellaneous Provisions

Article 87. Transitory measures
Article 88. Notification by de facto permittees
Article 89. Entry into third party land for river administration
Article 90. Conditions for permission
Article 91
Administration of disused river site
Article 92. Exchange of disused river site
Article 93. Transfer of disused river site of class B rivers
Article 94. Administrative cost and revenue of disused river site
Article 95. Special arrangement for use of rivers by the national
government
Article 96. Special arrangement for Hokkaido region
Article 97. Filling of complaints
Article 98. Delegation of powers
Article 99. Commitment of business to local public body
Article 100. Locally designated rivers
Article 101. Matters left to government ordinance

Chapter VII.

Penal Provisions

Article 102.
Article 103.
Article 104.
Article 105.
Article 106.
Article 107.
Article 108.
Article 109.

Acts subject to penal servitude not more than 1 year or a fineof not more than 500,000 yen
Acts subject to penal servitude not more than 6 months or afine of not more than 300,000 yen
Acts subject to penal servitude not more than 3 months or afine of not more than 200,000 yen
Acts subject to a fine of not more than 300,000 yen
Acts subject to a fine of not more than 200,000 yen
Liability of employer and a juristic person
Acts subject to a fine of not more than 50,000 yen
Establishment of penal provisions in government ordinance or
prefectural regulations

Supplementary Provisions
Appendix I
Government Ordinance for Structural Standards for River Administration
Facilities
Appendix II
Ministry of Construction Ordinance for Structural Standard for River
Admnistration Facilities
Appndix III
Master Plan for Management of River Environment
Appendix IV
Profile of the Japanese River-4-

THE RIVER LAW: Contents

GOVERNMENT ORDINANCEFOR
ENFORCEMENT OF THE RIVER LAWCONTENTS
Chapter 1 River Administration
Article 1 Land similar to the land on the waterside of the levee [Gor 6-2]
Article 2 Entrusting of part of the administration to the prefectural governor [Gor 9-3]
Article 3 Exercise of powers by one governor on behalf of another [Gor 11-3]
Article 4 Contents of the river ledgers [Gor 12-1]
Article 5 Register of present river conditions [Gor 12-2]
Article 6 Register of river utilization [Gor 12-3]
Article 7 Custody of the river ledgers [Gor 12-6]
Article 8 River administration facilities requiring the establishment of operation regulations [Gor 14-1]
Article 9 Operation regulations [Gor 14-2]
Article 9-2 Procedure to establish operation regulations [Gor 14-3]
Article 10 Rules for formulation of the fundamental river management policy and the river improvement plan [Gor 16-3]
Article 10-2 Matters to be set forth in the fundamental river management policy [Gor 16-4]
Article 10-3 Matters to be set in the river improvement plan [Gor 16-2-3]
Article 10-4 Hearing of the opinion of the prefectural governor concerned, etc. [Gor 16-2-6]
Article 10-5 River works and maintenance which shall not be implemented by municipality heads[Gor 16-3-5]
Article 10-6 Exercise of powers of the river administrator by the head of a municipality[Gor 16-3-7][Gor 20-4]
Article 11 Application for approval of works, etc., carried out by persons other than river administrators[Gor 20-3]
Article 12 Works, etc., carried out by a person other than river administrator for which approval is not necessary [Gor 20-5]
Article 13 Procedures for applying for a ruling by the expropriation committee [Gor 21-4]
Article 14 The amount of compensation for loss resulting from emergency measures against floods, etc. [Gor 22-4]
Article 15 River products [Gor 25-3]
Article 15-2 Structures in high standard levee special zones whose construction, etc., does not require
permission [Gor 26-2]
Article 15-3 Maximum depth that does not require permission for construction, etc., of undergroundstructures in high standard levee special zones [Gor 26-3]
Article 15-4 Excavation, etc., of land in a river zone that does not require permission [Gor 27-4]
Article 15-5 Maximum depth of excavation on land within high standard levee special zones [Gor 27-7]
Article 16 Routine maintenance in fluvial woods zones that does not require permission [Gor 27-8]
Article 16-2 Restriction on navigation of boats/ships or rafts on class A rivers [Gor 28-1]
Article 16-3 Permission for the floating down of trees/bamboos on class A rivers [Gor 28-4]
Article 16-4 Prohibition of acts likely to hinder river administration [Gor 29-2]
Article 16-5 Notification on discharge of sewage)[Gor 29-4]
Article 16-6 Emergency measures [Gor 29-8]
Article 16-7 Measures concerning boats/ships or rafts in time of flood, etc. [Gor 29-9]
Article 16-8 Permission for acts likely to hinder river administration [Gor 29-10]
Article 16-9 Succession to status based on permission [Gor 28-9][Gor 29-16]
Article 16-10 Interim measures[Gor 29-17]
Article 16-11 Special arrangement for the national government [Gor 29-18]
Article 17 Structures subject to acceptance inspection [Gor 30-1]
Article 18 Standards for the amounts of the charges for use of river water, etc. [Gor 32-3]
Article 19 Water uses that do not require consultation with the administrative organization heads concerned[Gor 35-3]
Article 20 Water uses about which the opinion of the municipality concerned must be heard [Gor 36-6]
Article 21 Persons who hold rights to rivers[Gor 38-4]
Article 22 Ruling by the river administrator concerning compensation for loss[Gor 42-1]
Article 23 Dams requiring measures to retain river functions[Gor 44-4]-5-

THE RIVER LAW: Contents
Article 24 Criteria for river administrator's instructions[Gor 44-7]
Article 25 Dams requiring observation of water level, etc.[Gor 45-1]
Article 26 Criteria for provision of observation facilities[Gor 45-2]
Article 27 Reporting of observation results, etc.[Gor 46-1]
Article 28 Standards for reporting facilities[Gor 46-2]
Article 29 Regulations for dam operation[Gor 47-2]
Article 30 Dams designated by Government Ordinance[Gor 47-3]
Article 31 Safety measures[Gor 48-2]
Article 32 Qualifications for chief superintendent[Gor 50-2]
Article 33 Exceptions concerning dams as joint use structures[Gor 51-2]
Article 34 Acts within the river conservation zone that do not require permission[Gor 55-3]
Article 35 Acts in the projected river zone that do not require permission[Gor 57-3]
Article 35-2 Acts within the spatial river conservation zone that do not require permission[Gor 58-4-1]
Article 35-3 Weights of accumulated objects in the spatial river conservation zone that require permission[Gor 58-4-5]
Article 35-4 Acts in the projected spatial river zone that do not require permission[Gor 58-6-1]
Chapter 2 Cost of Administration of Rivers
Article 36 Sharing of cost of administration of class A rivers to be borne by prefectures[Gor 60-2]
Article 36-2 Large-scale works to which the special share ratio for administration cost for class A
rivers[Gor 60-3]
Article 37 Cost of improvement works carried out by a prefectural governor that is borne by the national
government [Gor 60-4]
Article 38 Payment [Gor 64-2]
Article 38-2 Payment to municipalities [Gor 65-2-5]
Article 38-3 Contents of consultation under Article 70-2 Paragraph 2 of the River Law[Gor 70-2-2]
Article 38-4 Method of calculation of the share to be borne by the special river water user[Gor 70-2-3]
Article 38-5 Alternative expenditure method[Gor 70-2-4]
Article 38-6 Collection of the share to be borne by the special river water user[Gor 70-2-5]
Article 38-7 Returning of shares collected from special river water users[Gor 70-2-6]
Article 39 Arrearage charge[Gor 74-1]
Article 39-2 Information to be included in public notification in case a structure taken into custody[Gor 75-1]
Article 39-3 Method of public notification in case a structure has been taken into custody[Gor 75-2]
Article 39-4 Method of valuation of structures[Gor 75-3]
Article 39-5 Procedures for selling structures in custody[Gor 75-4]
Article 39-6[Gor 75-5]
Article 39-7 Procedure for returning structures[Gor 75-6]
Chapter 3 42 Special Arrangement for the Rivers in Hokkaido
Article 40 Execution of river improvement works by the Minister of Construction in a special designatedsection of a class A river [Gor 96-1]
Article 41 Execution of river improvement works by the Minister of Construction in a designated section[Gor 96-2]
Article 42 Special arrangement concerning the bearings of the cost of river administration [Gor 96-3]
Article 43 Special arrangement concerning the title to charges for use of river water, etc. [Gor 96-4]
Article 44 Special arrangement concerning disused river site etc. [Gor 96-5]-6-

THE RIVER LAW: Contents
Chapter 4 Miscellaneous Provisions
Article 45 Approval of the Minister of Construction[Gor 79-2]
Article 46[Gor 79-3]
Article 46-2[Gor 79-5]
Article 47[Gor 79-6]
Article 48 Notification of the river administrator[Gor 88-1]
Article 49 Public notification on disused river sites etc. [Gor 91-1]
Article 50 Period of administration of disused river site etc. [Gor 91-2]
Article 51 Exchange of disused river site etc. [Gor 92-1]
Article 52 Procedure for applying for transfer of a disused river site etc. associated with a class B river[Gor 93-1]
Article 53 Delegation of powers [Gor 50-3][Gor 98-1]
Article 54 River administration facilities whose administration may be delegated to local public bodies[Gor99-2]
Article 55 Designation of locally designated rivers [Gor 100-1]
Article 56 Inapplicable provisions [Gor 100-2]
Article 57 Provisions concerning replacement of words/phrases for mutatis mutandis application[Gor 100-3]
Article 57-2 Mudatis mutandis application of the provisions of the Government Ordinance to quasi-appliedrivers [Gor 100-4]
Chapter 5 Penal Provisions
Article 58 Acts subject to penal servitude not more than 6 months or a fine of not more than 300,000 yen[Gor 109-1]
Article 59 Acts subject to penal servitude not more than 3 months or a fine of not more than 200,000 yen[Gor 109-2]
Article 60 Acts subject to a fine of not more than 300,000 yen [Gor 109-3]
Article 61 Acts subject to a fine of not more than 200,000 yen [Gor 109-4]
Article 62 Acts subject to a fine of not more than 100,000 yen [Gor 109-5]
Article 63 Application to juridical persons [Gor 109-6]-7-

THE RIVER LAW: Contents

MINISTRY OF CONSTRUCTION ORDINANCEFOR
ENFRCEMENT OF THE RIVER LAWCONTENTS
Article 1 Fluvial woods zone [Moc 3-3]
Article 1-2 Public notification of the designation of class A rivers [Moc 4-2]
Article 1-3 Public notification of the designation of class B rivers [Moc 5-2]
Article 2 Public notification of the designation of river zone etc. [Moc 6-5]
Article 3 Public notification of the designated section [Moc 9-4]
Article 4 Public notification of the contents of consultation between the governors concerned [Moc 11-2]
Article 4-2 Preparation of reports and drawings on magnetic disk [Moc 12-4]
Article 4-3 Preservation of identical records [Moc 12-5]
Article 5 Forms for a register of present river conditions [Moc 12-6]
Article 6 Forms for a register of water use [Moc 12-7]
Article 7 Custody of the river ledgers [Moc 12-8]
Article 7-2 Notice to the prefectural governor concerned [Moc 16-2-2]
Article 7-3 River works that may be executed by the head of a municipality [Moc 16-3-2]
Article 7-4 Area in which part or whole of a city with a population of 50,000 or more is located [Moc 16-3-3]
Article 7-5 Degree of urbanization of cities with a population of 50,000 or more [Moc 16-3-4]
Article 7-6 Upper limit of a catchment area upstream from the site of river works that a municipal head is allowed
to carry out[Moc 16-3-8]
Article 7-7Public notification of river works, etc., by the head of a municipality [Moc 16-3-6]
Article 8 Public notification of administration of river administration facilities by the administrator of nonriver administration facilities [Moc 17-2]
Article 9 Ruling application form, etc. [Moc 21-5]
Article 10 Produce, etc. for compensation
Article 11 Application for permission to use river water [Moc 23-1]
Article 12 Application for permission for occupancy of land [Moc 24-2]
Article 13 Application for permission for the taking of river products [Moc 25-1]
Article 14 River products [Moc 25-4]
Article 15 Application for permission for construction of structures, etc. [Moc 24-3]
Article 15-2 Public notification of designation, etc., of specified fluvial woods zones [Moc 25-4]
Article 16 Application for permission for excavation of land, etc. [Moc 27-2]
Article 17 Public notification of excavation of land, etc., that does not require permission [Moc 27-5]
Article 18 Public notification of areas where excavation, etc., of land is not permitted [Moc 27-10]
Article 18-2 Public notification of specification of gates, etc. [Moc 28-2]
Article 18-3 Application for permission for the floating down of trees/bamboos [Moc 28-5]
Article 18-4 Hearing of the opinion of the prefectural public safety commission [Moc 28-3]
Article 18-5 Public notification of the floating down of trees/bamboos that does not require permission[Moc 28-6]
Article 18-6 Public notification of land off-limits to vehicles, etc. [Moc 29-3]
Article 18-7 Notification on discharge of sewage [Moc 29-5]
Article 18-8 Public notification of specification of the quantity of sewage requiring discharge notification[Moc 29-6]
Article 18-9 Disposition, etc., categorized as disposition, etc., listed in items (1) through (9) in the table attachedto the Government Ordinance [Moc 29-7]
Article 18-10 Application for permission for acts likely to hinder river administration [Moc 29-11]
Article 18-11 Public notification on the washing or deposition of objects, etc., that does not require permission[Moc 29-12]-8-

THE RIVER LAW: Contents
Article 18-12 Notification on sewage discharge occurring at the time of designation of a class A river, etc.
[Moc 29-13]
Article 19 Application for acceptance inspection [Moc 29-19]
Article 20 Application for use of part of a permitted structure [Moc 30-5]
Article 21 Notification of succession to status based on permission [Moc 28-10] [Moc 29-14] [Moc 33-2]
Article 22 Application for approval for transfer of rights [Moc 34-2]
Article 23 Notification procedure, etc., upon receipt of application for permission for water use [Moc 38-3]
Article 24 Procedure for submission of opinion by river users concerned [Moc 39-1]
Article 25 Ruling application Form [Moc 42-2]
Article 26 Form of bulletin boards, etc. [Moc 48-3]
Article 27 Keeping of records at time of flood [Moc 49-1]
Article 28 Notification of chief superintendent [Moc 50-4]
Article 28-2 Application for special approval for water use during drought
Article 29 Public notification of river conservation zones [Moc 54-3]
Article 30 Application for permission for certain acts within the river conservation zone [Moc 55-1]
Article 31 Public notification of acts within the river conservation zone that do not require permission [Moc 55-4]
Article 32 Public notification of the projected river zone [Moc 56-3]
Article 33Application for permission for acts within the projected river zone [Moc 57-1]
Article 33-2 Public notification of designation of spatial river zone, etc. [Moc 58-2-4]
Article 33-3 Public notification of designation of the spatial river zone, etc. [Moc 58-2-4]
Article 33-4 Application for permission for acts in the spatial river conservation zone [Moc 58-4-3]
Article 33-5 Public notification on acts in the spatial river conservation zone that do not require permission[Moc 58-4-2]
Article 33-6 Public notification of designation of the projected spatial river zone, etc. [Moc 58-5-2]
Article 33-7 Application for permission for acts in the projected spatial river zone [Moc 58-6-2]
Article 33-8 Form for a listing of structures in custody [Moc 75-7]
Article 33-9 Information to be posted in connection with competitive bidding[Moc 75-8]
Article 33-10 Form for a receipt for returned structure [Moc 75-9]
Article 34 Public notification on special designated sections and designated rivers [Moc 96-6]
Article 35 Form for certificate [Moc 77-1] [Moc 78-1] [Moc 89-1]
Article35-2 Underground river administration facilities requiring the approval of the Minister of Construction
Ordinance [Moc 79-4]
Article 36 Form for notification submitted by a de facto permittee [Moc 88-2]
Article 37 Public notification on disused river site etc. [Moc 91-3]
Article 37-2 Reconstruction of structures for use of river water requiring the permission of the Minister ofConstruction [Moc 98-2]
Article 37-3 Acts concerning operation regulations that require the approval of the Minister of Construction[Moc 98-3]
Article 38 Public notification on the designation of locally designated rivers [Moc 100-5]
Article 38-2 Mutatis mutandis application of the provisions of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance tolocally designated rivers [Moc 100-6]
Article 39 Simultaneous application for permission [Moc 23-2]
Article 40 Omission of appendices to application, etc. [Moc 23-3]
Article 41 Routing of application for approval, etc. [Moc 23-4] [Moc 30-4] [Moc 34-3]
Article 42 Procedure for consultation on river use, etc. [Moc 29-19] [Moc 95-2]-9-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

THE RIVER LAW
WITH COMMENTARY BY ARTICLE-Legal Framework for River and Water Management in Japan-

Chapter I.

General Provisions(Purposes of the River Law)
Article 1.
The purpose of this Law is to contribute to land conservation and the development of
the country, and thereby maintain public security and promote public welfare, byadministering rivers comprehensively to prevent occurrence of damage due to floods, hightides, etc., 1-1) utilize rivers properly, 1-2) maintain the normal functions of the river water 1-3)
by maintaining and conserving the fluvial environment 1-7).
(This article amended by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)[Note 1-1]

Surrounded completely by seas, Japan is blessed with natural resources, but the country has beenprone to disaster due to floods and high tides caused by steep topography, abundance of water vapor supplied by
the oceans, frontal action and typhoons1-8).

The River Law, therefore, authorizes and obligates the riveradministrator to carry out river works including the construction of dams, levees and revetments, excavating
floodways and cut-off channels and dredging river beds, and to regulate activities that might jeopardize the safetyof river administration facilities.
prevent and mitigate disasters.

The law also requires the river administrator to take necessary measures toTo this end, the law authorizes the river administrator to mobilize material andhuman resources in an emergency.
[Note 1-2]

Since the density of industry and population in Japan is very high, river water is an important sourceof water for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and industrial and domestic uses.

Although theimplementing bodies of these projects are not river administrators, adjusting and rationalizing river water uses onthese projects is one of the river administrator's important duties.

River administrators, therefore, areauthorized to perform duties such as granting a permit for water uses and coordinating water uses in times ofdrought.
[Note 1-3]

The functions of river water include functions whose purpose and beneficiaries are clearly defined,

such as power generation and water supply, and other functions whose purpose and beneficiaries are less obvious,
such as water quality protection (dilution and purification of wastewater, prevention of salinization), maintenanceof water level for water supply and navigation,of aquatic life, and landscape preservation.

prevention of river mouth clogging, preservation and enhancement

Fulfillment of these functions requires not only water whose purpose

and quantity requirements are clearly known, such as domestic, industrial and irrigation water, but also the-E1-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

amount of water necessary for comprehensive fulfillment of those functions (the amount of water required formaintaining the normal functions of the river water, or "maintenance flow").

The River Law specifies execution

and management of river works needed to secure the amount of water required for fulfilling these functions as
another responsibility of the river administrator.

Improvement and conservation of river water quality is an important element in the maintenance of thenormal functions of river water. In this connection, the Basic Environment Law1-4) requires that a basic plan
be formulated for the environment including the atmosphere, water and soils, and that basic requirements
associated with the environment such as environmental quality standards be stipulated. The Water Pollution
Control Law1-5) stipulates that measures be taken to improve and conserve the quality of public waters, suchas regulating the discharge of industrial and other wastewater, dealing with domestic wastewater andmonitoring water quality. For improvement of river and lake water quality, therefore, dischargers ofindustrial wastewater are obligated to treat wastewater before discharge, and local governments are
required to improve sewerage systems to deal with domestic wastewater.1-6) If the environmental quality
standards cannot be met by sewerage system improvement alone, river administrators themselves
implement such measures as the introduction of diluting water or direct purification of feeder streams as
part of river works.
[Note 1-4]

Basic Environment Law(Purpose)
The purpose of this Law is to comprehensively and systematically promote policies for environmental
conservation

to ensure healthy and cultured living for both the present and future generations of the nation as wellas to contribute to the welfare of mankind, through articulating the basic principles, clarifying the responsibilitiesof the State, local governments,corporations and citizens, and prescribing the basic policy considerations forenvironmental conservation.
(Contents)
Chapter 1

General Provisions

Chapter 2

Basic Policies for Environmental Conservation

Section 1

Guidelines for Policy Formulation , Section 2

Environmental Quality Standards , Section 4

Basic Environment Plan , Section 3

Environmental Pollution Control in Specific Areas , Section 5

Implementation of Policies for Environmental Conservation by the State , Section 6
Cooperation for Global Environmental Conservation etc. , Section 7
Governments , Section 8
Chapter 3

Implementation of Policies by Local

Bearing of Costs and Financial Measures

Environment Council etc.

Section 1

Environment Council , Section 2

Conference on Environmental Pollution Control-E2-International

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Note 1-5] Water Pollution Control Law(Purpose)
The purpose of this Law is to protect human health and preserve the living environment of the nation bycontrolling the discharge of effluent into public waters from factories and workplaces and the infiltration of water
into the ground and promoting the implementation of measures to cope with household effluent for prevention of
public waters and groundwater (including deterioration of the state of water other than the water quality: the same
shall apply hereinafter) and protect sufferers by providing for enterprisers' liability to compensate for damages
due to injury to human health caused in connection with wastewater or waste liquids discharged from factories orworkplaces.
(Contents)
Chapter 1

General Provisions , Chapter 2

Control, etc., of Discharge of Effluent (Effluent Standards, Total

Pollutant Load Reduction Plan) , Chapter 2-2
Chapter 3

Promotion of Measures to Cope with Household Effluent ,Monitoring, etc., of Water Pollution Situation (Measurement Plan) , Chapter 4

Damages , Chapter 5

Miscellaneous Provisions , Chapter 6

Compensation for

Penal Provisions[Note 1-6] Sewerage Law(Purpose)
The purpose of this Law is to improve sewerage systems in the nation by setting forth matters related to theformulation of comprehensive river-basin sewerage plans and standards for the construction and management ofpublic sewerage systems, river-basin sewerage systems and urban storm sewers and thereby contribute to soundgrowth of cities, improvement of public health and preservation of the quality of public waters.
(Contents)
Chapter 1

General Provisions , Chapter 1-2

Sewerage Systems , Chapter 2-2

Comprehensive Basinwide Sewerage Plans , Chapter 2River-Basin Sewerage Systems , Chapter 3

Miscellaneous Provisions , Chapter 5

PublicUrban Storm Sewers , Chapter 4

Penal Provisions[Note 1-7] Public interest in the roles river space is to play, such as improvement and preservation of landscapesand ecosystems, is growing. In response to such public demands and in order to manage rivers appropriately, theMinistry of Construction, in view of the River Council's report on recommendations for river environment
management submitted in December 1981, issued a notification from the Director-General of the River Bureau
concerning the formulation of Master Plans for River Environment Management for rivers whose environment
was playing a particularly important role in the formation of the living environment. In June 1997, environmental
improvement and conservation was added to the list of the fundamental tasks to be carried out in riveradministration. A specific measure adopted along these lines is to pursue conservation and/or creation of fluvial
woods zones along the levees and reservoirs. Although trees in river channels have been believed to hinder flood
control, the "fluvial woods zone" approach opened up a new way of making effective use of trees in trees inriparian lands to the extent that there are no adverse effects on the discharge of flood waters.

-E3-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Note 1-8] Flood disasters in Japan
Average annual typhoon count and number of landfalls during 1946-1993
Average annual typhoon count: 27.4 Average annual number of landfalls in Japan: 3.2
Major damaging typhoons during 1946-1993
Date
Sept.
1959
Sept.
1947
Sept.
1954
Sept.
1958
Oct.
1951
Sept.
1948
Sept.
1950
Sept.
1953
June
1949
Sept.
1966

Typhoon No.

Name

Affected area

No. of persons
killed or missing

Remarks

Ise Bay Typhoon

5915

Whole country

5,098

Storm surge and flood in Ise
Bay area

Typhoon Kathleen

4709

East & North Japan

1,910

Passed near Boso Peninsula.

Toyamaru Typhoon

5415

Whole country

1,761

Ferry Toyamaru sank.

Kano River
Typhoon5822

Chubu, East & North
Japan

1,269

Typhoon Ruth

5115

Whole country943

Typhoon Ione

4821

Whole country868

Typhoon Jane

5028

Whole country509

Typhoon Tess

5313

Whole country478

Typhoon Della

4902

Whole country

419

6626

Chubu & East Japan

318

Storm surge + flood

Typhoon + front

Breakdown of flood-induced losses by type of property (1993)
General property: 32.6%, agricultural crops: 1.2%, business interruption loss: 2.0%, river facilities and othercivil engineering works: 63%
Breakdown of property losses (general property, agricultural crops, business interruption loss) by cause of flood
damage (1993)
Levee break: 2.4%; overtopping in leveed sections: 21.0%; flooding in unleveed sections: 5.9%; water on landside of levees: 28.6%; debris flow: 1.0%; landslides: 18.3%; Slope failure: 0.2%; high tide, tsunami, surges:
14.5%; others: 8.2%

(Principles of River Administration) 2-1)
Article 2.
A river is public property 2-2)and its conservation, utilization, and other forms ofadministration shall be properly performed so as to attain the purposes stated in the precedingarticle.
2
The water of a river cannot be made the subject of private rights.2-3)[Note 2-1]

For the purposes of river administration, rivers in Japan have been classified, according to thedegree of importance from the viewpoint of land conservation and national economy, into three groups: class A
river systems, class B river systems and independent river systems.

Placed under the River Law are sections of

the class A river systems and class B river systems specified by the River Law.

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THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Classification and Administration of Rivers
Administrator
Class AClass A rivers

Planner/Implementer

Ministerial management sections Minister of Construction

river systems

Designated sections

Minister of Construction

Prefectural governor

Prefectural governor(or, in some cases, head of municipality)

Locally designated rivers
Non-designated rivers

Head of municipality

Head of municipality

Not placed under the River Law; managed by cities, towns or villages as common property

Class BClass B rivers

Prefectural governor

river systems

Locally designated rivers
Non-designated rivers

Prefectural governor

Head of municipality

Head of municipality

Not placed under the River Law; managed by cities, towns or villages as common property

Independent

Locally designated rivers

river systems

Non-designated rivers

Head of municipality

Head of municipality

Not placed under the River Law; managed by cities, towns or villages as common property
Class A river Ministerial management section
Class A river Designated section or Class B river
Quasi-applied riverNon-designated riverClass A river system

Class B river system
Independent river
systemDesignated rivers (as of 30 April 1996)
Category

No. of river systems

Class A rivers

109

No. of rivers Total length

13,910Catchment area

Occupancy within

(km)

(km2)

total territory

87,388.4*

240,216

63.5%*Total length of designated sections: 76,867.4km

Class B rivers

2,707

Locally designated rivers[Note 2-2]

7,007
--

35,843.4

13,942111,256

29.4%

19,794.7

This article establishes the principles of river administration, declares that rivers are common

property and denies private rights to the running water of rivers (including stagnant waters at the surface of lakes
and other types of water body and underflow water).
[Note 2-3]

The running water of a river may be used exclusively for a specific purpose for a specified period ina specified river section by a specified quantity but its ownership belongs to the people of Japan as a whole.
Exclusive users of river water, therefore, are merely users who have been permitted to use it. Authorized usersof river water have been merely permitted to use the required amount of water for their specific purposes.

-E5-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Consequently, rights to use river vanish if the purpose of use has vanished or the usage of water has decreased.
Water that is stored temporarily in reservoirs or behind weirs is treated in the same manner as river water becausesuch temporarily stored water originates from river water.

There is no provision denying private rights toriparian land because it is thought that existence of private rights in riparian land is not necessarily incompatible
with river administration and that limiting the exercise of private rights to the extent deemed necessary for proper
river administration suffices.

(The River and the River Administration Facilities)
Article 3.
The term "river" as used in this Law means either a class A river or a class B river 3-1)
and includes the river administration facilities of the river. 3-2)
2
The term river administration facility as used in this Law means a dam, weir, sluice,levee, revetment, groundsill, fluvial woods (trees planted along levees or reservoirs in a long,narrow strip for flood mitigation and/or water conservation purposes designated by the
Ministry of Construction Ordinance3-3)) or any other facility which has the function ofincreasing public benefits from the water of a river or of eliminating or decreasing publiclosses which may be caused by the water of a river. However, with regard to a facility built
by a person other than the river administrator, the term applies only when the riveradministrator has obtained the consent of the person who, on the basis of his title, administers
the facility concerned to making it a river administration facility.3-4)(Paragraph 2 amended by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)[Note 3-1]

The classification and administrators of rivers are stipulated in Article 4 (class A rivers) and Article

5 (class B rivers) of this law.
[Note 3-2]

The term "river" in this law includes such facilities as dams, weirs, and pumps installed behind (i.e.,

inside) levees.
[Moc 3-3]

MOC Ordinance Article 1 (Fluvial woods zone)

Strips of trees as stipulated in Article 3 (The river and the river administration facilities) Paragraph 2 of theRiver Law include, in addition to trees on the land outside the levee (on the river side) as stipulated in Article 6(The river zone) Paragraph 1 Item (3) of the River Law, trees on any of the following lands:(1) in the case of a strip of trees located along a levee, land within approximately 20m from the toe of the backslope of the levee;(2) in the case of a strip of trees along a reservoir, land within approximately 50m from the water surface-landboundary at the highest level of river water stored in the reservoir.
[Note 3-4]

As a rule, river administration facilities do not include facilities intended for power generation or

irrigation (e.g., dams, weirs) that are not intended for flood control and maintenance of the normal functions of-E6-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

the river water 1-3).

(Class A Rivers)
Article 4
The term a class A river as used in this Law means a river (involving public stream
and water area; hereinafter the same) designated by the Minister of Construction, which
belongs to such a water system especially important from the view of land conservation and/or
national economy as is designated by Government Ordinance.4-1)
2
When the Minister of Construction intends to establish, revise or abolish theGovernment Ordinance4-2) designating a class A river system mentioned in the preceding
paragraph, he shall first hear the opinions of the River council 4-3) and the prefectural
governors concerned.
3
When the Minister of Construction intends to designate a river in accordance withthe provision of Paragraph 1, he shall first consult with the heads of the administrative
agencies concerned 4-4) and hear the opinions of the River council and the prefectural
governors concerned.
4
When any of the prefectural governors concerned intends to state his opinion inaccordance with the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, he shall ask for the decisionof the general assembly of the prefecture concerned.
5
When the Minister of Construction designates a river in accordance with theprovision of Paragraph 1, he shall make public its name and section for each river system towhich it belongs, as may be provided for in detail by Ministry of Construction Ordinance.4-2)
6
For change or abolition of the designation of a class A river the procedure for thedesignation of a river made under the provision of Paragraph 1 shall be followed.
[Note 4-1] All rivers whose basins extend over two or more prefectures and rivers whose basins do not extend
over two or more prefectures but that are important for land conservation and the national economy aredesignated as class A rivers.

As of the end of 1997, 109 river systems shown in Appendix III have been

designated as class A rivers.
[Moc 4-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 1 (Public notification of the designation of class A rivers)

Public notification under Article 4 (Class A rivers) Paragraph 5 of the River Law shall be made via the Official
Gazette by indicating the start and end points of the river section concerned and one or more of the following:(1) Name of city, town or village; name of subdivision of city, town or village; and lot number(2) Certain types of natural features of land, facilities or structures(3) Plan view

-E7-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Note 4-3]

The functions and organization of the River Council are set forth in Chapter V (River Council)

Articles 80 to 86 of this law.
[Note 4-4]

Administrative agencies concerned include the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, theMinistry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

(Class B Rivers)
Article 5.
The term a class B river as used in this Law means a river designated by theprefectural governor concerned, which belongs to such a water system other than those
designated by Government Ordinance5-1) under Paragraph 1 of the preceding article as has animportant bearing on public interests.
2
When the prefectural governor intends to designate a river in accordance with theprovision of the preceding paragraph, if the river concerned forms or crosses the boundary
between the prefecture and another prefecture, he shall consult with the governor of the otherprefecture.
3
When the prefectural governor designates a river in accordance with the provisionof Paragraph 1, he shall make public its name and section for each river system to which it
belongs, as may be provided for in detail by Ministry of Construction Ordinance5-2).
4
When the prefectural governor intends to designate a river in accordance with theprovision of Paragraph 1, he shall first hear the opinions of the heads of the cities, towns andvillages concerned.
5
When the head of any of the cities, towns or villages concerned intends to state his
opinion in accordance with the provision of the preceding paragraph, he shall ask for thedecision of the general assembly of the city, town or village concerned.
6
For change or abolition of the designation of a class B river the procedure for thedesignation made under the provision of Paragraph 1 shall be followed.
7
When a class B river is designated as a class A river falling under Paragraph 1 of thepreceding article, the designation under Paragraph 1 concerning the class B river becomes nulland void.
[Note 5-1] As of the end of 1997, a total of 2,691 river systems have been designated as class B river systems.
[Moc 5-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 1-2 (Public notification of the designation of class B rivers)

Public notification as stipulated in Article 5 (Class B rivers) Paragraph 3 of the River Law shall be made via aprefectnural gazette by indicating the start and end points of the river section concerned and one or more of thematters listed in the preceding article [i.e., (1) name of city, town or village; name of subdivision of city, town orvillage; and lot number, (2) certain types of natural features of land, facilities or structures; and (3) plan view].

-E8-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(The River zone)
Article 6
The term river zone6-1) as used in this Law means an area given in one of thefollowing items:(1) The area of land where the water of a river flows continuously and of the land where thetopography, conditions of growth of vegetation and other conditions are similar to theconditions of the land where the water of a river flows continuously (including the land of theriver-bank but excluding the land where such conditions exist temporarily owing to floods orother abnormal natural phenomena);(2) The area of land which is the site of a river administration facility;(3) Of the area of the land on the waterside of the bank (including such land similar to it as
may be designated by Government Ordinance6-2) and such retarding basin as may bedesignated by Government Ordinance; the same shall apply for Paragraph 3 of this article), thearea designated by the river administrator as an area whose administration must be performed
unifiedly with the area mentioned in Item (1).
2With regard to land containing levees which are river administration facilities under
the jurisdiction of river administrators, when the levee can withstand floods in which the flow
exceeds the design flood discharge (hereinafter referred to as "high standard levees"6-3)) even
if the majority of land within the area of those levee is made available for normal use, riveradministrators shall designate those areas as high standard levee special zones where normal
use of land is permitted.
3
In the area as defined in Paragraph 1-(2) above, the river administrator shalldesignate a land area (excluding the land on the waterside of the bank ) of fluvial woods 6-4)
which he administrates.
4
When designating a zone under Paragraph 1-(3) or designating a high standard
levee special zone and/or fluvial woods zone, river administrators must give public notice tothis effect in accordance with provisions in Ministry of Construction Ordinances.6-5) The
same shall apply in cases where the said designation is altered or canceled.
5
When the river administrator intends to make or change the designation referred toin Item (3) of Paragraph 1 with regard to a harbour area provided in the Harbour Law (Law
No.218 of 1950) or a fishing port area provided for in the Fishing Port Law (Law No.137 of
1950) 6-6), he shall consult with the Harbour Administrator or the Minister of Agriculture,
Forestry and Fishery as the case may be.
6
When the river administrator intends to create or change the designation of thefluvial woods zone with regard to an area designated as a forest preserve or a planned forest-E9-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

preserve in accordance with article 25 or article 30 of the Forest Law (Law 249 of 1951) 6-7) 6-8)
respectively, and land designated as a preservation facility area by article 41 or land
proclaimed as a planned preservation facility area by article 30, he/she shall consult with the
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery (or the governor of the prefecture concerned incases when a forest preserve and/or planned forest preserve is designated or proclaimed inaccordance of the article 25 or 29 of the Forest Law by the prefectural governor who is
entrusted by the article 40 Paragraph 1 of the same Law).
(Paragraphs 3 & 6 added by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)(Paragraph 4 amended by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)[Note 6-1]

river zone, etc.
Law article 6 River zone

High standard levee

Law article 6, para.2
High standard levee
special zoneRiver
conservation Fluvial Leveewoods sitezone

Law article 6,para. 1, item (3)High water bed

Law article 6,para. 1, item (3)High water bed

Law article 6,para.1, item (1)Low water bed

Law article 6,para.1 item (2)[Gor 6-2]

Government Ordinance Article 1 (Land similar to the land on the waterside of the levee)"Land similar to the land on the waterside of the levee" provided for in Government Ordinance referred to in
Article 6 (The river zone) Paragraph 1 Item (3) of the River Law shall be the following:(1) Of land whose topography resembles a leveed land, that part of the land adjoining a levee or land acrossfrom such land or a levee(2) Land between the land as stipulated in the preceding item and the land as stipulated in Article 6 (The riverzone) Paragraph 1 Item (1) of the River Law(3) Land encircled by the line of contact between the water surface at the highest level of river water stored
behind a dam and the land2

Retarding basins as stipulated in Article 6 (The river zone) Paragraph 1 Item (3) of the River Law shallbe retarding basins specified in a river improvement plan as a means of reducing the design flood discharge.

-E10-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Note 6-3]

Flood control in Japan has been dependent primarily on the construction of dams on the upper

reaches of rivers to reduce flood peaks and on the construction of levees and floodways, channel widening anddredging on the lower reaches to discharge the design flood safely and quickly.

No amount of precaution,

however, in the form of planning criteria (degree of safety) cannot prevent a flood exceeding the design level
because a flood is a natural event.

Social and economic development of Japan has been such that population andproperty have been heavily concentrated on downstream delta areas which are vulnerable to floods.

Therefore,

in the event of a flood exceeding the design level of a major river such as the Tone and the Yodo, the central
functions of Japan, which are so heavily concentrated in Tokyo and Osaka, might be paralyzed.

In order toprevent such a situation, it has been decided to build levees that do not fail even if they are overtopped byfloodwater along particularly important sections of 6 rivers, that are the Yodo, Yamato, Tone, Edo, Ara and theTama rivers.

These levees, whose cross section is by far larger than that of conventional levees, are called Highstandard levees (or Super Levees).
[Note 6-4]

As explained in Note 6-3, the conventional approach to flood protection in Japan has been to makechannel cross sections as large as possible by protecting river channels with concrete revetments or otherprotective works and remove trees and other obstructions to water flow in river channels, in order to quickly
discharge floodwater which has reached the river channel.

However, as flood protection efforts have attained

their goals to some degree, the role that rivers play in ecosystem and riverscape preservation has been recognizedanew.

The decision has been made, therefore, to pursue the preservation of trees along rivers to the extent thatthe discharge of flood flows and strength of levees are not hindered.
[Moc 6-5]

MOC Ordinance Article 2 (Public notification of the designation of river zone etc.)

Public notification as stipulated in Article 6 (The river zone) Paragraph 4 of the River Law shall be made via
the Official Gazette if by the Minister of Construction or a gazette of the prefecture concerned if by a prefectural
governor by identifying the river zone or high standard levee special zone concerned by one or more of the items
listed in Article 1.
[Note 6-6]

The goals of the Port and Harbor Law are orderly development and proper management of ports andharbors and development and protection of navigable waterways to contribute to development of transportationand proper use and well-balanced development of land.

The goal of the Fisheries Law is development andproper management of fishing ports to promote growth of fisheries and thereby contribute to stabilization of thepeople's lives and growth of national economy.

Many of these ports and harbors and fishing ports are located atriver mouths, and port and harbor zones as stipulated by the Port and Harbor Law and fishing ports as stipulatedby the Fisheries Law have considerable overlaps.

Designation of river zones, etc., and alteration of suchdesignations, therefore, are to be made through consultation with the administrators of the facilities concerned.
[Note 6-7]

The goal of the Forest Law is to sustain and grow forests and increase the productivity of forests andthereby contribute to land conservation and national economic growth by stipulating fundamental requirements
concerning forest planning, preservation forests and other forest-related matters.

The objectives of preservation

forests are water resource replenishment, protection from sediment runoff, protection from slope failure,-E11-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

protection from blown sand, prevention of wind, flood, tide-water, drought, snow and fog-induced damage,prevention of avalanches and rockfalls, fire protection, preservation of fish shelters and navigation markers,
maintenance of public health, and preservation of places of interests and historic sites.

Preservation forests aredesignated by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
[Note 6-8] Article 25 (Designation of preservation forest) and Article 30 (Notice on designated or dedesignatedpreservation forest, etc.) of the Forest Law.

(The River Administrator)
Article 7
The term river administrator 7-1) as used in this Law means a person who administers
rivers in accordance with the provision of Article 9 Paragraph 1 or of Article 107-2).
[Note 7-1]

As stipulated in Article 9 (Administration of class A rivers) and Article 10 (Administration of class

B rivers) of the River Law, for a class A river the term "river administrator" refers to the Minister ofConstruction, and for a class B river the governor of the prefecture in which the river is located.

The riveradministrator is empowered and obligated as stipulated by the River Law.
[Law 7-2]

River Law Article 9 (Administration of class A rivers) and Article 10 (Administration of class B

rivers).

(River Works)
Article 8
The term river works8-1) as used in this Law means works executed on a river in order
to increase public benefits or eliminate or diminish public losses caused by the water of theriver.
[Note 8-1]

The term "river works" in this law refers to works associated with the objectives of the River Law,

namely, (1) to prevent occurrence of damage due to floods, high tides, etc., (2) to utilize rivers properly, (3) tomaintain the normal functions of the river water by maintaining and conserving the fluvial environment.

To bemore specific, river works include works involving (1) levees, revetments, dams, pump stations, channel
dredging, (2) management facilities for proper use of rivers, (3) dams, weirs, and fluvial woods zones needed tomeet the water quantity, water surface and environmental requirements required for maintaining the normal
functions of the river water.

River works, however, do not include works intended solely for hydroelectric

power generation, irrigation, industrial water supply, domestic water supply, etc.

-E12-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Chapter II.

The Administration of Rivers

Section 1.

General Rules(Administration of Class A Rivers)
Article 9.
The administration of a class A river shall be performed by the Minister ofConstruction9-1).
2
With respect to a specific section the Minister of Construction designates within aclass A river (hereinafter referred to as "designated section"), the Minister of Construction
shall entrust part of the administration with the prefectural governor governing the prefecture
where the designated section of the river is located, as may be provided for in detail by
Government Ordinance 9-2) 9-3).
3
When the Minister of Construction intends to designate a designated section, heshall, in advance, hear the opinion of the prefectural governor concerned. The same shallapply when he intends to change or cancel the designation.
4
When the Minister of Construction designates a designated section, he shall makepublic notification to that effect, as may be provided for in detail by Ministry of Construction
Ordinance 9-4). The same shall apply when he changes or cancels the designation.
[Note 9-1]

Until the complete revision of the River Law in July 1964, river administration was performed by thegovernor having jurisdiction over the area in which the river is located (before the governor system, the task was
performed by the lord governing the area concerned).

Under that system, only major works such as leveeconstruction and new channel excavation were carried out by the central government, and the completed works
were placed under the management of the governor concerned.

After World War II, because it became

increasingly difficult for prefectures alone to cope with a growing number of major floods and coordinate theinterests of two or more prefectures involved in flood control for rivers extending over two or more prefectures, it
was decided that administration of rivers that are of vital importance to national economy (class A rivers) was
placed under the direct jurisdiction of the central government.
[Note 9-2]

In view of the history of river administration mentioned in Note 9-1, the new law stipulates that theriver administrator responsible for class A rivers, that is, the Minister of Construction, may delegate part of his or
her authority for a designated section of a river to the governor of the prefecture concerned.
delegation of authority is stipulated by Government Ordinance Article 2

-E13-

9-3)

.

The extent of suchTHE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Gor 9-3] Government Ordinance Article 2 (Entrusting of part of the administration to the prefectural governor)
Administration of a designated river section that the Minister of Construction authorizes a prefectural governor
to perform under the provisions of Article 9 (Administration of class A rivers) Paragraph 2 of the River Law shallnot include the following:(1) Preparing a river ledgerin accordance with the provisions of Article 12 (River ledgers) Paragraph 1 of

the River Law and keeping it in custody(2) Formulating or modifying a fundamental river management policy(3) Exercising the powers, under the provisions of Article 23 (Permission for river water use), Article 24(Permission for land occupancy), Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures) Paragraph 1, Article 34(Transfer of rights) Paragraph 1 and Article (Exceptional arrangement for water use during droughts), for any of
the following water uses (hereinafter referred to as "specified water uses"): (a) Water use for power generation,(b) Water use involving a maximum intake rate of 2,500m3/day or for the supply of water to a population of
10,000 or more, (c) Water use for mining or industrial purposes involving a maximum intake rate of 2,500m3 or
more, and (d) Water use involving a maximum intake rate of 1.0m3/sec. or for irrigation of 300 hectares or moreof land.
(4) Exercising the powers associated with specified water uses under the provisions of Article 27 (Permission
for land excavation) Paragraph 1, Articles 30 (Use of permitted structures) and 31 (Restoration orders), Article
33 (Succession of status) Paragraph 3 (including mutatis mutandis application under Article 55 (Restrictions
within the river conservation zone) Paragraph 2, Article 57(Restrictions within the projected river zone) Paragraph 3,
Article 58-4 (Restrictions within the spatial river conservation zone ) Paragraph 2 and Article 58-6
(Restrictions within the projected spatial river zone) Paragraph 3 of the River Law), Articles 38 (Notification
upon receipt of application for water use) and 39 (Submission of opinion by concerned river users), Article 42(Consultation on compensation for loss)Paragraph 2, Article 43(Restriction of storing and taking river water) Paragraphs

1 and 6, Article 44 (Maintenance of the existing functions of a river) Paragraph 1, Article 46 (Report on the dam
operation) Paragraph 1, Article 47 (Regulations for dam operation) Paragraphs 1 and 4, Article 49 (Preparationand custody of operation record), Article 50 (Appointment of a chief superintendent for a dam)Paragraph 2, Article 55 (Restrictions within the river conservation zone) Paragraph 1, Article 57(Restrictions within the projected river zone) Paragraphs 1 and 2, Article 58-4 (Restrictions within thespatial river conservation zone) Paragraph 1, Article 58-6 (Restrictions within the projected spatial riverzone) Paragraphs 1 and 2, Articles 75 (Supervisory measures and orders) and 76 (Compensation for loss
due to supervisory measures), Article 77 (River guards) Paragraph 1, Article 78 (Reporting frompermittees and inspections by river administrators) Paragraph 1 and Article 90 (Conditions for
permission) Paragraph 1 of the River Law(5) Taking measures, in connection with specified water uses, under the provisions of Article 75 of the River
Law in connection with specified water uses, including annulment of permission associated with water uses under
Articles 23 to 27 of the River Law other than specified water uses, necessary for granting permission as stipulated-E14-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

in Article 23 (Permission for river water use), Article 24 (Permission for land occupancy) or Article 26(Permission for construction of structures) Paragraph 1 of the River Law(6) Exercising the powers under the provisions of Article 52 and Article 53 Paragraph 3 of the River Law(7) Carrying out river works that have been made necessary by improvement works in a nondesignatedsection of a class A river and that need to be carried out in conjunction with said improvement works.
[Moc 9-4]

MOC Ordinance Article 3 (Public notification of the designated section)

Public notification as stipulated in Article 9 (Administration of class A rivers) Paragraph 4 of the River Law
shall be made via the Official Gazette specifying the start and end points of the designated section concerned by
one or more of the items listed in Ministry of Construction Ordinance Article 1-2.

(Administration of Class B rivers)
Article 10.
The administration of a class B river shall be performed by the prefectural governor
governing the prefecture where the river concerned is located.
(Administration of Class B Rivers on the Prefectural Boundaries) 11-1)
Article 11.
With regard to the part of a class B river forming or crossing the boundary between
two or more prefectures, the prefectural governors concerned may, by consultation, fix a
special method of administration.
2
When an agreement has been reached by consultation under the provision of thepreceding paragraph, the prefectural governors concerned shall publish the contents of theagreement reached, as may be provided for in detail by Ministry of Construction Ordinance112).
3
When the governor of one prefecture performs the administration of the part lying in
the area of another prefecture on the basis of the agreement reached by consultation under theprovision of Paragraph 1, he shall carry out the functions of the governor of the otherprefecture in his place, as may be provided for in detail by Government Ordinance 11-3).
[Note 11-1] As in the case of international boundaries, rivers often form prefectural boundaries.

This article,

therefore, provides for administration of such river sections.
[Moc 11-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 4 (Public notification of the contents of consultation between thegovernors concerned)
Public notification under Article 11 (Administration of class B rivers on the prefectural boundaries) Paragraph
2 of the River Law shall be made via a gazette of the prefecture concerned indicating the following:-E15-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(1) Name and address of the river and the river section(2) Prefectural governor responsible for administration(3) Scope of administration(4) Administration period[Gor 11-3]

Government Ordinance Article 3 (Exercise of powers by one governor on behalf of another)

The powers to be exercised by one prefectural governor on behalf of another under the provisions of Article 11(Administration of class B rivers on the prefectural boundaries) Paragraph 3 of the River Law shall exclude thepowers stipulated in Article 6 (The river zone), Article 12 (River ledgers) Paragraph 1, Article 16 (Determinationof the fundamental river management policy) Paragraph 1, the proviso of Article 16-2 (The river improvement
plan ) Paragraph 1, Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures) Paragraph 4, Article 54 (Designation of
the river conservation zone) Paragraph 1, Article 56 (The projected river zone) Paragraph 1, Article 58-2
(Designation of the spatial river zone), Article 58-3 (Designation of the spatial river conservation zone)
Paragraph 1 and Article 58-5 (Designation of the projected spatial river zone) Paragraph 1 of the River Law.

(River ledgers)
Article 12
A river administrator shall prepare a set of river ledgers he administers, and keep it
in custody 12-7).
2
The set of river ledgers shall comprise a register of present river conditions and aregister of water utilization.
3
The items to be entered in the river ledgers and other necessary matters concerning
their preparation and custody shall be provided for by Government Ordinance 12-1)~12-3).
4
When the river administrator receives a request for permission of perusal of theriver ledgers, he shall not refuse it unless there is a justifiable reason.
[Gor 12-1]

Government Ordinance Article 4 (Contents of the river ledgers)

The register of present river conditions and the register of water utilization as stipulated in Article 12 (Riverledgers) Paragraph 2 of the River Law shall each consist of a set of reports and drawings.
2

The river administrator may prepare the reports and drawings as stipulated in the preceding paragraphon magnetic disk (including any medium capable of safely recording certain types of information in a similarmanner; hereinafter the same) in accordance with the Ministry of Construction Ordinance 12-4) 12-5).
[Gor 12-2]

Government Ordinance Article 5 (Register of present river conditions)

Reports of the register of present river conditions shall, on the form stipulated in the Ministry of Construction
Ordinance 12-6) 12-7), indicate (or "record" if the reports and drawings are prepared on magnetic disk as stipulated in
the preceding article; the same shall apply for the next paragraph and the next article) the following (excluding thematters stipulated in Item (3) below in the case of a class B river):-E16-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(1) The name of the river system and, in the case of a class A river, the date of designation of the river system
concerned(2) The name of the river and the river section concerned, and the date of designation of the river concerned(3) Designated section as stipulated in Article 9 (Administration of class A rivers) Paragraph 2 of the River
Law and the date of its designation(4) Length of the river(5) Brief description of the river zone
(6) The river conservation zone and the date of its designation(7) The projected river zone and the date of its designation(8) The spatial river conservation zone and the date of its designation(9) The projected spatial river zone and the date of its designation(10) Brief description of principal river administration facilities(11) Brief description of permission, etc., of use of the river(12) Other necessary information
2

The drawings of the register of present river conditions shall consist of a plan view (or a plan view, alongitudinal profile and a cross-sectional view in the case of a spatial river zone, spatial river conservation zone
or projected spatial river zone) drawn on a scale of 1/2,500 or larger (or 1/5,000 or larger if the scale of 1/2,500
or larger is deemed not necessary in view of the topographical or other conditions) and showing the local
topography and compass directions and include the following information:(1) Boundary of the river zone
(2) Classification of ownership (national, local or private) of the river zone, and brief description of thepowers of the river administrator with respect to the land in the river zone
(3) Boundary of the river conservation zone
(4) Boundary of the projected river zone
(5) Boundary of the spatial river conservation zone
(6) Boundary of the projected spatial river conservation zone
(7) Principal river administration facilities(8) Principal structures permitted under Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures) Paragraph 1 of
the River Law(9) Other necessary information[Gor 12-3]

Government Ordinance Article 6 (Register of water utilization)

The reports of the register of water utilization shall be prepared independently for each water use on the form
stipulated in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance 12-7), and include the following information:(1) Names of the river system and river involved in the water use(2) Name and address of the person who has been granted a permit for the water use (in the case of a juridical
person, the name and place of business of the juridical person and the name of its representative)-E17-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(3) Purpose of the water use(4) Permitted amount of water use(5) Period of permitted water use(6) Place of use including the location of intake or outlet(7) Brief description of principal structures permitted under Article 26 (Permission for construction of
structures) Paragraph 1 of the River Law(8) Other necessary information.
The drawings of the register of water utilization shall consist of a plan view (or a plan view, a2longitudinal profile and a cross-sectional view in the case of a spatial river zone, spatial river conservation zone
or projected spatial river zone) drawn on a scale of 1/2,500 or larger (or 1/5,000 or larger if the scale of 1/2,500
or larger is deemed not necessary in view of the water use conditions) and showing the local topography andcompass directions and include the information listed in items (3), (4) and (6) of the preceding paragraph and thelocation and type of the structures stipulated in item (7) of the preceding paragraph.
[Moc 12-4]

MOC Ordinance Article 4-2 (Preparation of reports and drawings on magnetic disk)

In the case where the river administrator prepares reports and drawings on magnetic disk under the provisionsof Government Ordinance Article 4 Paragraph 2, he shall do so by using a computer (including input/output
devices).
2

In the case set forth in the preceding paragraph, the river administrator shall take necessary measuresneeded to prevent the reports and drawings from being lost or damaged.
3

Perusal of the river ledgers in the case set forth in Paragraph 1 of this article under the provisions of Article

12 (River ledgers) Paragraph 4 of the River Law shall be made by printing the information recorded on magnetic
disk onto paper or displaying the information on a projector screen of an input/output device.
[Moc 12-5]

MOC Ordinance Article 4-3 (Preservation of identical records)

In the case set forth in Paragraph 1 of the preceding article, the river administrator shall prepare and preserve
separately another set of records consisting of the same information as the one recorded on the magnetic disk.
2

In the case where the river administrator stores the records mentioned in the preceding paragraph at a place

other than the river administrator's office, he shall properly store the records as required by the Minister ofConstruction.
3

Should all or part of the records on magnetic mentioned in Paragraph 1 above have been lost, the records

can be restored by use of the identical records mentioned in the same paragraph.
[Moc 12-6]

MOC Ordinance Article 5 (Forms for a register of present river conditions)

The form specified by the Ministry of Construction Ordinance referred to in Article 5 Paragraph 1 of theGovernment Ordinance is attached hereto as Form No. 1.
[Moc 12-7]

MOC Ordinance Article 6 (Forms for a register of water use)

The form specified by the Ministry of Construction Ordinance referred to in Article 6 Paragraph 1 of theGovernment Ordinance is attached hereto as Form No. 2.

-E18-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Gor 12-8]

Government Ordinance Article 7 (Custody of the river ledgers)

In accordance with the Ministry of Construction Ordinance 12-8), the river ledgers for a class A river shall be kept
in the custody of the office of the regional construction bureau concerned [including the office of the Hokkaido
Development Bureau; the same shall apply for Article 39-3 Paragraph 1 item (1)] and those for a class B river
shall be kept in the custody of the office of the prefecture concerned.
[Moc 12-9]

MOC Ordinance Article 7 (Custody of the river ledgers)

River ledgers shall be kept in the custody of the offices corresponding to the categories listed below:(1) Register of present river conditions for a class A river: an office of the regional construction bureau as
stipulated in Article 9 of the Ministry of Construction Establishment Law (Law No. 113, 1948) or an officeof the Development and Construction Bureau referred to in Article 12 Paragraph 1 of the Hokkaido
Development Law (Law No. 126, 1950) (referred to in Article 41 as the “office concerned”);(2) Register of river utilization for a class B river: a Regional Construction Bureau or Hokkaido Development
Bureau; and(3) River ledgers for a class B river: an office as stipulated by prefectural regulations.

(Structural Standards for River Administration Facilities)
Article 13.
River administration facilities, or river structures established with approval as
stipulated in Article 26 Paragraph 1 must be structurally safe in consideration of water level,
flow, topographical and geological conditions and other river conditions, and the dead load,water pressure and other anticipated loads.
2
Technical standards necessary for river administration and applicable to dams,
levees and other major river administration facilities as well as river structures establishedwith approval as stipulated in Article 26 Paragraph 1 shall be stipulated in Government
Ordinance 13-1).
[Note 13-1]

Government Ordinance for Structural Standard of river administration facilities , which consists of

10 chapters and 77 articles, sets forth technical standards for levees, revetments, groins, weirs, dams, gates, etc.
The full text of the Government Ordinance and the relevant MOC rules are attached as Appendix I and II.

(Operation Regulations for River Administration Facilities)
Article 14.
The river administrator shall, for such dams, weirs, sluices and other facilities
involving operation, out of the river administration facilities he administers, as may be
specified in Government Ordinance 14-1), establish respective operation regulations, as may beprovided for in detail by Government Ordinance 14-2).

-E19-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

2
When the river administrator intends to establish or change operation regulations of
the preceding paragraph, he shall, in advance, consult with the heads of the administrative
agencies concerned and hear the opinions of the prefectural governors concerned, the opinionsof the heads of cities, towns and villages concerned and the opinions of the persons specified
in Government Ordinance who bear a part of the expenses necessary for administering riveradministration facilities, as may be provided for in detail by Government Ordinance 14-3).
[Gor 14-1]

Government Ordinance Article 8 (River administration facilities requiring the establishment ofoperation regulations)
Facilities stipulated in Article 14 (Operation regulations for river administration facilities) Paragraph 1 of theRiver Law shall fall within one of the following categories:(1) Facilities for flood control;(2) Facilities for diversion of river water;(3) Interior drainage facilities that are particularly important for flood control;(4) Facilities for prevention of reverse flow of floodwater that are particularly important for flood control orwater use;
(5) Facilities, besides those set forth in the preceding items, for maintaining the normal functions of
the river water that are particularly important for flood control or water use;
(6) Facilities for navigation.
[Gor 14-2]

Government Ordinance Article 9 (Operation regulations)Operation regulations stipulated in Article 14 (Operation regulations for river administration facilities)
Paragraph 1 of the River Law shall cover the following:(1) Matters related to water level, streamflow, etc., on which to base facility operations;(2) Matters related to methods of facility operations;(3) Matters related to the inspection and maintenance of facilities and equipment necessary for facility
operations;(4) Matters related to meteorological and hydrological observations necessary for facility operations;(5) Matters related to measures to be taken in the course of facility operations;(6) Other necessary matters related to facility operations.
[Gor 14-3]

Government Ordinance Article 9-2 (Procedure to establish operation regulations)

Persons stipulated in the Government Ordinance referred to in Article 14 (Operation regulations for riveradministration facilities) Paragraph 1 of the River Law shall be special river water users set forth in Article 7-2
Paragraph 1 of the River Law.

-E20-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

2

In the case where the river administrator intends to establish or modify operation regulations stipulated in

Article 14 (Operation regulations for river administration facilities) Paragraph 1 of the River Law, he shall hear
the opinion of the governor of the prefecture concerned with respect to river administration facilities for a class A
river or the head of the municipality concerned with respect to river administration facilities for a class B river.
Should such consultation concerns river administration facilities for which a special river water user must be
made to bear part of the administration expenses under the provisions of Article 70-2 Paragraph 11 of the River
Law, the river administrator shall consult the head of the administrative organization concerned and hear theopinion of the special river water user.

(Consultation Among River Administrators)
Article 15.
If it is feared, when the river administrator intends to establish or change theoperation regulations mentioned in Paragraph 1 of the preceding Article 15-1), or execute a riverwork, or take an official action in accordance with any of the provisions of Articles 23 through
29 (including the official action of Article 75 taken in connection with such action) 15-2), that
operation based on the operation regulations, or the river work concerned, or the work or otheract connected with the official action concerned may have a marked effect on a riveradministered by another river administrator, the river administrator shall, in advance, consult
with the other river administrator.
[Law 15-1]

River Law Article 14 (Operation regulations for river administration facilities)[Law 15-2]

River Law Article 23 (Permission for river water use), Article 24 (Permission for land occupancy),

Article 25 (Permission for taking earth, stone, etc.), Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures), Article
27 (Permission for land excavation), Article 28 (Prohibition, restrictions and permission for floating down
trees/bamboo and navigation of boats/ships), Article 29 (Prohibition, restriction and permission for acts likely tohinder river administration), Article 75 (Supervisory measures and orders).

Section 2.

River Works 16-1)(The Fundamental River Management Policy)
Article 16.
A river administrator shall, for the rivers administed, determine the design flood
discharge 16-2) and other matters which will be the basis for policy (hereinafter referred to as"fundamental river management policy") of river works and river maintenance (hereinafterreferred to as "river improvement")16-3).

-E21-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

2
A fundamental river management policy shall be so established, in accordance with
provisions made by Government Ordinance 16-4), and for each river system, as to ensurecomprehensive administration of the rivers in the water system, by taking into consideration
the conditions of flood damage frequency, present status of water resource utilization, theirdevelopment and the fluvial environment, and also by effecting coordination with theComprehensive National Development Plan 16-5).
3
When the Minister of Construction intends to establish a fundamental rivermanagement policy, he shall first hear the opinion of the River council 16-6).
4
When the prefectural governor intends to establish a fundamental river management
policy in a prefecture where a Prefectural river council 16-7) exists, the governor shall firstconsider the Council’s opinion.
5
The river administrator shall then establish a fundamental river management policy
and make a public notification to that effect without delay.
6
The previous three paragraphs (Paragraphs 3 to 5) shall be applied mutatis mutandis
for amendment of the fundamental river management policy.
(This article amended by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)[Note 16-1]

For information on river works, see Note 8-1 to Article 8 of the River Law.

[Note 16-2]

Design flood discharge is the design discharge on which to base the design of levees and otherriver facilities.

Standard practice in Japan is to use a recurrence interval of 200 years (safety factor 1/200) for

probability of exceedance for particularly important river sections, 150 years (safety factor 1/150) for important
river sections, and 100 years (safety factor 1/100) for other river sections.

The design flood discharge is a

streamflow regulated by dams or other means of flow regulation; the unregulated flood discharge is termed the"basic flood discharge".
[Gor 16-3]

Government Ordinance Article 10 (Rules for formulation of the fundamental river management

policy and the river improvement plan )The fundamental river management policy and the river improvement plan

shall be formulated in accordancewith the following rules:(1) Matters related to prevention or mitigation of disasters caused by floods, high tides, etc., must be
determined after comprehensive consideration of major historical events of floods, high tides, etc., and themeteorological, topographical, geological, development, and other conditions in the area whereoccurrence of disasters is to be prevented;(2) Matters related to proper river use and the normal functions of the river water must be determined after
comprehensive consideration of factors such as exclusive use of river water, navigation, fisheries,
tourism, maintenance of cleanness of river water, prevention of salt damage, prevention of river mouth
clogging, protection of river administration facilities, and maintenance of groundwater level;-E22-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(3) Matters related to improvement and conservation of the river environment must be determined after
comprehensive consideration of factors such as maintenance of cleanness of river water, landscape,conditions of plant and animal habitats and creation of opportunities for intimate human-river contact.
[Gor 16-4]

Government Ordinance Article 10-2 (Matters to be set forth in the fundamental river management

policy)The fundamental river management policy shall set forth the following:(1) Basic policy for comprehensive river conservation and utilization for the river system concerned;(2) Basic requirements for river improvement:a) Matters related to the basic flood discharge (the flood used as a basis of flood protection planning) and
its allocation to river channels and flood control dams;b) Matters related to design flood discharges at principal locations;c) Matters related to river width associated with design high water level and design cross section atprincipal locations;d) Matters related to streamflow required for maintaining the normal functions of the river water at
principal locations.
[Note 16-5]

The Comprehensive National Development Plan, stipulated in Article 2 of the Comprehensive

National Land Development Law, is a comprehensive and basic plan of the central government or a local public
body.

This plan sets forth matters related to (1) use of land, water and other natural resources; (2) prevention offlood damage, wind damage and other types of disasters; (3) adjustment of the size and arrangement of urban andrural areas; (4) proper industrial siting; and (5) the size and arrangement of electric power, transportation,
telecommunications and other important public facilities, and the protection, facility size and arrangement of
resources associated with culture, public welfare and tourism.

The objectives of the Comprehensive National

Land Development Law are to utilize, develop and conserve land from the viewpoint of comprehensive measuresassociated with economy, society, culture, etc., in consideration of the conditions of the natural environment of
the country; promote proper industrial siting; and contribute to social welfare improvement.
[Note 16-6]

For information on the River Council, see Articles 80 to 85 of the River Law.

[Note 16-7]

For information on the Prefectural river council, see Article 86 of the River Law.

(The River Improvement Plan )Article 16-2.
River administrators shall establish a plan to improve the river concerned hereinafterreferred to as the river improvement plan 16-2-1)) for the section for which river improvement
shall be implemented deliberately in accordance with the fundamental river management
policy.
2
The river improvement plan shall comply with the fundamental river management
policy and as provided for in the Government Ordinance 16-2-2), enabling an integrated-E23-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

administration of the river concerned. In such cases, the river administrator shall give
special consideration to take necessary measures to prevent the occurrence of disasters and/or
mitigate damages for those areas where disasters frequently occur due to precipitation,
topography, geology and other conditions.
3
When river administrators intends to draft a river improvement plan , he shallconsider opinions from persons with experience or an academic background when necessary
16-2-4).
4
In connection with the previous paragraph (Paragraph 3), river administrators shalltake necessary measured, such as public hearings etc., to reflect the opinion of the people
concerned whenever necessary 16-2-5).
5
When river administrators intend to establish a river improvement plan , he shallconsider opinions from concerned prefectrural governors and mayors in advance as provided
in Government Ordinance 16-2-6).
6
When river administrators establishes a river improvement plan , he shall make apublic notification to that effect without delay.
7
Paragraphs 3 to 6 shall be applied mutatis mutandis for amendments to the river
improvement plan .
(This article added by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)[Note 16-2-1]

The river improvement plan

is a plan setting forth concrete measures to be taken in accordancewith the fundamental river management policy .

If the river improvement plan

involving high standard

levees, the river administrator must promptly provide notice to the governor of the prefecture concerned asprovided for in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance, Article 7-2 16-2-2).
[Moc 16-2-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 7-2 (Notice to the prefectural governor concerned)[Gor 16-2-3]

Government Ordinance Article 10-3 (Matters shall be set in the river improvement plan )The river improvement plan

shall set forth the following:(1) Matters related to the objective of the river improvement plan ;(2) Matters related to the execution of the river improvement plan :(a) Purpose, type and location of the river works and a brief description of the functions of the riveradministration facilities to be provided as the result of the execution of the river works;(b) Purpose, type and location of river maintenance.
[Note 16-2-4]

The reason it is required that the opinion of the River council be sought in formulating afundamental river management policy as a basis of river improvement,

while the opinion of persons of experienceor academic standing, instead of the River council, be sought in formulating a river improvement plansetting

forth specifics for the implementation of the policy is that such arrangement will make it possible to hear a wider
range of more truly representative opinions of the local community.

-E24-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Note 16-2-5]

The system for hearing public opinion has been adopted against the background of the realizationthat the government-led river administration and river works in the past which centered on flood
control/mitigation and water management/utilization. Growing public interest in river space utilization andenvironmental conservation is another background of the new system.
[Gor 16-2-6]

Government Ordinance Article 10-4 (Hearing of the opinion of the prefectural governor

concerned, etc.)
In the case where the river administrator intends to formulate or modify a river improvement plan , he shall inadvance hear the opinion of either the governor of the prefecture concerned if he is the Minister of Constructionor the head of the municipality concerned if he is a prefectural governor.
2

In the case set forth in the preceding paragraph, a prefectural governor who intends to submit his opinion

shall in advance hear the opinion of the head of the municipality concerned.

(River Works by Municipalities)
Article 16-3.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Articles 9 and 10 16-3-1), a municipal head may carryout river works or river maintenance on designated section of the class A and/or B rivers after
consultation with the responsible river administrator 16-3-2) 16-3-3) 16-3-4). This does not apply incases stipulated by Government Ordinance 16-3-5) as being inappropriate for river administration
on such grounds as the purpose of the works, the degree of impact on the river, or the size ofthe population of the municipality.
2
When carrying out river works or river maintenance on the basis of the consultation
stipulated in the preceding paragraph, and when the said river works or river maintenance has
been completed, the municipal head must give public notice to this effect in accordance withthe provisions in the Ministry of Construction Ordinances 16-3-6).
3
When carrying out river works or river maintenance on the basis of the consultation
as prescribed in Paragraph 1, the municipal head shall exercise the powers of the riveradministrator on behalf of the river administrator in accordance with the provisions inGovernment Ordinance 16-3-7).
[Law 16-3-1]

River Law Article 9 (Administration of class A rivers), Article 10 (Administration of class B

rivers)[Moc 16-3-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 7-3 (River works that may be executed by the head of a municipality)

River works that may be executed by the head of a municipal government as stipulated in Article 10 Paragraph
5 Item (6) of the River Law shall be following:(1) Construction or modification of revetments;(2) Improvement of flood channels;-E25-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(3) Construction or modification of small weirs;(4) Construction or modification of groundsills;(5) Construction or modification of groins;(6) Construction or modification of river water purification facilities;(7) Construction or modification of passageways for river administration;(8) Installation of berms or marginal strips along levees;(9) Other river works associated with channel improvement or water quality conservation.
[Moc 16-3-3]

MOC Ordinance Article 7-4 (Area in which part or whole of a city with a population of 50,000 or

more is located)
Areas provided for in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance referred to in the proviso of the Government
Ordinance Article 10-5 Item (6) shall be as follows:(1) Built-up areas provided for in Article 2 Paragraph 3 of the Metropolitan Region Development Law (Law
No. 83, 1956), suburban improvement zones provided for in Paragraph 4 of the same article and urban
development areas provided for in Paragraph 5 of the same article(2) Built-up areas provided for in Article 2 Paragraph 3 of the Kinki Region Development Law (Law No. 129,
1963), suburban improvement zones provided for in Paragraph 4 of the same article and urban
developmentareas provided for in Paragraph 5 of the same article(3) Urban improvement areas provided for in Article 2 Paragraph 3 of the Chubu Region Development
Law and urban development areas defined in Paragraph 4 of the same article(4) Regional core cities designated under the provisions of Article 4 Paragraph 1 of the Law concerning the
Improvement of Regional Core Cities and the Promotion of Rearrangement of Industrial Facilities (Law
No. 76, 1992)(5) Special districts, capital cities or cities designated under Article 252-19 Paragraph 1 of the Local
Autonomy Law (Law No. 67, 1947) and adjoining areas that are closely connected to said areas in termsof the natural environment, society or economy.
[Moc 16-3-4]

MOC Ordinance Article 7-5 (Degree of urbanization of cities with a population of 50,000 or

more)
The degree of urbanization provided for in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance mentioned in the proviso of
Article 10-5 Item (6) of the Government Ordinance is such that a use district defined in Article 8 Paragraph 1
Item (1) of the Urban Planning Law (Law No. 100, 1968) in an urbanization district defined in Article 7
Paragraph 1 of the same law or in an urban planning district not covered by a city plan involving an urbanization
district or urbanization control district defined in the same paragraph accounts for a substantial part of the city
concerned.
[Gor 16-3-5]

Government Ordinance Article 10-5 (River works and maintenance which shall not be

implemented by municipalities)
River works or river maintenance provided for in the Government Ordinance referred to in Article 16-3 (River-E26-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

works by municipalities) Paragraph 1 of the River Law shall be one of the following:(1) river works stipulated in Article 2 Item (7) on a designated section of a class A or class B river or river
improvement works in a special designated section provided for in Article 40 Paragraph 1;(2) river works or river maintenance on a designated river provided for in Article 41 Paragraph 1 or a section
provided for in Article 7 Paragraph 1 of the Special Measures Law for Development of Okinawa (Law No.
131, 1971);(3) river works for any of the following projects: (a) disaster rehabilitation project to which the Law
concerning National Treasury Share of Expenses for Rehabilitation of Damage to Public Works Facilities(Law No. 97, 1951) applies; (b) project for improvement that needs to be implemented in conjunction witha project of category (a) above because said category (a) project is not enough to prevent recurrence of adisaster; and other non-category-(a) emergency river project designed to deal with levee break or otherdangers;(4) river works associated with a dam or maintenance or operation of a dam;(5) river works provided for in Article 70-2 (Sharing of cost by special river users) Paragraph 1;(6) river works other than those provided for in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance that are designed
primarily for proper use of river water, maintenance of the normal functions of the river water andimprovement and conservation of the river environment such as including construction of revetments andflood channel improvement (excluding river improvement works to be executed systematically inaccordance with a basic policy for comprehensive river conservation and utilization set forth in thefundamental river management policy), excluding river works (limited to river works the catchment area
upstream from which is not larger than the limit specified by the Ministry of Construction Ordinance16-38) or river works that need to be coordinated with improvement of an adjacent urban area)to be executed
within a special district, a prefectural capital or a city with a population of 200,000 or more; or in a citywith a population of 50,000 or more part or all of which lies within a large city and its environs or aregional core city and its environs which are located in an area provided for in the Ministry of Construction
Ordinance 16-3-3) or whose degree of urbanization has reached the level defined in the Ministry ofConstruction Ordinance 16-3-4).
[Moc 16-3-6]

MOC Ordinance Article 7-7 (Public notification of river works, etc., by the head of amunicipality)
Public notification provided for in Article 16-3 (The river improvement plan ) Paragraph 2 of the River Law
shall be made by indicating the matters listed below in a gazette of the city, town or village concerned.
(1) The name of the river and the river section.
(2) The contents of the river works or river maintenance.
(3) The period of the river works or river maintenance (or, in the case where river works or river maintenancehas been completed, the date of completion).

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THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Gor 16-3-7]

Government Ordinance Article 10-6 (Exercise of powers of the river administrator by the head ofa municipality)
In the case where the head of a municipality performs river works or river maintenance under the provisions ofArticle 16-3 (River works by municipalities) Paragraph 1 of the River Law, he shall exercise the powers of theriver administrator in connection with the river works or river maintenance concerned provided for in Article 17(Joint use structures), Article 18 (Works by person who has necessitated such works), Article 19 (Apprutenant
works), Article 21 (Compensation for loss caused by river works), Article 37 (Entrusting of construction of
permitted works to river administrators), Article 66 (Sharing of cost for joint use structures), Article 67 (Sharingof cost of works carried out by a person necessitating river works), Article 68 (Sharing of cost of apprutenant
works), Article 70 (Sharing of cost by beneficiaries) Paragraph 1, Article 74 (Compulsory collection of sharesand charges) and Article 89 (Entry into third party land for river administration) on behalf of the river administrator.
2

The range of beneficiaries whom the head of a municipality makes, under the provisions of the preceding

paragraph, bear a part of the expenses for river works under the provisions of Article 70 Paragraph 1 of the River
Law and the method of collection shall be stipulated by the ordinance of the city, town or village under thejurisdiction of the head of the municipality concerned.
3

The payment under the provisions of Article 67, Article 68 Paragraph 2 or Article 70 Paragraph 1 of theRiver Law that is imposed by the head of a municipality under the provisions of Paragraph 1 of this article shallbe made a revenue of the city, town or village concerned.

In the case provided for in the Article 74 Paragraph 3of the River Law, the head of the municipality concerned may effect a disposition for the recovery of the payment
following the examples of recovering local taxes in arrears.
[Moc 16-3-8] MOC Ordinance Article 7-6 (Upper limit of a catchment area upstream from the site of riverworks that a municipal head is allowed to carry out)
The area of land stipulated by the MOC Ordinance referred to in the proviso of Article 10-5 Item 6 of
the MOC Ordinance is in most cases 30 km2.

(Joint Use Structures)
Article 17.
In case a river administration facility and a facility or structure intended for a
purpose other than river administration (hereinafter referred to as "non-river administration
facility") are built as one structure (hereinafter referred to as "joint use structure 17-1)*), theriver administrator and the administrator of the non-river administration facility may, upon
consultation, fix a specific administration method and perform the works, maintenance andoperation of the joint use structure which serves both as the river administration facility andthe non-river administration facility according to the fixed method.
2
In case the administrator of the non-river administration facility performs works,
maintenance or operation of the river administration facility in accordance with consultation-E28-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

prescribed in the preceding paragraph, the river administrator shall make public notification
to that effect as may be provided for in detail by Ministry of Construction Ordinance 17-2).
[Note 17-1]

A joint use structure is a facility or structure that perform the functions of both a riveradministration facility and those of a non-river administration facility.

Examples of joint use structures include

a levee and a road and a groundsill and an weir for agricultural diversion that also perform each others' functions.
A joint use structure refers to the entirety of the facility or structure concerned.
[Moc 17-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 8 (Public notification of administration of river administration facilities by

the administrator of non-river administration facilities)
Public notification provided for in Article 17 (Joint use structures) Paragraph 2 of the River Law shall be madeby including the information listed below via the Official Gazette if by the Minister of Construction or a gazetteof the prefecture concerned if by a prefectural governor:(1) Name of river;(2) Name or type of river administration facility;(3) Location of the river administration facility;(4) Name and address of the person who is to perform administration (in the case of a juridical person, thename and place of business of the juridical person);(5) Scope of administration;(6) Administration period.
2

The provisions of the preceding paragraph shall apply mutatis mutandis to public notification provided forin Article 17 (Joint use structures) Paragraph 2 of the River Law that is to be made by the head of themunicipality concerned on behalf of the river administrator under the provisions of Article 10-6 Paragraph 1 of
the Government Ordinance.

In this case, "the Official Gazette if by the Minister of Construction or a gazette of

the prefecture concerned if by a prefectural governor" shall read "a municipal gazette".

(Work by Person Who Has Necessitated Such Work)
Article 18.
With regard to a work other than a river work (hereinafter referred to as "otherwork") and such river work as may be necessitated by the act of damaging and/or polluting ariver or an act causing necessity of changing the present condition of a river (hereinafterreferred to as "other act"), the river administrator may have such works and/or maintenanceexecuted by the executor of the other work concerned or by the person who performed theother act concerned as the case may be 18-1).
(This article amended by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)-E29-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Note 18-1]

Works that fall within the categories defined here include strengthening or construction of riverbank revetments necessitated by the construction of an irrigation weir or a bridge, rechannelization of rivers
necessitated by the construction of large-scale facilities such as an airport, and repairs of revetments damaged byheavy vehicles or ships.

If making the person who has made such works necessary carry them out is not deemed

appropriate, the river administrator may carry out the works himself and make the person who has necessitatedsuch works bear the cost of the works as stipulated in Article 67 (Sharing of cost of works carried out by a person
other than river administrator) of the River Law.

(Apprutenant Works)
Article 19.
With regard to such other work as has been necessitated by a river work or such otherwork as has become necessary in order to execute a river work, the river administrator may
execute such work (hereinafter referred to as apprutenant work) together with the river work
concerned 19-1).
[Note 19-1]

Basically, the powers of the river administrator with regard to river works are limited to riverworks themselves.

There are many cases, however, where it is appropriate or even necessary to carry out otherworks, or apprutenant works, that have been necessitated by the river works in conjunction with the river works
by such reasons as the need to prevent a flood or other disaster during construction or ensure successful
completion of the river works.

For this reason, this article empowers the river administrator to carry out

apprutenant works in conjunction with the river works.

Examples of apprutenant works include extension of adiversion weir or conveyance channel necessitated by channel widening; modification of a gate necessitated by
the strengthening of levees; relocation of a diversion weir, gate, etc., necessitated by channel excavation; and thewidening of a woodland path and the strengthening of its base course necessitated by the need for transportationof materials for dam construction.

The reason river administrators are empowered to carry out most of suchapprutenant works without obtaining the consent of the administrators of diversion weirs, conveyance channels,
gates, etc., is that river works, which are designed for disaster prevention, greatly contribute to the public good.
In the case, however, where "other works" that have been necessitated by river works are road works, the works
are to be carried out by the person who has made such works necessary as stipulated in Article 22 (Order to
execute road works to the person who has necessitated such work) Paragraph 1 of the Road Law.

Unlessotherwise stipulated, part or all of the cost of apprutenant works is to be borne, under the provisions of Article 68(Sharing of cost of apprutenant works) Paragraph 1, by the person who bears the cost of river works to the extent
of the necessity caused.

-E30-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(River Works by Persons Other Than the River Administrator) 20-1)
Article 20.
In addition to the cases stipulated in Article 11, Article 16-3 Paragraph 1, Article 17
Paragraph 1 and Article 18 20-2), persons other than river administrators may carry out riverworks or river maintenance with the approval of the responsible river administrator inaccordance with the provisions in Government Ordinance 20-3). However, approval of the
responsible river administrator is not required for minor or light river works or maintenancestipulated in Government Ordinance 20-4).
[Note 20-1]

River works and river maintenance fall within the powers of the river administrator.

river

administrators, however, may allow other persons to carry out river works or river maintenance if those persons
wish to carry out river works or river maintenance because of their own needs or in the hope of cooperating inriver administration and if such arrangement does not pose any problem in connection with river administration.
Examples include channel excavation by commercial navigators and construction or reconstruction of revetments
by local residents.
[Law 20-2]

River Law Article 11 (Administration of class B rivers on the prefectural boundaries), Article 16-3

(River works by municipalities), Article 17 (Joint use structures), Article 18 (Works by person who hasnecessitated such works)[Gor 20-3]

Governmental Ordinance Article 11 (Application for approval of works, etc., carried out by persons

other than river administrators)
Any person who wishes to obtain approval provided for in Article 20 (River works by persons other than theriver administrator) of the River Law shall submit to the responsible river administrator an application for
approval that describes the design and execution plan of the works or an execution plan for the river maintenance.
[Gor 20-4]

Government Ordinance Article 10-6 (Exercise of powers of the river administrator by the head of amunicipality)
In the case where the head of a municipality performs river works or river maintenance under the provisionsof Article 16-3 (River works by municipalities) Paragraph 1 of the River Law, he shall exercise the powers of theriver administrator in connection with the river works or river maintenance concerned provided for in Article 17(Joint use structures), Article 18 (Works by person who has necessitated such works), Article 19 (Apprutenant
works), Article 21 (Compensation for loss caused by river works), Article 37 (Entrusting of construction of
permitted works to river administrators), Article 66 (Sharing of cost for joint use structures), Article 67 (Sharingof cost of works carried out by a person necessitating river works), Article 68 (Sharing of cost of apprutenant
works), Article 70 (Sharing of cost by beneficiaries) Paragraph 1, Article 74 (Compulsory collection of shares andcharges) and Article 89 (Entry into third party land for river administration) on behalf of the river administrator.
2

The range of beneficiaries whom the head of a municipality makes, under the provisions of thepreceding paragraph, bear a part of the expenses for river works under the provisions of Article 70 Paragraph 1 of

-E31-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

the River Law and the method of collection shall be stipulated by the ordinance of the city, town or village under
the jurisdiction of the head of the municipality concerned.
3

The payment under the provisions of Article 67, Article 68 Paragraph 2 or Article 70 Paragraph 1 of

the River Law that is imposed by the head of a municipality under the provisions of Paragraph 1 of this article
shall be made a revenue of the city, town or village concerned.

In the case provided for in the Article 74

Paragraph 3 of the River Law, the head of the municipality concerned may effect a disposition for the recovery of
the payment following the examples of recovering local taxes in arrears.
[Gor 20-5]

Government Ordinance Article 12 (Works, etc., carried out by a person other than riveradministrator for which approval is not necessary)
Minor or light river works or river maintenance provided for in the proviso of Article 20 (River works bypersons other than the river administrator) of the River Law shall be small-scale maintenance work, such as
mowing, disposing of obstructions, or the like.

(Compensation for Loss Caused by River Works)
Article 21.
Except in a case to which the provisions of Article 93 21-1) Paragraph 1 of the Land
Expropriation Law (Law No.219 of 1951)21-2) applies, when it is deemed unavoidably
necessary, as the result of execution of a river work, to build, extend, repair or move apathway, ditch, fence, palisade or some other facility or structure or to execute banking or
cutting on the land bordering on the river concerned, the river administrator (in case the riverwork concerned is one executed by a person other than the river administrator, that person;
hereinafter the same in this article) shall pay in compensation a part or the whole of theexpenses for such work on the request of the person to whom execution of the work isnecessary (hereinafter in this article referred to as "person who has incurred loss"). In suchcase, the river administrator or the person who has incurred loss may request that the riveradministrator execute the work concerned as a substitute for the whole or a part of thecompensation money.
2
The compensation for loss under the provision of the preceding paragraph cannot be
demanded after one year has elapsed from the day on which the river work was completed.
3With regard to the compensation under the provision of Paragraph 1, it is necessarythat the river administrator and the person who has incurred loss should hold a consultation
on it.
4
If no agreement can be reached by consultation under the provision of the preceding
paragraph, the river administrator or the person who has incurred loss may apply to the
Expropriation Committee 21-3) for a decision under the provision of Article 94 of the Land
Expropriation Law as may be provided for in detail by Government Ordinance 21-4)21-5).

-E32-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Note 21-1]

Land Expropriation Law Article 93 (Compensation for loss associated with land other than the

expropriated or used land) Paragraph 1, Article 94 (Procedures for ruling concerning compensation for loss
associated with land surveying, investigation, project cancellation or alteration, or land other than expropriated orused land)[Note 21-2]

In Japan, compensation for expropriation of land, relocation of houses, etc., required forconstruction of public facilities is as a rule to be determined by voluntary consultation between the owner and theuser of the land or house concerned and the implementing entity.

With regard to the transfer of land, etc., for theconstruction of public facilities, measures such granting a certain degree of tax exemption for transfer income
have been implemented.

In the event of failure to reach agreement as a result of voluntary consultation,

however, the land, buildings, etc., required for the construction of facilities that are important for the public good
may be expropriated under the Land Expropriation Law.

The purpose of the Land Expropriation Law is to makeadjustment between public interest promotion and private property and thereby contribute to proper and rationaluse of land by providing for the requirements, procedures and effects of expropriation or use of land, etc.,
required for projects for promoting the public interest.
[Note 21-3]

In order to realize the power to rule, etc., provided for in the Land Expropriation Law, Article 51 of

the same law stipulates that an Expropriation Committee be established under the jurisdiction of the prefectural
governor concerned.
[Gor 21-4]

The Expropriation Committee exercises its powers independently.

Government Ordinance Article 13 (Procedures for applying for a ruling by the expropriationcommittee)
Any person who wishes to apply for a ruling provided for in Article 94 (Procedures for applying forcompensation for loss) of the Land Expropriation Law (Law No. 219, 1951) under the provisions of Article 21(Compensation for loss caused by river works) Paragraph 4 or Article 22 (Emergency measures to be taken during
floods, Etc.) Paragraph 5 of the River Law (including the cases of mutatis mutandis application under Article 222 Paragraph 6, Article 57 Paragraph 3, Article 58-6 Paragraph 3, Article 76 Paragraph 2 and Article 89 Paragraph
9 of the River Law) shall submit to the Land Expropriation Committee an application for a ruling describing theinformation listed in Paragraph 3 of the same article [excluding Item (c), i.e., (a) the name and address of theapplicant, (b) the name and address of the other party, (c) not applicable, (d) fact of loss, (e) estimate andbreakdown of compensation for loss, and (f) chronological account of consultation] conforming to the form
specified in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance 68-1).
[Moc 21-5]

MOC Ordinance Article 9 (Ruling application form, etc.)

The form provided for in the Ministry of Ordinance mentioned in Article 13 of the Government Ordinanceshall be Form 3 attached hereto.
2

One original and one copy of the application for a ruling shall be submitted.
Form 3 (omitted)-E33-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(Emergency Measures to be Taken During Floods, etc.)22-1)
Article 22.
In case danger from floods, high tides, etc. impends, if it is of urgent necessity to takesteps to prevent a flood disaster or minimize damage which may be caused by it, the riveradministrator may, at the site, use the required land, use or compulsorily purchase earth andstone, trees and bamboo or other materials, use rolling stock and other vehicles or tools, anddispose of structures or other obstacles.
2
In case it is urgently necessary in taking any of the steps provided for in thepreceding paragraph, the river administrator may make persons living in the neighborhood or
persons at the site engage in the work which the step involves.
3
In case any person incurs a loss caused by compulsory purchase, use or disposal
provided for in Paragraph 1, the river administrator shall compensate him for such loss aswould ordinarily be incurred.
4
With regard to the compensation for loss provided for in the preceding paragraph, it
is necessary that the river administrator and the person who has incurred the loss should holda consultation on it.
5
In case no agreement can be reached by consultation under the provision of thepreceding paragraph, the river administrator shall pay the person who has incurred the loss anamount of money fixed according to his own estimation. In such case, if the person is
dissatisfied with the amount, he may, within thirty days from the day he receives payment of
the compensation money, apply to the Expropriation Committee for a decision under theprovision of Article 94 of the Land Expropriation Law 22-2) as may be provided for in detail by
Government Ordinance 22-3).
6
In the event that a person engaged in the work stipulated in Paragraph 2 dies as aresult of the said work, or dies or becomes disabled owing to an injury sustained or an illness
contracted as a result of the said work, the river administrator must pay compensation to theperson or the person's bereaved family or dependents for the loss or injury as stipulated inGovernment Ordinances 22-4).
[Note 22-1]

In the event that danger from a flood, high tide, etc., impends, it is necessary to take emergency

measures to prevent or mitigate damage, and therefore there is a need to secure the land, materials and labor
required for attaining that goal.

Rivers in Japan are generally steep and short.

prevention or mitigation measures must be taken quickly.

This means that damage

For this reason, the River Law empowers riveradministrators to use the land, materials and labor required for responding to such emergencies as mentioned
above without obtaining the consent in advance of the persons concerned and stipulates that losses resulting fromsuch use of land and materials be compensated for later. As for service rendered in an emergency, however, the-E34-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

law has no provision concerning compensation except for death or injury resulting from having engaged in suchservice.

This is based on the notion that the local residents are persons who are saved by such emergency work,and that those present at the site are obligated to cooperate in the first place.
The Flood Fighting Law has similar provisions.

Reflecting the history and practices of the country where

flood fighting has traditionally been practiced primarily as self-defence activities of local residents, the FloodFighting Law was enacted to provide for the organization and activities of flood defence cooperatives, municipal
cooperatives and municipalities on the ground that these organizations are primarily responsible for flood
defence.

Hence, the activities of river administrators responsible for administration of rivers as public property

are consistent with the activities under the Flood Fighting Law of people consisting primarily of local residents;
the two are expected to work together to attain the goal of flood protection.
The goal of the Flood Fighting Law is to take precautions against and provide protection from floods andhigh tides, mitigate damage due to floods and high tides and thereby ensure public safety.
[Note 22-2]

See Note 21-1 to Article 21 (Compensation for loss caused by river works) of the River Law.

[Note 22-3]

For information on the Government Ordinance Article 13 (Procedures for applying for a ruling by

the expropriation committee), see Note 21-3 to Article 21 (Compensation for loss caused by river works) of theRiver Law.
[Gor 22-4]

Government Ordinance Article 14 (The amount of compensation for loss resulting from emergency

measures against floods, etc.)
Compensation for losses provided for in Article 22 (Emergency measures to be taken during floods, etc.)
Paragraph 6 of the River Law shall be made by following the examples given in the provisions governingcompensation for losses incurred by persons having engaged in flood fighting under the provisions of Article 17(Obligation of local residents, etc., to participate in flood fighting) of the Flood Fighting Law (Law No. 193,
1949) referred to in the government ordinance (Government Ordinance No. 335, 1956) stipulating the criteria forcompensation for losses incurred by part-time flood fighters, etc.

The procedures to be followed in this caseand other requirements shall be stipulated by the Ministry of Construction Ordinance.
Related provisions of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance (omitted)(Restoration of High Standard Levees on Third Party Land) 22-2-1)
Article 22-2.
In the case where a high standard levee within a high standard levee special zone isdamaged or there is a risk of the levee's being damaged, and the damage or potential damage
is judged to cause significant hindrance to river administration, the river administrator or aperson directed or authorized by the river administrator may adopt measures to restore thehigh standard levee on third party land to the extent necessary to remove the hindrance, orother measures such as ground repair necessary to restore or preserve the high standard leveeand removal of any objects that are causing or have the potential to cause hindrance-E35-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(hereinafter referred to as "restoration measures").
2
In the case where a river administrator or appointed proxy intends to adopt
restoration measures on third party land under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, theriver administrator or appointed proxy must notify and consult with the owner and occupantof the said land beforehand.
3
When the river administrator or appointed proxy acting under Paragraph 1 entersland occupied by a third party, the river administrator or appointed proxy must act inaccordance with the provisions of Article 89 Paragraphs 2-5 in addition to the provisions of
the preceding paragraph.
4
The owner or occupant of the land may not reject or obstruct restoration measurescarried out under the provisions of Paragraph 1 without justifiable reason.
5
In the event that a person suffers a loss as a result of restoration measures carriedout under the provisions of Paragraph 1, the person must be compensated for such losses aswould ordinarily arise 22-2-2).
6
The provisions of Paragraphs 4 and 5 of the preceding article shall apply mutatis
mutandis to compensation for loss under the provisions of the preceding paragraph.
[Note 22-2-1]

Unlike conventional levees, high standard levees lie on land that for the most part belongs to

private owners (including juridical persons). Consequently, in the case where the river administrator need totake restoration measures, if the consent of the landowner concerned cannot be obtained, necessary measures
cannot be taken unless expropriation under the Land Expropriation Law is enforced, except in the case where
emergency measures under Article 22 of the River Law are taken.

High standard levees are river administration

facilities constructed to guard against floods exceeding the design flood in areas along important river sections
where there are dense concentrations of population and property.

Therefore, if high standard levee has beendamaged, appropriate restoration measures must be taken promptly. To this end, this article establishes the riveradministrator's authority to take such measures.

The article stipulates that landowners cannot reject suchmeasures without justifiable reason.
[Note 22-2-2]

See Note 21-1 to Article 21 (Compensation for loss caused by river works) of the River Law.

-E36-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Figure: high standard levee special zone

High standard leveeHigh standard levee special zone
River zone

-E37-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Section 3.

Regulation and Restrictions for the River and River Use
Subsection 1.
General Provisions(Permission for River Water Use)
Article 23.
Any person who intends to use the water of a river shall obtain the permission of theriver administrator as may be provided for in detail by Ministry of Construction Ordinance 231)~ 23-5).
[Moc 23-1]

MOC Ordinance Article 11 (Application for permission to use river water)

Application for permission to use river water under Article 23 (Permission for river water use), Article 24(Permission for land occupancy ) , Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures) Paragraph 1 or Article
27 (Permission for land excavation) Paragraph 1 of the River Law shall be made by submitting one original eachof application forms on Form 8 (A) and (B-1) attached hereto and their copies in the numbers of specified inTable 1.
2

The application mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall be accompanied by the following documents:(1) Documents describing the following information:(a) Outline of the plan for the project involving the water use(b) Basis of calculation of water usage(c) Calculation clarifying the relationships of discharge, the rate of intake corresponding to theapplication and the rates of intake by the river users concerned(d) Effects of the water use concerning the items listed below and measures to be taken in connection
with those effects.
(i) Flood control(ii) Use of rivers by the river users concerned (excluding persons who have been granted permission
under the provisions of Article 28 of the River Law, common-of-piscary holders and fishery rightholders)(iii) Floating down of logs and bamboos or traffic of boats and rafts(iv) Fishery(v) Places of historic interests, scenic spots and natural monuments(e) In the case where a dam defined in Article 44 (Maintenance of the existing functions of a river)Paragraph 1 of the River Law is constructed, outline of the present condition of the site of the planned
reservoir and measures taken in connection with persons who suffer losses due to the impoundment ofriver water by the dam-E38-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(2) In the case of application for permission to use water involving construction, modification or removal of astructure or structures, the construction-plan-related documents listed in the table below (in the case whereapplication for permission provided for in Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures) Paragraph 1of the River Law is not included, documents outlining the construction plans) [See the table below.]Construction plan for construction or reconstruction of a dam defined in Article 44 (Maintenance of theexisting functions of a river) Paragraph 1 of the River Law
Table of construction plans on Form 9 attached hereto
Calculation statements
Plan concerning design flood discharge
Calculations concerning dam stability
Hydraulic calculations for facilities or structures
Structural calculations for facilities or structures
Calculations for backwaterCalculations of reservoir capacity
Calculations of the area of occupancy
TablesPrecipitation table: a table showing daily precipitation, monthly precipitation, and annual precipitation
Maximum and minimum temperature table: a table showing monthly maximum and minimum temperatures
Water level and discharge table
Excavated material disposal schedule
Work schedule
Drawings
General plan: a 1/50,000-scale topographic map showing the following information:(a) Reservoir area(b) Locations of the dam, waterways, and observation facilities stipulated in Article 45 of the River Law,
and other principal facilities or structures related to water use( c) The locations of, out of the facilities and structures that will be affected by the water use concerned,
facilities or structures for other water uses and of roads, bridges and other major facilities andstructures(d) Other relevant information
Surveyed plan of the reservoir: a 1/50,000-or-larger-scale map showing the following information:(a) Reservoir area(b) Locations of the dam and appurtenant facilities or structures(c) Spoil banks and other facilities or structures constructed in conjunction with dam-related works(d) Survey point numbers and locations-E39-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(e) Other relevant information
Surveyed longitudinal section of the reservoir: a longitudinal profile drawn on a vertical scale of not
smaller than 1/200 and a horizontal scale of not smaller than 1/5,000 showing the following information:(a) Lowest riverbed level(b) Location of the dam(c) Design flood level before construction or reconstruction of the dam and design flood level,
retention water level and lowest water level(d) Estimated sediment level(e) Survey point numbers and locations(f) Distances between survey points and cumulative distance(g) Other relevant information
Surveyed cross section of the reservoir: a cross section drawn on a scale of not smaller than 1/500
showing the following information:(a) Ground surface up to the height of 20 m from the highest water level(b) Items (c) to (e) above(c) Other relevant information
Geological drawings
Design drawings of the dam: design drawings including drawings concerning the treatment of the dam
foundation
Drawings concerning equipment required for execution of dam-related works
Design drawings of non-dam facilities or structures
Flow duration curve diagram
Discharge mass curve diagram
Reservoir area curve diagram
Survey plat of the occupied land
Photographs of the site of dam construction or reconstruction taken from upstream and downstream
showing the outline of the dam
Rough estimate of construction cost
Written statement outlining the fund plan
Other documents describing information relevant to the construction plan
Construction plan for construction or reconstruction of facilities or structures other than a dam defined in Article
44 Paragraph 1 of the River Law
Calculation statements
Hydraulic calculations for structures
Structural calculations for structures
Calculations for design flood discharge and backwater: not necessary for structures other than dams

-E40-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

and weirs
Calculations of the area of occupancy
TablesStage and discharge tables
Work schedule
Drawings
Location map: a 1/50,000-scale topographical map
Surveyed plan
Surveyed longitudinal section, surveyed cross section: not necessary for structures other than dams andweirs
Design drawings of structures
Survey plat of the occupied land
Approximate estimate of construction cost
Documents describing other information relevant to the construction plan(3) In the case where there is any person who has assented to the water use stipulated in the proviso of Article
38 of the River Law, a copy of that person's letter of assent, or in the case where there is any person who
does not assent to the water use, a writing that indicates the name and address of that person (or, in the caseof a juridical person, the name, place of business and representative of the juridical person) and an
explanation of the reason that person does not assent to the water use(4) In the case of water use involving the use of land, facility or structure that a person other than the riveradministrator manages on the basis of his title or in the case of water use involving reconstruction or
removal of a structure that a person other than the river administrator manages on the basis of his title, awriting indicating that the applicant holds or can be reasonably expected to acquire the title to use the riverwater or reconstruct or remove the structure(5) In the case where an act or project involving water use requires obtaining permission or approval or otherdisposition by other administrative agencies, a writing indicating that such disposition has been received or
describing the likelihood of receiving such disposition(6) In the case provided for in Article 39 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance, a writing indicating thereason as stipulated in the same article and explaining the steps that have been or will be followed inconnection with the other application for permission to be made concurrently as provided for in the same
article(7) Documents describing other relevant information[Moc 23-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 39 (Simultaneous application for permission)

In the case where any person wishes to perform an act with permission provided for in Articles 23 (Permission
for river water use) to 27 (Permission for land excavation), Article 55 (Restrictions within the river conservationzone) Paragraph 1, Article 57 (Restrictions within the projected river zone) Paragraph 1, Article 58-4

-E41-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(Restrictions within the spatial river conservation zone) Paragraph 1 or Article 58-6 (Restrictions within the
projected spatial river zone) Paragraph 1 of the River Law or Article 16-3 Paragraph 1 or Article 16-8 Paragraph
1 of the Government Ordinance, if said act or other related act requires obtaining permission under those
provisions, permission applications for such act shall be made simultaneously unless for compelling reason it is
not possible to do so.
[Moc 23-3]

MOC Ordinance Article 40 (Omission of appendices to application, etc.)

In the case where two or more applications provided for in Articles 23 (Permission for river water use)

to 27

(Permission for land excavation), Article 55 (Restrictions within the river conservation zone) Paragraph 1, Article
57 (Restrictions within the projected river zone) Paragraph 1, Article 58-4 (Restrictions within the spatial riverconservation zone) Paragraph 1 or Article 58-6 (Restrictions within the projected spatial river zone) Paragraph 1of the River Law or Article 16-3 Paragraph 1 or Article 16-8 Paragraph 1 of the Government Ordinance are madesimultaneously under the provisions of the preceding article, if one or more of the documents to be attached to
one application under the provisions of Articles 11 to 13, Articles 15 and 16 (including the cases of mutatis
mutandis application under Article 30, Article 33, Article 33-4 and Article 33-7), Article 18-3 Paragraph 2 or
Article 18-10 Paragraph 2 are also included in the attachments to another application, those overlapping
documents need not be attached to the former.
2

In the case where application is made for permission for a change in the matters for which permission

provided for in Articles 23 (Permission for river water use) to 27 (Permission for land excavation)), Article 55
Paragraph 1, Article 57 Paragraph 1, Article 58-4 Paragraph 1 or Article 58-6 Paragraph 1 of the River Law or
Article 16-3 Paragraph 1 or Article 16-8 Paragraph 1 of the Government Ordinance has been granted, only the
documents describing said change need to be attached.
3

In the case of application for permission for a change provided for in the preceding paragraph, a writing

describing the change and the reason for that change shall be attached to the application.
4

Besides in the cases stipulated in Paragraphs 1 and 2, in the case where attaching all attachments is deemed

not necessary because the act for which permission under Articles 23 to 27, Article 55 Paragraph 1, Article 57
Paragraph 1, Article 58-4 Paragraph 1 or Article 58-6 Paragraph 1 of the River Law or Article 16-3 Paragraph 1
or Article 16-8 Paragraph 1 of the Government Ordinance needs to be obtained is minor or for other reasons, thecorresponding part of said attachments may be excluded from the attachments.
[Moc 23-4]

MOC Ordinance Article 41 (Routing of application for permission, etc.)

All applications for permission, approval, acceptance inspection or ruling and notice or submission of opinion(including notice or submission of opinion to the Minister of Construction acting on behalf of the Governor of
Okinawa under the provisions of Article 7 Paragraph 3 of the Special Measures Law for Development of
Okinawa) to the Minister of Construction or the director-general of a regional construction bureau or the
Director-General of the Hokkaido Development Bureau shall be routed through the office concerned or the headof the office concerned of the Okinawa General Bureau provided for in Article 10 Paragraph 1 of the Okinawa
Development Bureau Establishment Law (Law No. 29, 1972).

-E42-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Note 23-5]

Use of river water, occupancy of land (Article 24 of the River Law) and the taking of earth, stones,

etc., from riparian land [Article 25 (Permission for taking earth, stone, etc.) of the River Law] are permitted only
after the river administrator has assessed environmental impact on the river concerned and has grant permission
for such acts because those acts may have adverse effects on the administration of the river concerned and theconservation of the river functions.

River water, earth, stones, etc., and riparian land owned by the riveradministrator and logs and bamboos produced from such land are all common property of the public.

All

persons who wish to use, occupy or take any part of the property, therefore, must pay to the prefectural governor
concerned charges for use of river water, occupancy of land or taking of earth, stones or other river products as
stipulated in Article 32 (Charges for the use of river water, etc.) of the River Law.

These charges for occupancy,

use or taking are to be paid to the prefectural governor concerned instead of the river administrator.

Thissystem was adopted in view of the traditional practice in Japan until the complete revision of the River Law in1965 where prefectural governors governing areas in which rivers are located served as river administrators.
[Note 23-6] Decisions as to the granting of permission for water use must be made after giving consideration tovarious factors including the following: (1) whether or not the proposed water use will have adverse effects inconnection with the prevention of disasters due to floods, storm surges, etc. (basic consideration); (2) whether or
not existing water uses will be affected adversely (basic consideration); (3) contribution to public welfare andreliability; (4) whether or not the planned quantity of river water can be withdrawn in a stable manner in view of
the river regime; (5) whether or not the influences of the planned water use on river uses other than water quantity
are within allowable limits; and (6) whether or not the influence of structures to be constructed, such as diversion
weirs, or construction works themselves on flood control, etc., are small.
[Note 23-7] As mentioned earlier, the periods during which customary water rights are valid are not stipulated,but for other water rights the periods during which they remain valid are usually stipulated by the water use
regulations applied at the time of permitting. The period during which a water use is permitted is in most cases 30
years. Other water rights are usually valid for 10 years.
[Note 23-8] Water rights are extinguished in the event of any of the following:(1) Cancellation of permission in the case where permission has been applied for unlawfully(2) Cancellation of permission because of violation of permitting conditions(3) Expiration of the permitted period(4) Abolishment or disappearance of river(5) Cancellation of permission for a reason associated with public welfare(6) Expropriation of right(7) Abandonment of right[Note 23-9] Water rights are rights that can be acquired by obtaining permission as stipulated in Article 23 of theRiver Law. Under the provision of Article 87 (Transitory measures) of the River Law or Article 20 Paragraph 1 of
the Law for Enforcement of the River Law, it is deemed that permission under Article 23 of the River Law has
been obtained in the following cases:-E43-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(1) It can be deemed, under Article 87 (Transitory measures) of the River Law, that permission under Article
23 of the River Law has been obtained for a preexisting water use for a river to which the River Law is newly
applied.
(2) Permission under the provision of Article 1823-10) of the old River Law had been obtained and it can bedeemed, under the provision of Article 2023-11) Paragraph 1 of the Law for Enforcement of the River Law, that
permission under Article 23 of the River Law has been obtained.
(3) It is deemed, under Article 1123-12) Paragraph 1 of the old Law for Enforcement of the River Law, that aperson who was already using river water when the old River Law was enacted in 1896 obtained permission under
Article 18 of the old River Law and it is deemed, under Article 20 Paragraph 1 of the Law for Enforcement of theRiver Law, that the same person has obtained permission under Article 23 of the River Law. (So-called customarywater right 23-13))[Note 23-10] Old River Law Article 18 (Use of river area or river water)
Any person who is desirous of using a river area or river water shall obtain permission from thecompetent local administrative agency.
[Note 23-11] Law for Enforcement of the River Law Article 20 (Transitory measures associated with disposition,
proceedings, etc.)
Except in the cases provided for in Article 3 (Transitory measures associated with the river area) and
Articles 12 (Transitory measures associated with operating rules) to 16 (Transitory measures associated withcompensation for losses due to disposition under the old River Law), all dispositions (including dispositions thatare deemed, under the provision of Article 11 Paragraph 1 of the Regulations for Enforcement of the River Law,
to have been permitted under the old River Law or orders thereunder), proceedings and other acts carried out
under the old River Law or orders thereunder before the enforcement of the new River Law shall be deemed tohave been carried out under the new law. That part of a measure or measures, however, that was permitted under
the conditions imposed by the old River Law and that violates the provision of Article 90 Paragraph 2 of the new
River Law shall lose effect.
2

Under the provision of the foregoing paragraph, the provision of Article 88 (Notification by de facto

permittees) of the new River Law shall apply mutatis mutandis to any de facto permittee under any of Article 23(Permission for river water use) to Article 27 (Permission for land excavation) of the new River Law who is
specified in the Government Ordinance.
[Note 23-12] Regulations for Enforcement of the old River Law Article 11
All matters to be permitted under the River Law or orders thereunder that predates the enforcement of
said law or orders, except those matters for which the governor of the prefecture concerned has required that
permission be obtained within three months from the date of enforcement, shall be deemed to have been permitted
under said law or orders thereunder.

-E44-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Note 23-13] Customary water rights, which predate the modern river administration, have a number of problems:(1) Water quantity is often stipulated in terms of maximum water usage, and in most cases that water quantity is
the maximum intake capacity of the facilities concerned. The quantitiy of water actually needed and the time ofintake are unclear.
(2) Since the permitted period of use for customary water rights, unlike that for water rights under Article 23 of
the River Law, is not stipulated clearly, customary water rights cannot be reviewed at the time of permit renewal.
(3) Since the conditions imposed on the permission for water rights under Article 23 of the River Law, such asreporting of the quantity of water intake, do not apply to customary water rights, records that are needed to checkif a more than necessary quantity of water is being taken are not available.

(Permission for Land Occupancy ) 24-1)
Article 24.
Any person who intends to occupy land within a river zone (excluding land
administered by a person other than the river administrator on the basis of his title; hereinafter
the same in the following article) shall obtain the permission of the river administrator as may
be provided for in detail by Ministry of Construction Ordinance 24-2).
[Note 24-1]

Land within a river zone, except portions of it that are owned privately, is state-owned land,no one is allowed to use that land without obtaining permission from the river administrator. Needless tosay, use of land within a river zone must be made in accordance with the provisions of the River Law.

In

addition, use of land that is common property of the public is limited to certain categories of use forpurposes that contribute greatly to the public welfare and interest. As a consequence of the effort during thepost-war food-shortage years to make utmost use of land in river areas as rice paddies and upland fields,
there still remain considerable areas of land which are still in use as farmland. Article 32 (Charges for theuse of river water, etc.) of the River Law requires that any person who wishes to occupy land in a rive zone
pay to the prefectural governor concerned charges for the use of the land.
[Moc 24-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 12 (Application for permission for occupancy of land)

Application for permission provided for in Article 24 (Permission for land occupancy ) of the River Law(excluding permission for water use and permission for construction or reconstruction of structures for which
permission under Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures) Paragraph 1 of the River Law must be
obtained) shall made by submitting one original of an application on Form 8 (A) and (B-2) attached hereto and its
copies in the number specified in Table 2 attached hereto.
2

Attachments to the application stipulated in the preceding paragraph shall consist of the following:(1) Document outlining the plan for the project involving the occupancy of land;(2) 1/50,000-scale location map;
(3) Surveyed plan;-E45-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(4) Area calculations and survey plat;(5) In the case where permission, approval or other disposition by other administrative agencies must be
received, a writing indicating that said permission, approval or other disposition has been received or awriting concerning the likelihood of receiving said permission, approval or other disposition;(6) Documents describing other relevant information.
[Moc 24-3]

MOC Ordinance Article 15 (Application for permission for construction of structures, etc.)

Application for permission under Article 24 (Permission for land occupancy ) or Article 26 (Permission for
construction of structures) Paragraph 1 of the River Law (excluding permission for water use and permission
under Article 24 (Permission for land occupancy ) of the River Law for construction or reconstruction of astructure for which obtaining permission under Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures) Paragraph 1of the River Law is not necessary) shall be made by submitting one original of an application on Form 8 (A) and(B-4) and its copies in the number specified in Table 2 attached hereto.
2

Attachments to the application stipulated in the preceding paragraph shall consist of the following:(1) Document outlining the plan for the project involving construction, etc.;(2) 1/50,000-scale location map;
(3) Surveyed plan of the land concerned with the construction or reconstruction of the structure;(4) Design drawing of the structure (or, in the case of removal of a structure, structural drawing of thestructure);(5) Documents describing the method of executing the works;(6) Area calculations and survey plat of the land to be occupied;(7) In the case of construction, etc., on land that a person other than the river administrator administers on
the basis of his title or reconstruction or removal of a structure that a person other than the riveradministrator administers on the basis of his title, a writing indicating that the applicant holds or can bereasonably expected to acquire the title to carry out said construction, etc.;(8) In the case where it is necessary to receive permission, approval or other disposition by otheradministrative agencies in connection with an act or project involving construction, etc., a writing
indicating that the applicant has received such disposition or explaining the likelihood of receiving suchdisposition;(9) Documents describing other relevant information.

[Note 24-4]

For information concerning permission under Article 11 (Application for permission for water use),

Article 39 (Simultaneous application for permission), Article 40 (Omission of appendices to application, Etc.)
and Article 41 (Routing of application for permission, etc.) of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance, see Note21-3 to Article 21 of the River Law.

-E46-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(Permission for Taking Earth, Stone, etc.)
Article 25.
Any person who intends to take earth and stone (including sand; hereinafter thesame) from the land within a river zone shall obtain the permission of the river administrator
as may be provided for in detail by Ministry of Construction Ordinance 25-1). The same shallapply to any person who intends to take such products of a river other than earth and stone as
may be designated by Government Ordinance 25-2) 25-3) from the land within a river zone.
[Moc 25-1]

MOC Ordinance Article 13 (Application for permission for the taking of river products)

Application for permission under Article 25 or Article 27 (Permission for land excavation) Paragraph 1 of theRiver Law concerning the taking of earth, stone or other river products (excluding permission associated withland administered by a person other than the river administrator on the basis of his title) shall be made bysubmitting one original of an application on Form 8 (A) and (B-3) attached hereto and its copies in the number
specified in Table 2 attached hereto.
2

Attachments to the application stipulated in the preceding paragraph shall consist of the following:(1) Document outlining the plan for the project involving the taking of river products;(2) 1/50,000-scale location map of the land concerned with the taking of river products;(3) Surveyed plan of the land concerned with the taking of river products;(4) In the case of the taking of earth and stone, a surveyed longitudinal section and a surveyed cross section of
the land concerned with said taking that show the planned ground surface associated with said taking;(5) Document outlining the influence of the taking of river products on other projects and measures to betaken in connection with such influence;(6) In the case where it is necessary to receive permission, approval or other disposition by otheradministrative agencies with respect to an act or project associated with the taking of river products, awriting indicating that the applicant has received such disposition or explaining the likelihood of receivingsuch disposition;(7) Documents describing other relevant information.

[Note 25-2]

For information on Article 39 (Simultaneous application for permission), Article 40 (Omission of

appendices to application, etc.) and Article 41 (Routing of application for permission, etc.) of the Ministry ofConstruction Ordinance, see Note 21-3 to Article 21 (Compensation for loss caused by river works) of the River
Law.
[Gor 25-3]

Government Ordinance Article 15 (River products)

River products specified by the Government Ordinance mentioned in Article 25 (Permission for taking earth,stone, etc.) of the River Law shall be logs, bamboo, reeds and the like specified in the Ministry of Construction
Ordinance 79-3).

-E47-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Moc 25-4]

MOC Ordinance Article 14 (River products)

River products stipulated in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance mentioned in Article 15 of the Government
Ordinance shall be buried trees, bamboo grass, water shield and others designated by the river administrator.
2

In the case where the river administrator designates river products as stipulated in the preceding paragraph,he shall make public notification on said designation via the Official Gazette if by the Minister of Construction ora gazette of the prefecture concerned if by a prefectural governor. A comparable rule shall apply to alteration orcancellation of such designation.

(Permission for Construction of Structures)
Article 26.
Any person who intends to construct, reconstruct or remove a structure on the land
within a river zone shall obtain the permission of the river administrator as may be provided
for in detail by Ministry of Construction Ordinance 26-1). The same shall apply to any person
who intends to construct, reconstruct or remove a structure for storing or making stagnate thewater of a river in the sea near the estuary .
2
Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the following acts onland in high standard levee special zones do not require approval as stipulated in thepreceding paragraph.
(1) Construction or reconstruction of structures, including foundation piles etc., stipulated inGovernment Ordinances 26-2) that pose no risk of diminishing the functions of high standard
levees against water permeation.
(2) Construction or reconstruction of above-ground structures or underground structures to adepth stipulated in Government Ordinances 26-3) other than those stipulated in the preceding
item, spillways, drainage and other water channel, and ponds and other water storage facilities
that pose a risk of water seepage.
(3) Removal of above-ground structures or underground structures to depth stipulated inGovernment Ordinances 26-3) and immediate filling in of the land where the structures were
established.
3
In the case where an application for approval has been lodged as stipulated in
Paragraph 1 or consultation have been made as stipulated in Article 95 regarding theconstruction, reconstruction or removal of a structure on land in a high standard levee special
zone, the river administrator must approve the application or settle the discussions provided
the construction, reconstruction or removal of the structure does not pose a risk of impeding
the effectiveness of the area as a high standard levee.
4
The first part of Paragraph 1 of this article is not applicable to the construction,
reconstruction or removal of structures on land within a fluvial woods zone, excluding such

-E48-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

acts on land that is designated by the river administrator as a zone needed for the preservationof river administration facilities (hereinafter, specified fluvial woods zone as referred in thenext paragraph and Article 27-3 26-4) ) .
5
When river administrators intends to designate a specified fluvial woods zone, heshall make a public notification to that effect as stipulated by the Ministry Construction
Ordinance 26-5). The same shall apply for change or abolition of the specified fluvial woods
zone.
(Paragraphs 4 & 5 added by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)[Note 26-1]

For information on Article 11 (Application for permission for water use), Article 39 (Simultaneous

application for permission), Article 40 (Omission of appendices to application, etc.) and Article 41 (Routing of
application for permission, etc.) of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance, see Moc 23-1 to Article 23(Permission for river water use) of the River Law, and for information on Article 15 (Application for permission
for construction of structures, etc.), see Moc 24-3 to Article 24 (Permission for land occupancy ) of the River
Law.
[Gor 26-2]

Government Ordinance Article 15-2 (Structures in high standard levee special zones whose

construction, etc., does not require permission)
Structures stipulated in Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures) Paragraph 2 Item (1) of the River
Law shall be foundation piles, utility poles or other pole-shaped upright structures that do not require excavation
except in the areas where their belowground parts are buried.
[Gor 26-3]

Government Ordinance Article 15-3 (Maximum depth that does not require permission for

construction, etc., of underground structures in high standard levee special zones)
The depth stipulated in the Government Ordinance mentioned in Article 26 (Permission for construction of
structures) Paragraph 2 Item (2) of the River Law shall be 1m.
[Law 26-4]

River Law Article 27 (Permission for land excavation)[Moc 26-5]

MOC Ordinance Article 15-2 (Public notification of designation, etc., of specified fluvial woods

zones)The provisions of Article 2 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance shall apply mutatis mutandis to the
public notification stipulated in Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures) Paragraph 5 of the River
Law.

(Permission for Land Excavation)
Article 27.
A person who seeks to excavate, bank or cut or carry out any other act that alters theshape of land in river zones (excluding acts approved under Paragraph 1 of the precedingarticle) or seeks to plant or cut trees on land in river zones must obtain permission from the-E49-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

river administrator in accordance with provisions in Ministry of Construction Ordinances27-1)~
27-3). This does not apply in the case of minor or simple acts stipulated in Government
Ordinances 27-4).
2
Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, permission as stipulated
in the preceding paragraph is not required for the following acts on land in high standard
levee special zones 27-6).
(1) Land excavation for the purpose of the work stipulated in Paragraph 2 Item (1) of thepreceding article, or land excavation to a depth stipulated in Government Ordinances 27-7)
where the land is to be filled in immediately after excavation.
(2) Banking(3) Acts which will change the shape of the land other than excavation, banking and cutting.
(4) Planting or cutting trees and bamboo.
3
Notwithstanding the provision of the Paragraph 1 ( concerning the specified fluvial
woods zone, Paragraphs 2 and 3 shall be applied ) of this article, the following acts within thefluvial woods zone do not require permission stipulated in the same paragraph.
(1) Excavation of land for construction, reconstruction or removal of structures where the
excavation will be refilled immediately after the work.
(2) Planting of trees and bamboo.
(3) Routine maintenance stipulated in Government Ordinances 27-8).
4
In case it is deemed that a river administration facility or a structure constructed byobtaining the permission of the preceding article will be damaged by land excavation, banking
or cutting on the land within the river zone and cause a serious hindrance to riveradministration, the river administrator shall not give the permission of the preceding
paragraph or enter into the agreement referred to in Article 95 27-9) with respect to specified
land within the river zone which includes the site of the river administration facility
concerned or of the structure concerned.
5
The river administrator shall notify the public of the area referred to in thepreceding paragraph as provided for in detail by Ministry of Construction Ordinance 27-10).
6
The provision of Paragraph 3 of the preceding article shall apply mutatis mutandis
in the case where an application for permission has been lodged as stipulated in Paragraph 1
or consultations have been made as stipulated in Article 95 27-9) regarding the excavation or
cutting of land in a high standard levee special zone.
(Paragraph 3 added by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)[Note 27-1]

For information on Article 11 (Application for permission for water use) of the Ministry ofConstruction Ordinance see Moc 23-1 to Article 23 (Permission for river water use) of the River Law.

-E50-

For

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

information on Article 13 (Application for permission for the taking of river products), see Moc 25-1 to Article
25 of the River Law.
[Moc 27-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 16 (Application for permission for excavation of land, etc.)

Application for permission stipulated in Article 27 (Permission for land excavation) Paragraph 1 of the River
Law (excluding permission for water use and for the taking of river products from land other than the land
administered by a person other than the river administrator on the basis of his title) shall be made by submitting
one original of an application on Form 8 (A) and (B-5) and its copies in the number specified in Table 2 attachedhereto.
2

Attachments to the application stipulated in the preceding paragraph shall consist of the following:(1) Document outlining the plan for the project involving the excavation, etc., of land;(2) 1/50,000-scale location map;
(3) Surveyed plan of the land involved in the excavation, etc., of land;(4) In the case of an act that alters the shape of land, a surveyed longitudinal section and a surveyed crosssection of the land concerned with the act involved that show the planned ground surface associated withsaid act(5) Document outlining the influence of the excavation, etc., of land on other projects and measures to betaken in connection with such influence;(6) In the case of excavation, etc., of land on land that a person other than the river administrator administers
on the basis of his title, a writing indicating that the applicant holds or can be reasonably expected toacquire the title to carry out said excavation, etc., of land;(7) In the case where it is necessary to receive permission, approval or other disposition by otheradministrative agencies in connection with an act or project involving excavation, etc., of land, a writing
indicating that the applicant has received such disposition or explaining the likelihood of receiving suchdisposition;(8) Documents describing other relevant information.

[Note 27-3]

For information on Article 39 (Simultaneous application for permission), Article 40 (Omission of

appendices to application, etc.) and Article 41 (Routing of application for permission, Etc.) of the Ministry ofConstruction Ordinance, see Moc 23-2 to 23-4 concerning Article 23 (Permission for river water use) of theRiver Law.
[Gor 27-4]

Government Ordinance Article 15-4 (Excavation, etc., of land in a river zone that does not require

permission)
Minor or simple acts stipulated in the proviso of Article 27 (Permission for land excavation) Paragraph 1 of theRiver Law shall be the following:(1) Tilling on land 10m or more (in the case of a diversion facility or drainage facility for which a different
distance has been specified by the river administrator in view of the structure of the river administration
facility, topography, geology or other conditions, the distance specified by the river administrator) away

-E51-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

from the site of a river administration facility;(2) Removal of sediment, etc., accumulated at intakes or drain holes to maintain the functions of intake
facilities or drainage facilities constructed with permission stipulated in Article 26 (Permission for
construction of structures) Paragraph 1 of the River Law (including facilities that can be deemed, under theprovisions of Article 87 (Transitory measures) or 95 (Special arrangement for use of rivers by the national
government) of the River Law, Article 20 Paragraph 1 of the Law for Enforcement of the River Law or
Article 27 (Permission for land excavation) Paragraph 1 of the Gravel Gathering Law, to have been
granted permission stipulated in Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures) Paragraph 1 of theRiver Law);(3) Cutting of trees or bamboos on land outside areas that have been designated by the river administrator as
areas where protection of the existing functions of trees and bamboos for flood control or water utilization
is deemed necessary in view of the topography, geology, the conditions of existing river administration
facilities or other facilities or other conditions (limited to areas on the waterside of the levee stipulated in
Article 6 (The river zone) Paragraph 1 Item (3) of the River Law) or outside fluvial woods zones;(4) In addition to the acts listed in the preceding paragraph, acts that the administrator designates as having
only minor influence on flood control and water utilization.
2

In the case where the river administrator make designations under the provisions of the preceding

paragraph, he shall make public notification in accordance with the provisions of the Ministry of Construction
Ordinance. A comparable rule shall apply to alteration or cancellation of such designation.
[Moc 27-5]

MOC Ordinance Article 17 (Public notification of excavation of land, etc., that does not require

permission)
Public notification of designation as stipulated in Article 15-4 Paragraph 1 Item (1) or Item (2) shall be madevia the Official Gazette if by the Minister of Construction or a gazette of the prefecture concerned if by aprefectural governor.
2

The provisions of Article 2 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance shall apply mutatis mutandis to

public notification of designation provided for in Article 15-4 Paragraph 1 Item (3) of the Government
Ordinance.
[Note 27-6]

For information on high standard levee special zones, see Note 6-1 concerning Article 6 of theRiver Law.
[Gor 27-7]

Government Ordinance Article 15-5 (Maximum depth of excavation on land within high standard

levee special zones)
The maximum depth under the Government Ordinance mentioned in Article 27 (Permission for land
excavation) Paragraph 2 Item (1) of the River Law shall be 1.5m.
[Gor 27-8]

Government Ordinance Article 16 (Routine maintenance in fluvial woods zones that does not

require permission)
Routine maintenance under the Government Ordinance referred to in Article 27 (Permission for land

-E52-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

excavation) Paragraph 3 Item (3) of the River Law shall be the cutting of trees and bamboo listed below.
(1) Routine cutting of trees or bamboo for tending, such as improvement cutting, thinning, trimming, etc.
(2) Cutting of dead standing or fallen trees or bamboo or dangerous trees or bamboo[Law 27-9]

River Law Article 95 (Special arrangement for use of rivers by the national government)[Moc 27-10]

MOC Ordinance Article 18 (Public notification of areas where excavation, etc., of land is not

permitted)
The provisions of Article 2 (Public notification of designation of river zones) shall apply mutatis mutandis to
public notification provided for in Article 27 (Permission for land excavation) Paragraph 5 of the River Law.

(Prohibition, Restrictions and Permission for Floating Down Trees/Bamboo andNavigation of Boat/Ships)
Article 28.
Floating trees and bamboo down a river and the passage of boats and rafts on a river
may be prohibited or restricted, or obtaining permission of the river administrator for suchacts may be made obligatory, to the extent necessary for river administration, by Government
Ordinance 28-1)~28-8) in case of a class A river and by prefectural regulations in case of a class B
river. 28-9)~ 28-11)[Gor 28-1]

Government Ordinance Article 16-2 (Restriction on navigation of boats/ships or rafts on class A

rivers)
The river administrator shall specify the maximum limits of the length, width and height above water surface
or draft of boats/ships and rafts that are allowed to pass through each lock that is a river administration facility
for a class A river (including gates that are river administration facilities for class A rivers designated 28-2) by theriver administrator; hereafter referred to as a "lock" in this article).
2

Any boat/ship or raft whose length, width and height above water surface or draft exceeds the maximum

limits specified by the river administrator for each lock as provided for in the preceding paragraph shall not beallowed to pass the lock concerned.
3

Any boat/ship or raft navigating through a water area or a lock in a river zone of a class A river that theriver administrator designates because he deems it necessary for the purpose of preventing damage to the river, ahindrance to river works or the operation of river administration facilities, or a serious hindrance to other riveruses shall be made to navigate by a method specified by the river administrator.
4

When the river administrator specifies a navigation method as stipulated in the preceding paragraph, heshall take care so as not to cause a hindrance to fishery or other operations that involve the use of a boat/ship orraft.
5

The provisions of Article 15-4 Paragraph 2 shall apply mutatis mutandis to specification under Paragraph 1

or Paragraph 3.

-E53-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Moc 28-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 18-2 (Public notification of specification of gates, etc.)

Public notification of specification under Article 16-2 Paragraph 1 of the Government Ordinance shall be madevia the Official Gazette if by the Minister of Construction or a gazette of the prefecture concerned if by aprefectural governor and by posting the notification at a conspicuous place at or near the gate concerned.
2

The provisions of the preceding paragraph shall apply mutatis mutandis to public notification of

specifications for the maximum limits of the length, width and height above water surface or draft of boats/ships
or rafts provided for in Article 16-2 Paragraph 1 of the Government Ordinance.
3

Public notification of the designation of water bodies provided for in Article 16-2 Paragraph 3 of theGovernment Ordinance shall be made both via the Official Gazette if by the Minister of Construction or a gazetteof the prefecture concerned if by a prefectural governor and by posting the information on the designation in aplace at or near the water body concerned.
4

The provisions of Paragraph 1 shall apply mutatis mutandis to public notification of the specification of themethod of navigation on the water body designated by the river administrator provided for in Article 16-2
Paragraph 2 of the Government Ordinance.
5

Public notification of the specification of the method of navigation through locks provided for in Article

16-2 Paragraph 2 of the Government Ordinance shall be made by posting the information on the specification in aconspicuous place at or near the lock concerned, using a form similar to Form 8, (2), attached hereto.
6

Public notification provided for in the preceding paragraph shall be made at least ten days before thedesignation concerned takes effect unless a serious hindrance to river administration is expected if designation is
not put into effect urgently.
[Moc 28-3]

MOC Ordinance Article 18-4 (Hearing of the opinion of the prefectural public safety commission)

In the case where the river administrator intends to designate a body of water or specify a method of navigation
on a designated body of water under the provisions of Article 16-2 Paragraph 3 of the Government Ordinancefrom the realization of the need for such measures to prevent a serious hindrance to uses of other rivers such as
swimming, fishing or other similar uses or in the case where under the provisions of Article 16-3 Paragraph 1 of
the Government Ordinance the river administrator intends to permit the floating down of logs or bamboos on abody of water where uses of the river such as swimming, fishing or other similar uses are practiced, he shall hear
the opinion of the public safety commission of the prefecture concerned.
[Gor 28-4]

Government Ordinance Article 16-3 (Permission for the floating down of trees/bamboos on class A

rivers)Any person who intends to float down logs or bamboos on a class A river shall obtain the permission of theriver administrator in accordance with the Ministry of Construction Ordinance 28-5) except in the case of thefloating down of logs or bamboos by a method specified by the river administrator on a body of water specified
by the river administrator.
2

The provisions of Article 15-4 Paragraph 2 of the Government Ordinance shall apply mutatis mutandis todesignation under the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

-E54-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Moc 28-5]

MOC Ordinance Article 18-3 (Application for permission for the floating down of trees/bamboos)

Application for permission for the floating down of trees or bamboos provided for in Article 16-3 Paragraph 1of the Government Ordinance shall be made by submitting one original of an application on Form 8 (A) and (B-6)
attached hereto and its copies in the number specified in Table 2 attached hereto.
2

Attachments to the application stipulated in the preceding paragraph shall consist of the following:(1) Document outlining the plan for the floating down of trees or timbers;(2) 1/50,000-scale map showing the river section concerned with the floating down;(3) Document outlining the influence of the floating down of trees or bamboos on other projects and measures
to be taken in connection with such influence;(4) Documents describing other relevant information.

[Moc 28-6]

MOC Ordinance Article 18-5 (Public notification of the floating down of trees/bamboos that does

not require permission)
The provisions of Article 17 Paragraph 1 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance shall apply mutatis
mutandis to public notification of designation provided for in Article 16-3 Paragraph 1 of the Government
Ordinance.
[Note 28-7]

For information on Article 39 (Simultaneous application for permission), Article 40 (Omission of

appendices to application, etc.) and Article 41 (Routing of application for permission, etc.) of the Ministry ofConstruction Ordinance, see Moc 23-2, 23-3, 23-4 to Article 23 (Permission for river water use) of the River
Law.
[Note 28-8]

For information on Article 42 (Procedure for consultation on use of rivers, etc.) of the Ministry ofConstruction Ordinance, see Moc 29-19 to Article 29 of the River Law.
[Gor 28-9]

Government Ordinance Article 16-9 (Succession to status based on permission)

Any general successor, such as an heir, a juridical person established by merger or any other general successor
to a person who has obtained permission provided for in Article 16-3 Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 1 of the precedingarticle shall succeed to the status of the successee granted under these provisions.
2

Any person who has obtained land by transfer from a person who has obtained permission provided for in

Paragraph 1 Item (2) of the preceding article for any of the acts listed in Paragraph 1 Item (2) of the precedingarticle shall succeed to the status based on the permission obtained by the successee.

With respect to use of said

land, a comparable rule shall apply also to any person who has acquired a right to use the land covered by said
permission from the person who obtained said permission by lease or any other means.
3

Any person who has succeeded to a status under the provisions of the preceding paragraph shall notify theriver administrator to that effect within thirty days from the day of succession.
[Moc 28-10]

MOC Ordinance Article 21 (Notification of succession to status based on permission)

Notification provided for in Article 33 (Succession of status) Paragraph 3 of the River Law [including the caseof mutatis mutandis application under Article 55 (Restrictions within the projected river zone) Paragraph 2 andArticle 57 55 (Restrictions within the river conservation zone) Paragraph 3, Article 58-4 (Restrictions within the-E55-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

spatial river conservation zone) Paragraph 2 and Article 58-6 (Restrictions within the projected spatial riverzone) Paragraph 3 of the River Law] or Article 16-9 Paragraph 3 of the Government Ordinance shall be made bysubmitting one original of a notification on Form 11 attached hereto and its copies in the number specified inTable 3 attached hereto.
2

The notification provided for in the preceding paragraph shall be accompanied by a writing indicating thatthe status based on the permission concerned has been taken over and documents describing other relevant
information.
[Note 28-11]

For information on Article 16-11 (Special arrangement for the national government) of theGovernment Ordinance, see Gor 29-18 to Article 29 (Prohibition, restriction and permission for act likely tohinder river administration) of the River Law.

(Prohibition, Restrictions and Permission for Act Likely to Hinder River
Administration)
Article 29.
Unless provided for in any of the articles from 23 through the preceding article 29-1),
acts which are likely to hinder river administration by affecting the course, cleanliness,discharge, width, depth, etc., of the water of a river may be prohibited or restricted, or
obtaining permission of the river administrator for such acts may be made obligatory, by
Government Ordinance 29-2)~ 29-19).
2
Concerning class B rivers, such act stipulated in the preceding paragraph as may be
fixed by Government Ordinance may be prohibited or restricted or obtaining permission of theriver administrator for such acts may be made obligatory, by prefectural regulations.
[Law 29-1]

River Law Article 23 (Permission for river water use), Article 24 (Permission for land occupancy ),Article 25 (Permission for taking earth, stone, etc.), Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures), Article
27 (Permission for land excavation ), Article 28 (Prohibition, restriction and permission for floating down
trees/bamboo and navigation of boats/ships)[Gor 29-2]

Government Ordinance Article 16-4 (Prohibition of acts likely to hinder river administration)

No person may not do any of the following acts without good reason:(1) Causing damage to a river;(2) Dumping earth and stone (including sand; hereafter the same), or trash, excremental matter, bird andanimal corpses or any other filth or wastes on land within a river zone (excluding land within a highstandard levee special zone; the same in the next item and in the items of Article 16-8 Paragraph 1),
excluding acts done in the normal conduct of agriculture, forestry or fishery practiced in a river zone;(3) Bringing into the following areas automobiles or other things specified by the river administrator:(a) Land in a river zone that the river administrator specifically designates in order to protect river-E56-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

administration facilities;(b) Land in a river zone that the river administrator specifically designates in order to conserve plant andanimal habitats.
2

The provisions of Article 15-4 Paragraph of the Government Ordinance shall apply mutatis mutandis todesignation provided for in Item (3) of the preceding paragraph.
[Moc 29-3]

MOC Ordinance Article 18-6 (Public notification of land off-limits to vehicles, etc.)

The provisions of Ministry of Construction Ordinance Article 18-228-2)Paragraphs 3 and 6 shall apply mutatis
mutandis to public notification of areas of land provided for in Article 16-4 Paragraph 1 Item (3) of theGovernment Ordinance, and the provisions of Ministry of Construction Ordinance Article 18-228-2) Paragraphs 1
and 6 shall apply mutatis mutandis to public notification of vehicles, etc., provided for in Article 16-4 Paragraph
1 Item (3) of the Government Ordinance.
[Gor 29-4]

Government Ordinance Article 16-5 (Notification on discharge of sewage)

Any person who intends to discharge 50m3/day or more per river (if the river administrator has specified a
different rate of discharge in consideration of streamflow, usage, etc., then that rate of discharge) of sewage[which refers to wastewater resulting from or associated with daily living or a project (other than farming andfish-rearing projects); hereafter the same] shall notify the river administrator in advance of the matters listed
below in accordance with the Ministry of Construction Ordinance unless permitting or other disposition provided
for in the upper half of the table attached hereto has been received or notification provided for in the upper half ofsaid table has been made in connection with the project concerned, construction, etc., of sewage-discharging
facilities or discharge of sewage.
(1) Name and address.
(2) Classification and name of the river into which sewage is to be discharged.
(3) Point of discharge.
(4) Method and period of discharge of sewage.
(5) Quantity of sewage to be discharge.
(6) Quality of sewage to be discharged.
(7) Method of treatment of sewage to be discharged.
2

Should any of the matters stipulated in Item (1) of the preceding paragraph or any of the matters stipulated

in Items 3 through 7 has been changed or should the discharge of sewage concerned have been terminated, theperson who has made notification provided for in the preceding paragraph shall notify the river administrator tothat effect without delay.

The provisions of the proviso in the preceding paragraph shall apply mutatis mutandis

in this case.
3

An administrative agency that has executed permitting or other dispositions listed in the upper half of thetable attached hereto, accepted notification stipulated in the upper half of said table or executed ordering or otherdispositions (limited to dispositions related to the discharge of sewage) listed in the lower half of said table inconnection with any of the matters stipulated in the proviso of Paragraph 1, the agency shall notify of the river-E57-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

administrator to that effect without delay.
4

The provisions of Government Ordinance Article 15-4 Paragraph 2 shall apply mutatis mutandis tospecification under the provisions of Paragraph 1.
[Moc 29-5]

MOC Ordinance Article 18-7 (Notification on discharge of sewage)

Notification provided for in Article 16-5 Paragraph 1 of the Government Ordinance shall be made bysubmitting one original of a notification on Form 8-3 attached hereto and its copies in the number specified inTable 2 attached hereto.
2

The notification provided for in the preceding paragraph shall be accompanied by a 1/50,000-scale location

map and an outline map showing the sewage discharge route (including sewage treatment system).
[Moc 29-6]

MOC Ordinance Article 18-8 (Public notification of specification of the quantity of sewage

requiring discharge notification)
The provisions of Article 17 27-5) Paragraph 1 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance shall apply mutatis
mutandis to public notification of specification provided for in Article 16-5 Paragraph 1 of the Government
Ordinance.
[Moc 29-7]

MOC Ordinance Article 18-9 (Disposition, etc., categorized as disposition, etc., listed in Items (1)through (9) in the table attached to the Government Ordinance)
Disposition or notification provided for in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance mentioned in the upper halfof Item (11) in the table attached to the Government Ordinance shall be the following:(1) Notification under the provisions of Article 6 Paragraph 3 or Article 18 Paragraph 3 (including Article 87
Paragraph 1 applied mutatis mutandis) of the Building Standard Law (Government Ordinance No. 326,
1948);(2) Permission under the provisions of Article 7 Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Law (Law No. 205,
1948) or notification under the provisions of Article 9 Paragraph 1 of said law or Article 4 Paragraph 1 of
the Medical Service Law Enforcement Ordinance (Government Ordinance No. 326, 1948) regarding
hospitals (including approval or notification regarding national hospitals as provided for by replacing
words and phrases under the provisions of Article 1 or Article 4-4 of the Medical Service Law
Enforcement Ordinance).
2

Dispositions provided for in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance referred to in the lower half of Item

(11) of in the table attached hereto shall be the following:(1) Order under the provisions of Article 9 Paragraph 1 or Article 10 Paragraph 1 of the Building Standard
Law or request under the provisions of Article 18 Paragraph 9 of said law regarding septic tanks;(2) Order under Article 24 Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Law (including suggestions regarding national
hospitals as read mutatis mutandis under the provisions of Article 1 of the Medical Service Law
Enforcement Ordinance) or revocation or order under the provisions of Article 29 Paragraph 1 of said law.

-E58-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Gor 29-8]

Government Ordinance Article 16-6 (Emergency measures)

In the case where unusual drought, etc., has caused river pollution to the extent of threatening to cause serious
hindrance to river administration, the river administrator shall notify the administrative agencies concerned, thelocal public bodies concerned and the river users concerned whose interests are thought to be affected (riverusers concerned provided for in Article 38 of the River Law) to that effect.
2

In the case provided for in the preceding paragraph, the river administrator may, to the extent necessary to

remove such hindrance, order any person who discharges sewage into the river to reduce sewage discharges,
suspend the discharge of sewage temporarily or take other necessary measures.
[Gor 29-9] Government Ordinance Article 16-7 (Measures concerning boats/ships or rafts in time of flood, etc.)
In the case where it is deemed that a flood or high tide may occur, the owners, managers or possessors of allboats/ships, rafts, logs and bamboos, and the like he shall within the river zone shall take necessary measures,
including but not limited to mooring the objects concerned, to prevent such objects from being washed away by
the flood or high tide.
[Gor 29-10]

Government Ordinance Article 16-8 (Permission for acts likely to hinder river administration)

Any person who intends to do any of the acts listed below, excluding acts necessary for daily living, acts
generally practiced for agriculture or fishery and acts designated by the river administrator as being acts
necessary for business, etc., shall obtain the permission of the river administrator in accordance with the Ministryof Construction Ordinance.
(1) Washing objects to which soil, filth, dyes or other matter that may contaminate the flowing water of a riveris attached on land within a river zone;(2) Accumulating or installing earth, stone, logs, bamboos or other objects on land within a river zone.
2

The provisions of Article 15-4 Paragraph 2 shall apply mutatis mutandis to designation under theprovisions of the preceding paragraph.
[Moc 29-11]

MOC Ordinance Article 18-10 (Application for permission for acts likely to hinder riveradministration)
Application for permission provided for in Article 16-8 Paragraph 1 of the Government Ordinance shall bemade by submitting one original of an application on Form 8 (A) and (B-7) for an act falling within a category
provided for in Item (1) of said paragraph or Form 8, (A) and (B-8), for an act falling within a category provided
for in Item (2) of said paragraph and its copies in the number specified in Table 2 attached hereto.
2

The application provided for in the preceding paragraph shall be accompanied by the following documents:(1) Document outlining the plan for the project concerning the washing or deposition of objects, etc.;(2) 1/50,000-scale location map;
(3) In the case of an act involving accumulation or installation of objects, surveyed plan of the land
concerned with the act concerned;(4) In the case where a person other than the river administrator accumulates or installs objects on land
administered on the basis of his title, a writing indicating that the applicant holds or can be reasonably-E59-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

expected to acquire the title to carry out said excavation, etc., of land;(5) Document outlining the influence of the washing or deposition of objects, etc., on other projects andmeasures to be taken in connection with such influence;(6) Documents describing other relevant information.
[Moc 29-12]

MOC Ordinance Article 18-11 (Public notification on the washing or deposition of objects, etc.,that does not require permission)
The provisions of MOC Ordinance Article 17 27-5) Paragraph 1 shall apply mutatis mutandis to public
notification of designation of acts provided for in Article 16-8 Paragraph 1 of the Government Ordinance.
[Moc 29-13]

MOC Ordinance Article 18-12 (Notification on sewage discharge occurring at the time ofdesignation of a class A river, etc.)
The provisions of MOC Ordinance Article 18-7 29-5) shall apply mutatis mutandis to notification provided for in
Article 16-10 Paragraph 2 of the Government Ordinance.
[Moc 29-14]

MOC Ordinance Article 21 (Notification of succession to status based on permission)

Notification provided for in Article 33 (Succession of status) Paragraph 3 of the River Law [including the caseof mutatis mutandis application under Article 55 (Restrictions within the river conservation zone) Paragraph 2,
Article 57 (Restrictions within the projected river zone) Paragraph 3, Article 58-4 (Restrictions within the spatial
river zone) Paragraph 2 and Article 58-6 (Restrictions within the projected spatial river zone) Paragraph 3 of theRiver Law]

or Article 16-9 Paragraph 3 of the Government Ordinance shall be made by submitting one original ofa notification on Form 11 attached hereto and its copies in the number specified in Table 3 attached hereto.
2

The notification provided for in the preceding paragraph shall be accompanied by a writing indicating thatthe status based on the permission concerned has been taken over and documents describing other relevant
information.
[Note 29-15]

For information on Articles 39, 40 and 41 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance, see Moc

23-2, 23-3, 23-4 to Article 23 (Permission for river water use) of the River Law.
[Gor 29-16]

Government Ordinance Article 16-9 (Succession to status based on permission)

Any general successor, such as an heir, a juridical person established by merger or any other general successor
to a person who has obtained permission provided for in Article 16-3 Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 1 of thepreceding article shall succeed to the status of the successee granted under these provisions.
2

Any person who has obtained land by transfer from a person who has obtained permission provided for in

Paragraph 1 Item (2) of the preceding article for any of the acts listed in Paragraph 1 Item (2) of the precedingarticle shall succeed to the status under the permission obtained by the successee.

With respect to use of said

land, a comparable rule shall apply also to any person who has acquired a right to use the land covered by said
permission from the person who obtained said permission by lease or any other means.
3

Any person who has succeeded to a status under the provisions of the preceding paragraph shall notify theriver administrator to that effect within thirty days from the day of succession.

-E60-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Gor 29-17]

Government Ordinance Article 16-10 (Interim measures)

Any person who is actually doing an act that requires permission under the provisions of Article 16-3
Paragraph 1 and Article 16-8 Paragraph 1 on the basis of his title at the time of designation of a class A river, aclass B river or a river zone shall be deemed to have been granted permission under such provisions under theconditions same as heretofore.
2

Any person who is actually doing an act that requires notification under the provisions of Article 16-5

Paragraph 1 at the time of designation of a class A river or a class B river shall notify the river administrator of
the matters listed in said paragraph in accordance with the Ministry of Construction Ordinance within two months
from the date of designation.

The provisions of the proviso of said paragraph shall apply mutatis mutandis in

this case.
[Gor 29-18]

Government Ordinance Article 16-11 (Special arrangement for the national government)

With respect to application of the provisions of Article 16-3 Paragraph 1 and Article 16-8 Paragraph 1 of theGovernment Ordinance to national projects, permission under these provisions shall be deemed to have beenobtained when agreement is reached as a result of consultation between the national government and the riveradministrator.
[Moc 29-19]

MOC Ordinance Article 42 (Procedure for consultation on river use, etc.)

Consultation provided for in Article 95 (Special arrangement for use of rivers by the national government) of
the River Law or Article 16-11 of the Government Ordinance shall be made by following a procedure similar tothe procedure for permission or approval.

(Use of Permitted Structures)
Article 30.
A person who constructs or reconstructs a dam or other structure stipulated inGovernment Ordinances 30-1) with permission as stipulated in Article 26 30-2) Paragraph 1 may
use the said structure only after it has been subject to and passed a completion check by theriver administrator.
2
Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, under special
circumstances and needs, the person stipulated in the preceding paragraph may use part of thesaid structure, before completion, with approval from the river administrator 30-3)~ 30-5).
[Gor 30-1]

Government Ordinance Article 17 (Structures subject to acceptance inspection)

Structures provided for in Article 30(Use of permitted structures)

Paragraph 1 of the River Law shall be oneof the following:(1) Dams defined in Article 44 (Maintenance of the existing functions of a river) Paragraph 1 of the River
Law;(2) Structure (joint use structure) that also serves as a river administration facility;-E61-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(3) Structure whose construction involves the cutting of a levee(s).
[Law 30-2]

River Law Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures)[Moc 30-3]

MOC Ordinance Article 19 (Application for acceptance inspection)

Application provided for in Article 30 (Use of permitted structures) Paragraph 1 of the River Law shall bemade by submitting one original of an application and its copies in the number specified in Table 3 attachedhereto.
2

The application provided in the preceding paragraph shall be accompanied by documents indicating thefollowing information:(1) Planned date of commencement of use of the structure;(2) Present condition of other works related to the works for structure;(3) Present condition of implementation of measures provided for in Article 11 Paragraph 2 Item (1) (b);(4) In the case of a dam provided for in Article 44 (Maintenance of the existing functions of a river)Paragraph

1 of the River Law, the present condition of implementation of measures provided for in Article 11
Paragraph 2 Item (1) (e);(5) Other relevant information.
[Moc 30-4]

MOC Ordinance Article 41 (Routing of application for permission, etc.)

See Note 23-4 to Article 23 (Permission for river water use) of the River Law.
[Moc 30-5]

MOC Ordinance Article 20 (Application for use of part of a permitted structure)

Application for approval provided for in Article 30 (Use of permitted structures) Paragraph 2 of the River Law
shall be made by submitting one original of an application on Form 10 attached hereto and its copies in thenumber specified in Table 3 attached hereto.
2

The application provided for in the preceding paragraph shall be accompanied by the following:(1) Design drawing of the structure on which the part to be used is shown in red;
(2) Documents describing the following:(a) Present condition of implementation of the works for the structure;(b) Special circumstances as stipulated in Article 30 (Use of permitted structures) Paragraph 2 of the River
Law;(c) Planned date of commencement of use of the part of the structure;(d) Plan for use of part of other structures;
In the case of a dam as stipulated in Article 44 (Maintenance of the existing functions of a river)Paragraph 1 of the River Law, at least the maximum water level, reservoir area, maximum water depth
and effective water depth, total storage and effective storage and maximum intake (and, in the case of
a dam for power generation, normal intake rate, gross head and effective head, maximum theoreticalwater power and firm theoretical water power, and maximum capacity, firm capacity and firm peakcapacity) shall be indicated.

Other conditions such as obligatory discharge, if any, shall also be

indicated.

-E62-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(e) Information listed in Paragraph 2 Items 2 to 4 of the preceding article;(f) Other relevant information.

(Restoration Orders) 31-1)
Article 31.
In the event that a person who has established a structure with approval as stipulated
in Article 26 31-2) Paragraph 1 discontinues the use of the said structure, the person must
immediately give notice to that effect to the river administrator.
2
When the river administrator who has received the notification of the preceding
paragraph deems it necessary for river administration, he may order removal of the structure
built with the permission concerned, restoration of the river to the original state and taking ofother measures necessary for river administration.
[Note 31-1]

Structures constructed in a river zone may obstruct river flow.

Construction of such structures isstrictly restricted and is permitted on condition that appropriate maintenance is carried out. As a rule, therefore,
persons who constructed facilities that have fallen into disuse are required to remove them on their own
responsibility.
[Law 31-2]

River Law Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures)(Charges for the Use of River Water etc.) 32-1)
Article 32.
The prefectural governor may collect charges for use of river water, charges foroccupancy of land, charges for taking earth and stone and charges for taking other riverproducts (hereinafter referred to as charges for use of river water etc.) from the persons who
have received the permission of Article 23, Article 24 or Article 25 32-2) with respect to therivers located in the area of the prefecture concerned.
2
The standards for the amounts of the charges for use of river water etc. and thenecessary matters concerning their collection shall be fixed by Government Ordinance 32-3).
3
The charges for use of river water etc. shall be made a revenue of the prefecture
concerned.
4
When the Minister of Construction has given the permission of Article 23, Article
24 or Article 25, he shall without delay make notification of the permission concerned and thematters involved to the prefectural governor who governs the prefecture where the river which
the permission concerns is located. The same shall apply to the case where an official action
under the provision of Article 75 has been made with respect to the permission concerned.

-E63-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Note 32-1]

As mentioned in Note 9-1 to Article 9 of the River Law, until the July 1964 revision of the River

Law, river administration had been under the jurisdiction of the governor of the prefecture concerned.
from rivers, therefore, had been regarded as a revenue of the prefecture concerned.

Revenue

When the River Law was

reviewed for revision, some people were of the opinion that revenue from class A rivers should be made arevenue of the national government.

Because of strong opposition from prefectures, however, the traditional

practice of making revenue from class A rivers a national revenue was retained. With regard to the complete
revision of the River Law in 1964, a March 1965 Vice-Minister of Construction notification stated that (1) nocharges were to be collected for use of river water in connection with national projects (e.g., national irrigation
projects) and (2) charges for use of river water, etc. (including use of land) , for road projects, public projects for
power generation, domestic and industrial water supply projects, irrigation, and construction of local railways
and railway tracks were to be written off or reduced. As a result, charges for most of the uses of river water inagriculture, which account for a considerable percentage of river water and river land uses are now exempted or
reduced.

As shown below, large portion of the revenue from charges for use of river water, etc. consist of

charges to the hydropower generation.

In determining unit prices of charges for use of river water for the

purpose of hydroelectric power generation, all prefectures apply the upper limits announced by the Ministry ofConstruction.
Charges collected for use of river water (fiscal year 1994)
Power generation¥26,031,827,057

Drinking water supply¥13,757,838

Mining and industrial water supply¥884,937,845

Others¥58,039,678

Total¥26,988,562,427[Law 32-2]

River Law Article 23 (Permission for river water use), Article 24 (Permission for land occupancy),

Article 25 (Permission for taking earth, stone, etc.)[Gor 32-3]

Government Ordinance Article 18 (Standards for the amounts of the charges for use of river water,etc.)
The standards for the amounts of the charges for use of river water, etc., provided for in Article 32 Paragraph 1of the River Law must be as follows:(1) The amounts of the charges for use of river water, etc., shall be fair and reasonable for the purpose andmanner of use or occupancy of river water or land or the taking of earth, stone, etc., (hereinafter referred toas "use of river water, etc.");(2) The amounts of the charges for use of river water, etc., shall be such that proper and rational operationand management of public utilities associated with use of river water, etc., are not hindered;(3) In the case of use of river water, etc., for power generation, the amounts of the charges for use of riverwater, etc., shall be within the limits that the Minister of Construction determines in consideration of theexpenses for river administration, the influence of use of river water, etc., on river administration, the-E64-THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

manner of river use, etc.
2

Collection of charges for use of river water, etc., provided for in Article 32 Paragraph 1 of the River Law

shall be made as follows:(1) In the case where the period of use of river water, etc., extends into the fiscal year or years following the
fiscal year in which the day on which permission for use of river water, etc., provided for in Articles 23 to
25 is granted belongs, charges for use of river water, etc., for the following year or years shall be collectedin such a manner that the charges for use of river water, etc., for one fiscal year is collected within that
fiscal year.
(2) With respect to permission provided for in Articles 23 to 25 of the River Law, in the event of any changeof the period during which use of river water, etc., is permitted or other matters on which the calculation of
the charge for use of river water, etc., was based either as a result of an application from the person who
has been granted permission or as a result of disposition provided for in Article 75 Paragraph 2 of theRiver Law, the charge for use of river water, etc., shall be altered accordingly. Should the amount of thecharge for use of river water, etc., that has already been paid exceeds the altered amount of the charge foruse of river water, etc., the excess amount shall be returned.
(3) In the case of water use in areas extending over two or more prefectures, the amount of charges for use ofriver water, etc., to be collected in each prefecture shall be determined by the governors of the prefecturesconcerned after mutual consultation.
[Note 32-4] As in the case of charges for use of river water, the power to set unit prices of charges for use of land
rests with the prefectural government. Different unit prices have been set for agricultural lands such as ricepaddies, upland fields and meadows and for other types of land such as the lands on which to build dams, weirs,
railways or other structures and lands for uses such as golf courses and driving schools. Unit prices vary widely
among prefectures. The charges collected for use of river water in fiscal year 1994 amounted to ¥5,714,722,345.
[Note 32-5] Major types of earth materials taken from rivers include sand, gravel and boulders for use as
construction materials. Non-earth materials taken from rivers include common reeds, Chinese silver grass,bamboos and timber. The total amounts of charges collected for use of earth and non-earth materials taken fromrivers in fiscal year 1992 were as follows:
Charges for use of earth materials
Charges for use of non-earth materials
Total¥2,530,512,626¥60,232,954¥2,590,745,580(Succession to Status)
Article 33.
The heir, juridical person established by merger or other general business successor
succeeding to the business of a person who obtained the permission of Article 23, Article 24,
Article 25, Article 26 or Article 27 33-1) shall succeed to the status under the permission of any-E65-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by articleof the said articles held by the person succeeded to.
2
A person whom a structure, land or trees that have received approval under Article
26 Paragraph 1 or Article 27 Paragraph 1, or land on which a structure is to be constructed ortrees are to be planted with the said approval (hereinafter referred to as approved structureetc.) is transferred from the person who obtained the said approval shall succeed to the rights
and privileges afforded by the said approval that were held by the person who obtained thesaid approval. This shall also apply with respect to a person who obtains the right to use anapproved structure etc. through lease or other means from the person who obtained the said
approval.
3
Any person who has succeeded to a status in accordance with the provisions of thepreceding two paragraphs shall notify the river administrator to that effect within thirty days
from the day of succession. 33-2)[Law 33-1]

River Law Article 23 (Permission for river water use), Article 24 (Permission for land occupancy),

Article 25 (Permission for taking earth, stone, etc.), Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures), Article
27 (Permission for land excavation)[Moc 33-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 21 (Notification of succession to status based on permission)

Notification provided for in Article 33 (Succession of status) Paragraph 3 of the River Law (including the caseof mutatis mutandis application under Article 55 (Restrictions within the river conservation zone) Paragraph 2,
Article 57 (Restrictions within the projected river zone)
spatial river conservation zone)

Paragraph 3, Article 58-4

(Restrictions within the

Paragraph 2 and Article 58-6 (Restrictions within the projected spatial riverzone) Paragraph 3 of the River Law) or Article 16-9 Paragraph 3 of the Government Ordinance shall be made bysubmitting one original of a notification on Form 11 attached hereto and its copies in the number specified inTable 3 attached hereto.
2

The notification provided for in the preceding paragraph shall be accompanied by a writing indicating thatthe status based on the permission concerned has been taken over and documents describing other relevant
information.

(Transfer of Rights)
Article 34.
No right based on the permission of Article 23, Article 24 or Article 25 34-1) shall betransferred without obtaining the approval of the river administrator. 34-2) 34-3)
2
A person who has obtained by transfer a right based on the permission referred to in
the preceding paragraph shall succeed to such status based on the permission as was held by
the transferor.

-E66-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Law 34-1]

River Law Article 23 (Permission for river water use), Article 24 (Permission for land occupancy),

Article 25 (Permission for taking earth, stone, etc.)[Moc 34-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 22 (Application for approval for transfer of rights)

Application for approval provided for in Article 34 (Transfer of rights) Paragraph 1 of the River Law shall bemade by submitting one original of an application on Form 12 attached hereto and its copies in the number
specified in Table 3 attached hereto.
2

The application provided for in the preceding paragraph shall be accompanied by the following:(1) Writing indicating the intention of the person concerned regarding the transfer;(2) Writing indicating the reason for the transfer and the planned date of transfer;(3) Document outlining the plan for the project of the transferee;(4) Documents describing other relevant information.

[Moc 34-3]

MOC Ordinance Article 41 (Routing of application for approval, etc.)

See Note 23-4 to Article 23 (Permission for river water use) of the River Law.

(Consultation with the Concerned Administrative Organizations) 35-1)
Article 35.
In the case where there is an application for approval as stipulated in Article 23,
Article 24 or Article 26 35-2) Paragraph 1, or authorization as stipulated in Paragraph 1 of thepreceding article with regard to water use (exclusive use of river water, or construction orreconstruction of a structure stipulated in Article 26 Paragraph 1 for the exclusive use of riverwater; hereinafter the same), the Minister of Construction must consult with the heads ofconcerned administrative organizations 35-1) when dealing with the application with the
exception of the case where the application is in regard to the exclusive use of river water
stipulated in Government Ordinances 35-4). This shall also apply when the Minister ofConstruction deals with applications for approval under these provisions in accordance withthe provisions of Article 75 35-5), or deals with an application lodged by a prefectural governor
under Article 79 35-6) Paragraph 2 Item (4).
2
When the Minister of Construction intends to give the permission of Article 27 35-7)
Paragraph 1, if there is an enterprise which will be markedly affected by the act for which thepermission is given, he shall consult with the head of the administrative organ having
supervision over the enterprise concerned.
[Note 35-1]

Water use provided for in Article 35 (Consultation with concerned administrative organizations)Paragraph 1 of the River Law is closely connected with electric power services, industrial water supply services(both under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry), water supply services (Ministryof Health and Welfare) and irrigation water services (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries).

-E67-

In

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

implementing its projects involving water use, which is under the jurisdiction of more than one ministry, theMinistry of Construction is placed under the supervision of the competent ministry.

When taking actions such as

granting permission for a large-scale water use project, therefore, the Minister of Construction is required toconsult with the head of the administrative organization responsible for the project.
[Law 35-2]

River Law Article 23 (Permission for river water use), Article 24 (Permission for land occupancy),

Article 25 (Permission for taking earth, stone, etc.), Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures)[Gor 35-3]

Government Ordinance Article 19 (Water uses that do not require consultation with theadministrative organization heads concerned)
Use of river water provided for in the Government Ordinance mentioned in Article 35 Paragraph 1 of the River
Law shall be water uses other than specified water uses.
[Note 35-4]

For information on specified water uses, see Note 29-1 to Article 9 of the River Law.

[Law 35-5]

River Law Article[Law 35-6]

River Law Article 79 (Approval by the Minister of Construction)[Law 35-7]

River Law Article 27 (Permission for land excavation)

75 (Supervisory measures and orders)(Consultation with the Prefectures and Municipalities) 36-1)
Article 36.
When dealing with an application for approval as stipulated in Article 23, Article 24
or Article 26 36-2) Paragraph 1, or authorization as stipulated in Article 34 36-3) Paragraph 1 withregard to water use, the Minister of Construction must first consult with the concerned
prefectural governor with the exception of the case where the application is in regard to the
exclusive use of river water stipulated in Government Ordinances 36-4) in accordance with theprovisions in the preceding article paragraph 1. This shall also apply when the Minister ofConstruction deals with applications for approval under these provisions in accordance withthe provisions of Article 75 36-5).
2
When giving approval under Article 23 or Article 26 36-2) Paragraph 1 for water use
regarding class B rivers stipulated in Government Ordinances 36-6), prefectural governors mustfirst consult with heads of concerned municipalities.
3
When the Minister of Construction intends to give the permission of Article 27 36-7)
Paragraph 1, if the permission is concerned with an act fixed by Government Ordinance 36-8),
he shall hear the opinion of the prefectural governor concerned in advance.
[Law 36-1]

River Law Article 23 (Permission for river water use), Article 24 (Permission for land occupancy),

Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures)[Law 36-2]

River Law Article 34 (Transfer of rights)-E68-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Note 36-3]

See Note 35-3 to Article 35 (Consultation with the concerned administrative organizations) of theRiver Law.
[Law 36-4]

River Law Article 75 (Supervisory measures and orders)[Gor 36-5]

Government Ordinance Article 20 (Water uses about which the opinion of the municipality

concerned must be heard)
Water uses provided for in Article 36 (Consultation with the prefectures and municipalities) Paragraph 2 of theRiver Law and specified by the Government Ordinance shall be referred to as specified water uses.
[Law 36-6]

River Law Article 27 (Permission for land excavation)[Note 36-7]

There is as yet no Government Ordinance provision regarding this paragraph.

(Entrusting of Construction of Permitted Works to River Administrators) 37-1)
Article 37.
River administrators may undertake work on an approved structure personally whenentrusted with the work by a person who has obtained approval under the provisions of Article
26 37-2) Paragraph 1.
[Note 37-1]

Works for structures to be constructed on rivers after obtaining the permission of the riveradministrator under the provisions of Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures) Paragraph 1 of theRiver Law must be properly executed in accordance with the structural standards established by such standards as
the Government Ordinance for Structural Standard for River Administration Facilities, etc.

Generally, disasters

can be prevented and coordination with river works secured by imposing conditions on permission andsupervising the execution of the acts concerned.

The reason the River Law stipulates that the riveradministrator may be entrusted with the task of executing such works for structures is that there are cases where it
is appropriate for the river administrator himself to execute such works on behalf of the person who has been
granted permission in order to prevent a disaster from being induced or for reasons associated with river works.
[Law 37-2]

River Law Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures)-E69-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Subsection 2.

Water Use Conciliation(Notification Upon Receipt of Application for Water Use) 38-1)
Article 38.
In the case where there is an application for approval as stipulated in Article 23 or
Article 26 38-2) Paragraph 1 with regard to water use, the river administrator must, in
accordance with the provisions in Ministry of Construction Ordinances 38-3), give notification
to persons who have obtained approval under the provisions of Article 23 through to Article
29 38-2) and persons who hold rights with regard to the river as stipulated in Government
Ordinances 38-4) (hereinafter referred to as concerned river user) of the name of the applicant,the purpose of water use and other items stipulated in Ministry of Construction Ordinances 383)
, except in the case where the application is to be rejected. This does not apply in respect of
persons who will clearly not suffer any loss as a result of the said water use and persons who
assent to the said water use.
[Note 38-1]

Articles 38 (Notification upon receipt of application for water use) to 43 (Restriction of storing andtaking river water) of the River Law provide for adjustment between existing river users, who have been using
rivers over the years, and persons who are applying for permission for water use with the aim of protecting
existing river users and at the same time ensuring effective and appropriate use of rivers as property for publicuse.
[Law 38-2]

River Law Article 23 (Permission for river water use), Article 26 (Permission for construction of

structures), Article 27 (Permission for land excavation), Article 28 (Prohibition, restrictions and permission for
floating down trees/bamboo and navigation of boat/ships), Article 29 (Prohibition, restrictions and permission for
act likely to hinder river administration)[Moc 38-3]

MOC Ordinance Article 23 (Notification procedure, etc., upon receipt of application for

permission for water use)
Notification provided for in Article 38 (Notification upon receipt of application for water use) of the River Law
shall be made by delivering a notification to the river users concerned provided that in the case where a person
who is to receive such notification cannot be located or said notification cannot be sent for other reasons, theobligation to give notice shall be deemed to have been fulfilled if the notifier has put the contents of thenotification either in an Official Gazette if the notifier is the Minister of Construction or in a prefectural gazette if
the notifier is a prefectural governor.

-E70-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

2

The matters to be stipulated by the Ministry of Construction Ordinance mentioned in Article 38(Notification upon receipt of application for water use) of the River Law shall be the following:(1) Place of water use;(2) Quantity of intake;(3) In the case of water use involving construction, reconstruction or removal of a structure, an outline of theplan;(4) Brief description of the influence on use of the river by the river users concerned and measures to be taken
described in the application;(5) A statement that an opinion may be submitted under Article 39 of the River Law and the period during
which such opinion may be submitted;(6) Other relevant information.
[Gor 38-4]

Government Ordinance Article 21 (Persons who hold rights to rivers)

Persons who hold rights to rivers as stipulated in Article 28 of the River Law shall be fishery-right andcommon-of-piscary holders.

(Submission of Opinion by Concerned River Users)
Article 39.
When an concerned river user has received the notification of the preceding article,
he may submit to the river administrator his opinion concerning the water utilization bymaking clear the loss he would incur owing to the water utilization, as may be provided for indetail by Ministry of Construction Ordinance 39-1) 39-2).
[Moc 39-1]

MOC Ordinance Article 24 (Procedure for submission of opinion by river users concerned)

Submission of opinion provided for in Article 38 (Notification upon receipt of application for water use) of theRiver Law shall be made by submitting an application describing the following information:(1) Name and Location (in the case of a juridical person, its name and place of business and the name of therepresentative);(2) Brief description of the project involving use of the river concerned by the person who is submitting his
opinion;(3) Facts of loss;(4) Estimates of compensation for loss and its contents;(5) Reason for not consenting to the water use concerned;(6) Date on which a notice provided for in Article 38 of the River Law was received;(7) Date on which the opinion is submitted and, in the case of submission of an opinion under thecircumstance described in the parentheses in the next paragraph, the reason as stipulated in the parentheses;(8) Other relevant information.

-E71-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

2

Submission of opinion provided for in the preceding paragraph shall be made within thirty days (or sixty

days if there is a compelling reason, such as a natural disaster, for having failed to make submission of opinion)from the date on which a notice as stipulated in Article 38 (Notification upon receipt of application for water use)of the River Law is received.
3

In the case where an application as stipulated in Paragraph 1 is mailed, the number of days required for

mailing shall not be counted in calculating the period as stipulated in the preceding paragraph.
[Note 39-2]

For information on Article 41 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance, see Moc 23-4 cncerning

Article 23 (Permission for river water use) of the River Law.

(Criteria for the Permission of Water Use) 40-1)
Article 40.
In the case where a river administrator seeks to grant permission as stipulated in
Article 23 or Article 26 40-2) Paragraph 1 with regard to water use and in the event thatconcerned river users who will suffer loss as a result of the water use related to the said
permission lodge an objection as stipulated in the preceding article, the river administrator
must not grant permission unless one of the following items is applicable, except in the casewhere all concerned river users assent to the said water use.
(1) When the public benefit from the undertaking related to the said water use is significantly
greater than the benefit from the undertaking related to the river use by the concerned riverusers.
(2) When it is judged that there will be no hindrance to the undertaking related to the river use
by the concerned river users if the necessary facilities to prevent loss (hereinafter referred toloss prevention facilities) are established.
2
In the case where a river administrator judges that Item (1) of the preceding
paragraph is applicable and seeks to grant permission as stipulated in Article 23 or Article 26
40-2)

Paragraph 1 with regard to water use, the Minister of Construction must first consult with

the River council.
[Note 40-1]

Permission for new water uses requires the consent of existing river users concerned.

This

provision stipulates that permission for new water uses may be granted under certain circumstances.
[Law 40-2]

River Law Article 23 (Permission for river water use), Article 26 (Permission for construction of

structures)-E72-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(Compensation for Loss Related to Water Use) 41-1)
Article 41.
In the event that a person suffers loss as a result of permission as stipulated in Article
23 or Article 26 41-2) Paragraph 1 with regard to water use, the person who received the said
permission for water use must pay compensation for the loss.
[Note 41-1]

Loss as stipulated in this article refers to loss resulting from permitted and lawful water use anddoes not include loss to other water users resulting from intake in excess of the permitted intake rate.
[Law 41-2]

River Law Article 23 (Permission for river water use), Article 26 (Permission for construction of

structures)(Consultation on Compensation for Loss)
Article 42.
With regard to such compensation for loss under the provision of the precedingarticle as concerns an concerned river user, it is necessary that the person who obtained thepermission for water utilization and the concerned river user should hold a consultation on it.
2
In case no agreement can be reached by consultation under the provision of thepreceding paragraph, the parties concerned may ask for a ruling by the river administrator as
may be provided for in detail by Government Ordinance 42-1)~ 42-3).
3
In the case of giving the ruling of the preceding paragraph, the river administrator
may, if a request is made by the concerned river user that a loss preventive facility be set up tocompensate for the loss and he, hearing the opinion of the person who obtained the permission
for water utilization, deems that the request if reasonable, give the ruling that the person who
obtained the permission for water utilization set up the loss preventive facility, by fixing thefunction, scale, structure, place of setting up, etc. of the loss preventive facility.
4
When the river administrator intends to give the ruling of Paragraph 2, he shall firsthear the opinion of the Expropriation Committee of the prefecture in which is located the land
where the concerned river user is to use the river.
5
Any person who is dissatisfied with the ruling of Paragraph 2 may, within sixty days
computed from the day the ruling is given, require its alteration by means of a lawsuit.
6
In the lawsuit of the preceding paragraph, the other party concerned shall be madethe defendant.
7
Institution of a lawsuit under the provision of Paragraph 5 shall not prevent water
utilization or execution of the water utilization project.

-E73-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Gor 42-1]

Government Ordinance Article 22 (Ruling by the river administrator concerning compensation forloss)
Any person who wishes to apply for a ruling by the river administrator as stipulated in Article 42
on compensation for loss) Paragraph 2 Item

(Consultation(2) of the River Law shall submit the river administrator one originalof an application for ruling indicating the information listed below and its duplicates in the number equal to thenumber of the other parties plus two following the format specified by the Ministry of Construction Ordinance 422).
(1) The name and address of the applicant (in the case of a juridical person, the name and place of businessand the name of the representative).
(2) The name(s) and address(es) of the other party (parties) (in the case of a juridical person, the name andplace of business and the name of the representative).
(3) Facts of loss.
(4) Estimates of compensation for loss and its contents.
(5) Description of the consultation process.
(6) Date of application for ruling.
(7) Other relevant information.

2

Upon receipt of an application for a ruling, the river administrator shall send a duplicate of the application

for ruling to the other party (parties) and give the party (parties) the opportunity to submit a statement of opinion
within a reasonable period of time.
3

Every ruling shall be given in written form, describe the reason for the ruling and be signed and sealed by

the river administrator.
4

Upon making a ruling, the river administrator shall without delay send a duly certified copy of the written

ruling to the applicant and the other party (parties).

If a person to whom said copy of the written ruling is to besent cannot be located or if said copy of the written ruling cannot be sent for other reasons, the obligation to senda duly certified copy of the writing ruling shall be deemed to have been fulfilled when the contents of the written
ruling have been put either in an Official Gazette if by the Minister of Construction or in a gazette of theprefecture concerned if by a prefectural governor.
[Moc 42-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 25 (Ruling application Form)

The form specified by the Ministry of Construction Ordinance mentioned in Article 22 Paragraph 1 of theGovernment Ordinance shall be Form 13 attached hereto.
Form 13 (omitted)[Note 42-3]

For information on Article 41 (Routing of application for permission, etc.) of the Ministry ofConstruction Ordinance, see Moc 23-4 concerning Article 23 (Permission for river water use) of the River Law.

-E74-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(Restriction of Storing and Taking River Water) 43-1)
Article 43.
No person who has obtained the permission for water utilization shall store or takeriver water until after he compensates the person who has submitted his opinion under theprovision of Article 39 43-2) for the loss for which the agreement has been reached byconsultation under the provision of Paragraph 1 of the preceding article or for which the rulingof Paragraph 2 of the same article has been made (in case the loss compensation is to be madeby establishing a loss prevention facility, until after he establishes it and obtains the approvalof the river administrator). However, the same shall not apply to a loss of an concerned
river user who submitted his opinion under the provision of Article 39 43-2) concerning which
the river administrator has given a ruling that amount of loss cannot be fixed before storing or
taking river water or concerning which he has decided that the loss prevention facility may beestablished after the storing or taking of river water for which the water utilization permission
has been given because the loss prevention facility cannot be built until after the structure
covered by the water utilization permission has been built or because special circumstances
involving the kind, structure, etc. of the loss preventive facility make it inevitable, or to a loss
incurred by an concerned river user who has consented to the storing or taking of river water
for which the water utilization permission has been given.
2
With respect to the case of the preceding paragraph, the person who has obtained
the water utilization permission may deposit the compensation money in any one of thefollowing cases:(1) When the person who is to receive the compensation money has refused to receive it orcannot receive it.
(2) When it is not known to the person who has obtained the water utilization permission
through no fault of his own who is the person to receive the compensation money;(3) When the person who has obtained the water utilization permission is dissatisfied with theruling made by the river administrator;(4) When the person who has obtained the water utilization permission has been prohibitedfrom paying the compensation money in consequence of attachment or provisional
attachment.
3
With reference to the case of item (3) of the preceding paragraph, if demanded by
the person who is to receive the compensation money, the person who has obtained the water
utilization permission shall pay the amount of money fixed according to his own estimationand deposit the difference between the amount of compensation money according to the rulingand its amount.

-E75-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

4
The deposit under the provision of Paragraph 2 shall be made in a deposit officenear the place of water use.
5
When the person permitted to use water has made the deposit under the provision of
Paragraph 2, he shall without delay notify the person who is to receive the compensation
money to that effect.
6
When the person permitted to use water has made the deposit under the provision of
Paragraph 2, he shall without delay submit a report to that effect to the river administrator
with a copy of the deposit paper stating the receipt of the deposit attached thereto.
[Note 43-1]

This article aims to protect the river users concerned by limiting the storage or withdrawal of riverwater by persons who have been granted water utilization permission as a means of ensuring payment ofcompensation.
[Law 43-2]

River Law Article 39 (Submission of opinion by concerned river users)-E76-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Subsection 3.

Provisions Related to Dams 44-1)(Maintenance of the Existing Function of a River)
Article 44.
In the case where the condition of a river changes as a result of the construction of a
dam and the former functions of the river 44-2) are diminished during a flood, the person who
constructed the dam (dam which is constructed with approval as stipulated in Article 26 44-3)
Paragraph 1 in order to store or intake the flowing water of the river and which has a heightfrom the foundation to the crest of at least 15 meters 44-4) ~44-6); hereinafter referred to as water
utilization dam) must establish facilities necessary to maintain the said functions inaccordance with the directions of the river administrator, or adopt alternative measures.
2
The standards for the instructions of the river administrator referred to in thepreceding paragraph shall be fixed by Government Ordinance 44-7).
[Note 44-1]

The objective of the provisions of Article 44 (Maintenance of the existing functions of a river) to51 (Exception for water utilization dams used as river administration facilities)) of the River Law regarding the"special rules concerning dams" is to prevent human-made disasters due to construction or operation of dams by
persons other than river administrators who have obtained permission or approval under the River Law.
[Note 44-2]

It is generally believed that when a reservoir is formed by damming a river, flood flow isbecause part of flood flow is stored in a reservoir.

reducedAdverse effects might result, however, because of increases

in flood propagation velocity, decreases in channel storage capacity, sedimentation at the upstream end of thereservoir, and the influence of backwater.
[Law 44-3]

River Law Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures)[Gor 44-4]

Government Ordinance Article 23 (Dams requiring measures to retain river functions)Dams as stipulated in Article 44 (Maintenance of the existing functions of a river) Paragraph 1 of the River
Law shall be one of the following:(1) A dam that has spillway gates and has an impoundment section or sections whose total length (sum total of
the lengths of river sections before impoundment within the reservoir area 44-5); the same shall apply
hereafter in this article) is 10km or more
(2) In the case where there are two or more dams spaced not more than 30km apart along the same river andwhere the total length of impoundment sections associated with those two or more dams is 15km or more,
one of those dams that has spillway gates(3) A dam other than those listed in the two preceding items whose height from foundation ground to overflow
crest is 15m or more 44-6).

-E77-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Note 44-5]

The sum total of the lengths of river sections before impoundment is the sum total of the lengths ofmain stream and tributary sections at flood pool level before impoundment.
[Note 44-6]"Foundation" refers to bedrock that serves as the foundation for a dam.

"Crest" refers to the topof a nonoverflow section (or the top of an overflow section in the case of a dam without a nonoverflow section).
[Gor 44-7]

Government Ordinance Article 24 (Criteria for river administrator's instructions)

Criteria for the river administrator's instructions as stipulated in Article 44 44 (Maintenance of the existing
functions of a river) Paragraph 2 of the River Law shall be as follows:(1)

In the case where there is a risk of a disaster resulting from a rise of water level or river bed upstream froma planned dam, the river administrator may give instructions, if necessary, to take measures such as
construction or reconstruction of levees, embankment on lowlands, dredging of river beds, preliminary
release for natural removal of sediment from the lower-end zone of the reservoir and the like;(2) In the case where there is a risk of a disaster due to a considerable increase in flood discharge downstreamof a dam of Item (1) or (2) of the preceding article, the river administrator may give instructions to theperson who constructs the dam to secure a capacity that is deemed necessary to regulate the increase inflood discharge by one or more of three methods: the surcharge method, the limited water level method
and the flood control release method.

(Monitoring of Hydrological Situation)
Article 45.
A person who owns a water utilization dam fixed by Government Ordinance 45-1)
shall construct observation facilities and observe the water stage, discharge and precipitationin accordance with the standards which may be fixed by Government Ordinance 45-2).
[Gor 45-1]

Government Ordinance Article 25 (Dams requiring observation of water level, etc.)

Dams to be specified by the Government Ordinance mentioned in Article 45 of the River Law shall be dams thathave spillway gates.
[Gor 45-2]

Government Ordinance Article 26 (Criteria for provision of observation facilities)

Criteria to be stipulated in the Government Ordinance mentioned in Article 45 (Monitoring of hydrologicalsituation) of the River Law shall be as follows:(1) In consideration of the river conditions and meteorological and other conditions, one or more rain gauges
in the case of a dam having a catchment area of less than 200km2, two or more rain gauges in the case of adam having a catchment area of 200km2 or more and less than 600km2, and three or more rain gauges in
the case of a dam having a catchment area of 600km2 or more shall be installed within the catchment
concerned.

-E78-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(2) In the case where all or part of the catchment of the dam concerned lies in a snowy region, one or morerain gauges shall be installed, as appropriate, within the catchment in consideration of the river conditions
and meteorological and other conditions.
(3) A water level gauge shall be installed directly downstream from the dam, and if it is necessary to know the
fluctuations of inflow into the reservoir in advance, a water level gauge shall be installed directly upstream
from the reservoir and directly downstream from the dam.
(4) All rain gauges and water level gauges shall be of automatic recording type.
2

With respect to the application of the provisions of the preceding paragraph, in the case where there is arain gauge, snow gauge or water level gauge that has been installed by a person other than the owner of the dam
concerned and that enables the owner of the dam to obtain observation results quickly, said rain gauge, snow
gauge or water level gauge shall be deemed to have been installed by the dam owner.

(Report on the Dam Operation)
Article 46.
When a flood occurs or when it is apprehended that a flood may occur, the owner ofa water utilization dam referred to in the preceding article shall report the results ofobservation under the provision of the same article and the condition of operating the dam to
the river administrator and the prefectural governor, as may be provided for in detail by
Government Ordinance 46-1).
2
The owner of a water utilization dam referred to in the preceding article shall havereporting facilities necessary for making the report of the preceding paragraph promptly andcorrectly in accordance with the standards which may be fixed by Government Ordinance 46-2).
[Gor 46-1]

Government Ordinance Article 27 (Reporting of observation results, etc.)

Information to be reported under the provisions of Article 46 Paragraph 1 of the River Law shall include
information on observation results including, but not limited to, hourly rainfall and cumulative rainfall atobservation points and reservoir inflow and cumulative reservoir inflow and information on operations including,but not limited to, release schedule, the amount of release, gate opening and reservoir level.
[Gor 46-2]

Government Ordinance Article 28 (Standards for reporting facilities)

Standards stipulated in the Government Ordinance mentioned in Article 46 (Report on the dam operation)
Paragraph 2 of the River Law shall be as follows:(1) Reporting facilities shall be capable of making reporting possible even in case of a flood;(2) Reporting in important sections where quick and accurate reporting is necessary shall be made by meansof radiotelephone or other dedicated reporting facilities.

-E79-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(Regulations for Dam Operation)
Article 47.
When the owner of a water utilization dam 47-1) intends to use the dam for the purposeof storing or taking river water, he shall establish regulations for operating it and obtain theapproval of the river administrator concerning the regulations, as may be provided for indetail by Government Ordinance 47-2). The same shall apply in case he intends to revise theregulations.
2
When the river administrator intends to give approval to regulations referred to in
the preceding paragraph for a water utilization dam fixed by Government Ordinance 47-3), heshall first hear the opinion of the prefectural governor concerned.
3
Operation of a water utilization dam shall be conducted in accordance with theregulations for operating it approved under Paragraph 1.
4
In case the river administrator deems that, owing to works connected with a water
utilization dam or a change of river condition or under a special circumstance involving theriver, the regulations for operating it may hinder the administration of the river, he may order achange of the regulations.
[Note 47-1]

Dams to which Article 47 (Regulations for dam operation) of the River Law applies are all dams

defined in Note 44-4 to Article 44 (Maintenance of the existing functions of a river).
[Gor 47-2]

Government Ordinance Article 29 (Regulations for dam operation)

The operation regulations provided for in Article 47 (Regulations for dam operation) Paragraph 1 of the River
Law shall stipulate the following:(1) Matters concerning storage and release methods;(2) Matters concerning inspection and maintenance of machinery, instruments, etc., necessary for dams anddam operation;(3) Matters concerning meteorological and hydrological observations necessary for dam operation(4) Matters concerning measures to be taken at the time of release;(5) Other necessary matters concerning the method of dam operation.
[Gor 47-3]

Government Ordinance Article 30 (Dams designated by Government Ordinance)

Dams designated by the Government Ordinance referred to in Article 47 (Regulations for dam operation)
Paragraph 2 of the River Law shall be those defined in Article 23 Items 1 and 2 of the Government Ordinance.

-E80-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(Preventive Measures for Damage)
Article 48.
Whenever the owner of a water utilization dam 48-1) deems that the operation of thedam will cause a considerable change in the condition of the river water and so it is necessary
for prevention of the resulting harm, he shall in advance report the fact to the prefectural
governor concerned, the heads of the cities, towns and villages concerned and the heads of thepolice stations concerned and take necessary steps to make it known to the public, as may beprovided for in detail by Government Ordinance 48-2) 48-3).
[Note 48-1]

Dams to which Article 48 (Preventive measures for damage) of the River Law applies are all dams

defined in Note 44-4 to Article 44.
[Gor 48-2]

Government Ordinance Article 31 (Safety measures)

In the case where the owner of a dam intends to report to the prefectural governor concerned, the head of themunicipality concerned or the head of the police station concerned under the provisions of Article 48 (Preventive
measures for damage) of the River Law, the owner shall indicate the date of the dam operation concerned and thequantity of river water to be released or an estimated water level rise downstream resulting from the dam
operation.

In the case where the owner of a dam intends to inform the entire public, the owner shall alert the

public by means of not only bulletin boards as stipulated in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance 48-3) but alsosirens, warning bells, public address systems, or the like.
[Moc 48-3]

MOC Ordinance Article 26 (Form of bulletin boards, etc.)

Posting by means of bulletin boards under Article 31 of the Government Ordinance shall be made using a form
similar to Form 14 attached hereto.

In the case where it is deemed necessary to use a special form of posting

because of the date of release, the condition of the river and its surroundings, etc., posting using a form similar toForm 15 shall be made on an as-needed basis.
2

Methods of warning by means of sirens or alarm bells referred to in Article 31 of the Government

Ordinance shall be as shown in the table below.
Siren
Approx. 1 min.

Alarm bell
Approx. 1 min.

Approx. 10 sec.

Approx. 10 sec.

Pause
Notes:(1) Continue warnings for an appropriate time period.
(2) Use sirens and alarm bells in combination, if necessary.

-E81-THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(Preparation and Custody of Operation Record)
Article 49.
The owner of a water utilization dam shall prepare a record of the operation of thedam whenever a flood occurs, keep it, and, when demanded to submit it by the riveradministrator, submit it without delay to the river administrator, as may be provided for indetail by Ministry of Construction Ordinance 49-1).
[Moc 49-1]

MOC Ordinance Article 27 (Keeping of records at time of flood)

Records provided for in Article 49 (Preparation and custody of operation record) of the River Law shall
include the following information:(1) Hourly rainfall and cumulative rainfall;(2) In the case where a water level gauge is installed upstream from the reservoir and downstream from thedam, water level and discharge at those locations;(3) Reservoir level, gate opening, the amount of release and reservoir inflow;(4) Matters concerning measures for reporting and public notification stipulated in Article 48 of the River
Law;(5) Other relevant information.
2

Information items (1) and (2) in the preceding paragraph shall be recorded at one hour intervals, and item

(3) in the preceding paragraph shall be at thirty-minute intervals each time gate operation is performed.

(Appointment of a Chief Superintendent for a Dam)
Article 50.
In case the owner of a water utilization dam uses the dam for the purpose of storingor taking river water, he shall appoint as chief superintendent for a dam 50-1), an engineer
possessing the qualifications fixed by Government Ordinance 50-2) 50-3) for proper execution of
the maintenance, operation and other administration of the dam.
2
When the owner of a water utilization dam has appointed the chief superintendent
for the dam in accordance with the provision of the preceding paragraph, he shall make areport to the river administrator on the matters fixed by Ministry of Construction Ordinance
50-4)
concerning the chief superintendent for the dam.
[Note 50-1]

Safety and operation of a dam and reservoir is closely connected to the safety of the areas along theriver downstream from the dam.

In order to manage and operate dams safely and reliably and clarify where theresponsibility lies, the owners or users of dams are required to appoint a chief superintendent for each dam.

-E82-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Gor 50-2]

Government Ordinance Article 32 (Qualifications for chief superintendent)

Qualifications stipulated in the Government Ordinance referred to in Article 50 (Appointment of a chiefsuperintendent for a dam) Paragraph 1 of the River Law shall be as follows:(1) A person who has completed a regular course in civil engineering at a college or a technical college
defined in the School Education Law (Law No. 26, 1947), a college defined in the College Ordinance(abolished; Imperial Ordinance No. 388, 1918) or a secondary school defined in the Technical School
Ordinance (abolished; Imperial Ordinance No. 61, 1903) and has five-year-or-more experience with riveradministration;(2) A person whose knowledge and experience are deemed by the Minister of Construction to be equal to or
greater than those of a person defined in the preceding item 50-3)[Gor 50-3]
2

Government Ordinance Article 53 (Delegation of powers)

Of the Minister of Construction’s powers stipulated in the River Law, the following shall be transferred tothe directors-general of the regional construction bureaus:
Powers under the provision of Article 32 Item (3) of the Government Ordinance[Moc 50-4]

MOC Ordinance Article 28 (Notification of chief superintendent)

Matters to be stipulated in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance referred to in Article 50 (Appointment of achief superintendent for a dam) Paragraph 2 of the River Law shall be the items listed below.

Notification on

those matters shall be made by submitting a notification on Form 16 attached hereto.
(1) Name and location of the dam to be administered.
(2) Name and address.
(3) Education and professional experience.
(4) Other relevant matters.
For information on the Ministry of Ordinance Article 41 (Routing of application for permission, etc.), seeNote 23-4 to Article 23 (Permission for river water use) of the River Law.

(Exception for Water Utilization Dams Used as River Administration Facilities)
Article 51.
In the case where a facility is used as a water utilization dam and as a riveradministration facility concurrently, when the river administrator undertakes the charge of themaintenance and operation of the facility on the basis of the agreement reached by the
consultation of Article 17 51-1) Paragraph 1, special provisions may be made by Government
Ordinance 51-2) concerning the application of the provisions of this subsection.

-E83-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Note 51-1]

When a dam and a river administration facility are built as one structure, the dam owner and theriver administrator may, by mutual consultation, determine the method of administration as stipulated in Article
17 (Joint use structures) Paragraph 2 of the River Law.

If, as a result of this consultation, it is concluded thatthe river administrator should maintain and operate the facility, the dam owner may be exempted from some of
his obligations.
[Gor 51-2]

Government Ordinance Article 33 (Exceptions concerning dams as joint use structures)

In the case stipulated in Article 51 (Exception for water utilization dams used as river administration facilities)of the River Law, the provisions of Article 45 (Monitoring of hydrological situation) through Article 50(Appointment of a chief superintendent for a dam) of the River Law shall not apply.

-E84-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Subsection 4.

Steps to Be Taken During Emergencies(Instructions for Flood Control) 52-1)
Article 52.
In case a disaster has been caused or there is a strong probability that a disaster will
be caused by floods, if the river administrator deems it of urgent necessity for preventing or
minimizing the disaster, he may instruct the owner of the water utilization dam that he should,
on the basis of overall consideration of the conditions of the rivers belonging to the water
system, take necessary steps 52-2) in connection with the operation of the dam to prevent or
minimize the disaster.
[Note 52-1]

Flood is one of the most damaging of natural disasters.

In a country with steep topography andlocated in a typhoon-prone region like Japan, every effort must be made to prevent occurrence of flood disasters.
This provision therefore makes it possible to make effective use of the flood control capacity of dams andreservoirs in an emergency even if they are water utilization dams and reservoirs owned by the private sector.
[Note 52-2]

Examples of "necessary steps" include storage limiting and release of water in advance aimed atsecuring the storage capacity required for controlling anticipated flood flows.
[Note 52-3] The River Law empowers and obligates river administrators to formulate and implement basic
policies and plans associated with rivers and take actions in connection with the use of river water. As for flood
defence activities, such as the monitoring, reinforcement and emergency repairs of levees, in the event of an
imminent danger (e.g., flood, storm surge), it has traditionally been common practice for the locality faced withthe danger and its residents to take care of themselves. In view of this history, the Flood Fighting Law requiresthat the municipality as the representative of the local residents or the local flood-fighting cooperative undertake
flood defence activities. The Flood Fighting Law,52-4) which does not use the term "river administrator" partly
because the law was enacted in 1949, that is, before the complete revision of the River Law in 1964, stipulates
the roles of the Minister of Construction and the governor of the prefecture concerned, which are actually theriver administrators as provided for in the River Law, as follows:[Flood Fighting Law Article 3-6 (Responsibility of prefectural governments for flood fighting)]
Each prefectural government is responsible for ensuring that appropriate flood fighting activities arecarried out in its jurisdiction by local flood-fighting administration bodies (municipal governments or floodfighting cooperatives).
[Flood Fighting Law Article 7 (Flood-fighting plans of prefectural governments)]
The governor of each prefecture shall formulate its own flood-fighting plan, after consultation with theprefecture's flood-fighting council, for coordination and successful implementation of flood-fighting procedures.
2(Omitted)-E85-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Flood Fighting Law Article 10 (Flood forecasting)]
1(Omitted)2

Should the Minister of Construction has judged that a river which extends over two or more prefectures or

which has a large basin is likely to flood to cause a serious loss to the national economy, he shall, in cooperation
with the Director-General of the Meteorological Agency, notify the prefectural governor or governors concernedof the imminence of a flood, along with information on water level and discharge, and inform the public of theimminence of a flood by obtaining the cooperation of the media.
3(Omitted)[Flood Fighting Law Article 10-2 (Notice on flood forecast)]
Should a prefectural governor have been notified as stipulated in Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2 of the foregoingarticle (Article 10), he shall immediately notify the flood-fighting managers (managers of water gauges and otherfacilities; the same shall apply hereinafter) and water gauge managers stipulated in the prefecture's flood fighting
plan of the notice he has received.
[Flood Fighting Law Article 10-4 (Flood fighting warning)]
The Minister of Construction shall issue a flood fighting warning for designated rivers, lakes or seacoasts that
could cause a serious loss to the national economy due to a flood or high tide, and the governor of each prefecture
shall issue the same for desgnated rivers, lakes and coasts other than those designated by the Minister ofConstruction and which could cause a considerable loss due to a flood or high tide.
2, 3 and 4(Omitted)[Flood Fighting Law Article 23 (Prefectural governor's directions)]
Should there be an urgent need in an emergency, a prefectural governor may give directions to flood-fighting
administrators, heads of flood-fighting units and heads of fire-fighting organizations.
[Flood Fighting Law Article 24 (Minister of Construction's directions in connection with an important
river)]In the event of an emergency requiring an urgent action in connection with a river that extends over two or more
prefectures and that is particularly important for the maintenance of public safety, the Minister of Construction
may give directions to prefectural governors, flood-fighting administrators, heads of flood-fighting units andheads of fire-fighting organizations.
[Flood Fighting Law Article 35-2 (Recommendations and advice)]
The Minister of Construction may give prefectural governments and flood-fighting administration bodies
recommendations and advice necessary for flood fighting, and prefectural governors may give similar
recommendations and advice to flood-fighting administration bodies within their jurisdictions.
[Note 52-4] Flood-Fighting Law(Purpose)
The purpose of this Law is to maintain public safety by giving warnings of and guarding against floods and hightides and reducing damage due to floods and high tides.

-E86-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(Contents)
Chapter 1

General Provisions , Chapter 2

Activities , Chapter 4
Chapter 5

Flood-Fighting Organizations , Chapter 3

Flood-Fighting

Organization and Activities of Designated Flood-Fighting Administration Bodies ,Expenses and Subsidies , Chapter 6

Miscellaneous Provisions , Chapter 7

Penal Provisions(Water Uses Conciliation During Droughts) 53-1)
Article 53.
In case an unusual drought 53-2) makes it difficult to adequately use the river water forthe permitted utilization purposes or when such a situation is expected, the persons who haveobtained permissions to use the water ( hereinafter, permitted water users in this subsection)
shall make efforts to consult with one another 53-3). In this case, river administrators shallexert himself/herself to provide necessary information for water use conciliation to achieve asmooth consultation.
2
In making consultation according to the preceding paragraph, permitted water users
shall respect the uses of the others.
3
In case no agreement is reached in consultation according to Paragraph 1, the riveradministrator may, when it is requested by permitted water users or when he deems it would
seriously harm the public benefit unless an urgent coordination of the uses of water is effected,
he may make necessary intermediation or arbitration with respect to the coordination among
the water uses.
(This article amended by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)[Note 53-1]

Eighty-five percent of water use in Japan depends on river water, and the remaining 15 percent on

groundwater.

In the event of low precipitation and a drought severer than the design drought, therefore, it isnecessary to conciliate between water uses in different areas and for different purposes.
rights have traditionally been deemed superior to recent water rights.

In Japan, older waterAs water utilization associated withdrinking water supply which is closely connected to everyday life has increased, giving priority to older waterrights, which consist primarily of irrigation water rights, over drinking water rights can not necessarily bedeemed rational.

The River Law stipulates that in the event of a drought, which is usually not so urgent as aflood, the river users concerned first try voluntarily to adjust their water uses.

However, in view of the present

conditions of river basins, where two-dimensional expansion of water utilization is in progress and facilities forwater resource development such as dams, reservoirs and headraces are becoming increasingly complex, the law
seeks to make river administrators to be essentially involved in water use adjustment from the early stages of adrought by requiring river administrators to provide necessary information.
[Note 53-2]"Unusual drought" refers to a drought that is severer than a drought whose recurrence interval isused as a basis of water resources development planning and the granting of water rights.

-E87-

In Japan, a recurrenceTHE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

interval of drought of about 10 years is often used as a basis of water resources development planning.
[Note 53-3]

The Ministry of Construction has been working to establish a "Drought conciliation Council"

composed of the river administrator, water users, local government, and administrative agencies concerned foreach river as a forum for mutual consultation among the water users concerned.

As of the end of June 1996, a

total of 86 Drought conciliation Councils have been established for class A river areas.

(Exceptional Arrangements for Water Utilization During Droughts) 53-2-1)
Article 53 - 2
Permitted water users may ,after obtaining the approval of the river administrator, letother permitted water users whose water use has been made difficult by an unusual drought,
for the duration of the said unusual drought, use all or part of the water that the water user
himself has been permitted to use under Article 23 or Article 24 53-2-2).
2
Should a permitted water user decide to forgo water use approved under theprovision of the preceding paragraph, he /she shall notify the river administrator to that effectwithout delay.
3
After the river administrator receives a notice stipulated in the preceding paragraphor when the approved water use by other permitted water users as stipulated in Paragraph 1 is
no longer difficult, the river administrator must cancel the approval grant in Paragraph 1 .
(This article added by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)[Note 53-2-1]

Under the River Law, water uses at times of unusual drought are as a rule to be conciliatedthrough voluntary efforts among the water users concerned, and the law encourages mutual transfer of water incase of an unusual drought.

However, because of the understanding that river water is the property of thepeople of Japan and use of river water can affect the quality and quantity of river water available to the areas
downstream, the quantity of water, the purpose of use and the point of diversion are strictly stipulated as theconditions for granting water rights, and it is not easy to alter those conditions.

This article gives flexibility towater use adjustment at times of drought by stipulating that in the event of an unusual drought the point ofdiversion may be temporarily changed, after obtaining the approval of the river administrator, without altering
the conditions for granting the water rights concerned. For information on drought conciliation practices inJapan, see Drought Conciliation and Water Rights (IDI Water Series No.1) published by the Infrastructure
Development Institute - Japan.
[Law 53-2-2]

River Law Article 23 (Permission for river water use), Article 24 (Permission for land

occupancy)-E88-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Section 4.

The River Conservation Zone 54-1)(Designation of the River Conservation Zone)
Article 54.
When the river administrator deems it necessary for the conservation of the riverbanks or river administration facilities (excluding the fluvial woods zone, the same shall apply
to Paragraph 3), he may designate an area adjacent to the river zone (excluding areas
designated under the provision of Article 58-2 54-2) Paragraph 1; the same shall apply toParagraph 3) as a river conservancy zone.
2
When the Minister of Construction intends to designate a river conservation zone,
he shall in advance hear the opinion of the prefectural governor concerned. The same shallapply in case he intends to change or abolish it.
3
The designation of a river conservation zone shall be made only for the minimum
area necessary for conservancy of the river-bank or river administration facility, and shall not
be made beyond 50 meters from the boundary of the river zone (excluding the fluvial woodszone). In case, however, it is absolutely necessary according to the conditions of the
topography, geology, etc., the designation may be made beyond 50 meters.
4
When the river administrator designates a river conservation zone, he shall notify
the public to that effect as may be provided for in detail by Ministry of Construction
Ordinance 54-3). The same shall apply in case of changing or abolishing a river conservationzone.
(Paragraphs 1 & 3 amended by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)[Note 54-1]
earth.

Levees, the most important component of river administration facilities, are composed primarily of

Therefore, a change in configuration of land adjoining a levee, particularly excavation of adjoining land,

might cause adverse effects such as causing collapse to the extent of altering the configuration and functionalityof the land, thereby causing a serious hindrance to river administration.

For this reason, areas of land that do notneed to be regulated for the purpose of construction of river administration facilities, but need to be regulated forthe purpose of conservation are designated as river conservation zones, and acts that hinder river administrationin those areas are regulated.
[Law 54-2]

River Law Article 58-2 (The spatial river zone)[Moc 54-3]

MOC Ordinance Article 29 (Public notification of river conservation zones)

The provisions of Article 2 6-5) of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance shall apply mutatis mutandis to public
notification as stipulated in Article 54 (Designation of the river conservation zone) Paragraph 3 of the River Law.

-E89-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(Restrictions within the River Conservation Zone)
Article 55.
Any person who intends to do an act falling under any one of the following items
shall obtain the permission of the river administrator as may be provided for in detail by
Ministry of Construction Ordinance 55-1) 55-2). However, the same shall not apply to the caseinvolving an act fixed by Government Ordinance 55-3) 55-4).
(1) Excavation of land, banking, cutting or other act which changes the configuration ofland;(2) Construction or reconstruction of a structure.
2
The provision of Article 33 55-5) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the heir, juridical
person established by merger or other general business successor succeeding to the business ofa person who obtained the permission of the preceding paragraph, to the person who takes
over from a person who obtained the permission of the preceding paragraph the land or
structure regarding which the permission was obtained or the land on which the structure
regarding which the permission was obtained is to be built (hereinafter in this paragraphreferred to as land etc. regarding which the permission was obtained ) and to the person who,by lease or any other means, obtains the right to use the land etc. regarding which thepermission was obtained from a person who obtained the permission concerned.
[Moc 55-1]

MOC Ordinance Article 30 (Application for permission for certain acts within the riverconservation zone)
The provisions of Article 15 24-3) of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance shall apply mutatis mutandis toapplication for permission as provided for in Article 55 Paragraph 1 Item (1) or Item (2) of the River Law
concerning construction or reconstruction of structures.

The provisions of Article 16 27-2) of the Ministry ofConstruction Ordinance shall apply mutatis mutandis to application for permission as provided for in Article 55(Restrictions within the river conservation zone) Paragraph 1 Item (1) of the River Law.
[Note 55-2]

For information on Articles 39, 40 and 41 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance, see Notes

23-2, 23-3 and 23-4 to Article 23 (Permission for river water use) of the River Law.
[Gor 55-3]

Government Ordinance Article 34 (Acts within the river conservation zone that do not require

permission)
Acts as stipulated in the proviso of Article 55 (Restrictions within the river conservation zone) Paragraph 1 of
the River Law [excluding acts that are defined in Items (2) through (5) and that are done on land within 5m fromthe site of a river administration facility (if the river administrator specifies a different distance in considerationof the structure of the river administration facility or topographical, geological or other conditions, the distancespecified by the river administrator)] shall be the following:-E90-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(1) Tilling;(2) Banking within 3m in height (excluding banking along a levee to form an embankment whose length along
the levee is 20m or more);(3) Excavation or cutting on land on the land side of the levee to a depth of 1m or less from ground surface;(4) Construction or reconstruction of a structure (excluding strong structures such as concrete structures, stone
structures and brick structures, and structures such as reservoirs, water tanks, wells and water channels
which are subject to water seepage);(5) Acts other than those listed above that the river administrator designates as being of small consequence toconservation of river banks or river administrations.
2

The provisions of Article 15-4 27-4) Paragraph 2 shall apply mutatis mutandis to specification as stipulated in

the preceding paragraph.
[Moc 55-4]

MOC Ordinance Article 31 (Public notification of acts within the river conservation zone that do

not require permission)
The provisions of Article 17 Paragraph 1 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance shall apply mutatis
mutandis to public notification as stipulated in Article 34 Paragraph 1 of the Government Ordinance.
[Law 55-5]

River Law Article 33 (Succession to status)-E91-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Section 5.

The Projected River Zone 56-1)(The Projected River Zone)
Article 56.
In case the river administrator deems it necessary for execution of any river works,
he may designate as a projected river zone any stretch of land which is to be included in theriver zone (excluding areas designated under the provision of Article 58-2 Paragraph 1) 56-2) byexecution of the river works.
2
The designation of a projected river zone shall not be made until after the date whenthe execution of the river works has become definite in view of the work execution plan.
3
When the river administrator designates a projected river zone, he shall notify the
public to that effect, as may be provided for in detail by Ministry of Construction Ordinance 563)

. The same shall apply in case he changes or cancels a designation made.

[Note 56-1]

Construction of large structures such as dams and floodways require acquisition of large expansesof land, and obtaining the consent of the landowners concerned in the land acquisition process usually takes avery long time.

Construction or reconstruction of houses and other structures which will have to be removed in

the near future would increase the cost of land acquisition and would put an unnecessary burden on the national
economy.

In the past, in addition, there were cases, although rare, where some people expanded or rebuilt theirhouses with the aim of obtaining as much compensation as possible.

In order to prevent such wastefulness andcontradictions, it has been decided to impose certain restrictions on land use within planned project sites bydesignating them as projected river zones.
[Law 56-2]

River Law Article 58-2 (The spatial river zone)[Moc 56-3]

MOC Ordinance Article 32 (Public notification of the projected river zone)

The provisions of Article 2 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance shall apply mutatis mutandis to public
notification as stipulated in Article 56 (The projected river zone) Paragraph 3 of the River Law.

(Restrictions within the Projected River Zone)
Article 57.
A person who intends to do any of the acts mentioned in the following items shallobtain the permission of the river administrator as may be provided for in detail by Ministryof Construction Ordinance 57-1) 57-2). However, the same shall not apply to the case of an act
fixed by Government Ordinance 57-3).
(1) Excavation of land, banking, cutting or other act which changes the configuration of land;(2) Construction or reconstruction of a structure.

-E92-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

2
In case a person suffers a loss caused by the restriction of his act according to theprovision of the preceding paragraph, the river administrator shall compensate him for suchloss as would ordinarily be incurred.
3
The provisions of Article 22 Paragraph 4 and 5 57-4) shall apply mutatis mutandis tothe compensation of losses according to the provision of the preceding paragraph, and that of
Article 33 57-5) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the heir, juridical person established by merger
or other general business successor succeeding to the business of a person who obtained thepermission of Paragraph 1, to the person who takes over from the person who obtained thepermission referred to in Paragraph 1 the land or structure regarding which the permission was
obtained or the land on which the structure regarding which the permission was obtained is tobe build (hereinafter referred to in this paragraph as land etc. regarding which the permission
was obtained ) and to the person who, by lease or any other means, obtains the right to use theland etc. regarding which the permission was obtained from a person who obtained thepermission of Paragraph 1.
[Moc 57-1]

MOC Ordinance Article 33 (Application for permission for acts within the projected river zone)

The provisions of Article 15 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance shall apply mutatis mutandis toapplication for permission concerning construction or reconstruction of structures as stipulated in Article 57(Restrictions within the projected river zone) Paragraph 1 Items (1) or (2) of the River Law.

The provisions ofArticle 16 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance shall apply mutatis mutandis to application for permission(excluding permission concerning construction or reconstruction of structures) as stipulated in Article 57(Restrictions within the projected river zone) Paragraph 1 Item (1) of the River Law.
[Note 57-2]

For information on Articles 39, 40 and 41 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance, see Moc 23-

2, 23-3 and 23-4 concerning Article 23 (Permission for river water use) of the River Law.
[Gor 57-3]

Government Ordinance Article 35 (Acts in the projected river zone that do not require permission)

Acts stipulated in the proviso of Article 57 (Restrictions within the projected river zone) Paragraph 1 of theRiver Law shall be the following:(1) Tilling;(2) Excavation or cutting of land within 1.5m from ground surface.
[Law 57-4]

River Law Article 22 (Emergency measures to be taken during floods, etc.)[Law 57-5]

River Law Article 33 (Succession to status)-E93-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(Projected River Zone Land Whose Land Title is Acquired by the River Administrator)
Article 58.
After the river administrator obtains the title to land in the projected river zone, theland shall be regarded as land within the river zone even before the land becomes part of ariver zone as far as the application of this Law is concerned 58-1). However, the penal
provisions shall apply only in cases where there is provision to that effect.
[Note 58-1]

A river zone is an area of land in which there is a functioning river, dam or floodway.

Strictly

speaking, therefore, an area of land that is not yet functional cannot be called a river zone even after the riveradministrator has acquired rights to the land.

This article stipulates that such land can also be treated as part ofa river zone.

-E94-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Chapter II-2.

The Spatial River 58-2-1)(The Spatial River Zone)
Article 58-2.
Not withstanding the provision of Article 61 58-2-2) Paragraph 1, when the riveradministrator deems it necessary for proper and rational land use under existing conditions ofa river zone including river administration facilities that are constructed underground,contained in other structures, or designed as a space to store flood water and that are made up
of columns or walls and artificial ground supported by them, the river administrator may
designate that river zone including a clearly defined aboveground and underground space as a
spatial river zone 58-2-3).
2
When the river administrator designates a river zone as defined in the preceding
paragraph (hereafter in this chapter and in item (3) of Article 106 referred to as a spatial riverzone), he shall notify the public to that effect as may be provided for in Government
Ordinance 58-2-4). The same shall apply in case he changes or cancels a designation made.
[Note 58-2-1]

In Japan, in keeping pace with the progress of urbanization, there are growing calls for systematic

flood control in urban areas, but acquisition of land for use as project sites is become increasingly difficult.

A"spatial river" (often an underground river) temporarily stores flood water by use of an underground abovegroundspace and safely discharge it downstream. An example is the Metropolitan Area External Floodway Project, inwhich rivers are interconnected by 6.3km underground tunnels 10m in diameter and flood waters are stored
temporarily and bypassed.

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Section IV

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-E95-

ne R

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No.4 Vertical Shaft

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No.2 Vertical Shaft

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THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Law 58-2-2]

River Law Article 6 (The river zone)[Note 58-2-3]"River zone" and "river conservationzone" have been defined so as to include undergroundand aboveground space of the land concerned, andland regulations in these zones cover not only the

Spatial riversurface of the land but also underground andSpatial river zone

aboveground space.

Spatial river conservation zone

Consequently, in the casewhere a new river such as a floodway is constructed,
as rule all rights to the land concerned are to be acquired.

Since, however, a spatial river is planned andconstructed in the case where acquiring all rights to the land concerned including underground and abovegroundspace is difficult or doing so is likely to hinder rational land use, it is not possible to directly apply theregulations concerning the river zone and the river conservation zone.

This article, therefore, stipulates that

regulations apply not only to a plane but space.
[Moc 58-2-4]

MOC Ordinance Article 33-2 (Public notification of designation of spatial river zone, etc.)

Public notification provided for in Article 58-2 Paragraph 2 of the River Law shall be made via the Official
Gazette if by the Minister of Construction or a gazette of the prefecture concerned if by a prefectural governor byindicating the spatial river zone concerned by one or more of the following items:(1) Name of city, town or village, lot number and elevation(2) Certain types of natural features of land, facilities or structures(3) Plan, longitudinal section, cross section(The Spatial River Conservation Zone)
Article 58-3.
When the river administrator deems it necessary for the conservation riveradministration facilities in an area to be designated as a spatial river zone, he may designate aclearly defined aboveground and underground space adjoining the spatial river zone as a
spatial river conservation zone 58-3-1).
2
When the Ministry of Construction intends to designate a spatial river conservation
zone, he shall in advance hear the opinion of the prefectural governor concerned. The same
shall apply when he intends to change or cancel a designation made.
3
The extent of any spatial river conservation zone shall be a minimal space requiredfor conserving the river administration facilities involved.
4
When the river administrator designates a spatial river conservation zone, he shallnotify the public to that effect as may be provided for in Government Ordinance 58-3-2). The
same shall apply in case he changes or cancels a designation made.

-E96-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

5

Designation of a spatial river conservation zone including river administration
facilities of Paragraph 1 of the preceding article in a designated river conservation zone shallnullify the designation of said river conservation zone.

[Note 58-3-1]

For information on the spatial river conservation zone, see Note 58-2-3 to Article 58-2 of theRiver Law.
[Moc 58-3-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 33-3 (Public notification of designation of the spatial river conservation

zone, etc.)
The provisions of Article 33-2 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance shall apply mutatis mutandis to
public notification stipulated in Article 58-3 Paragraph 4 of the River Law.

(Restrictions within the Spatial River Conservation Zone)
Article 58-4.
A person who intends to do any of the acts listed below in a spatial riverconservation zone, excluding those stipulated by Government Ordinance 58-4-1) 58-4-2), shallobtain the permission of the river administrator as may be provided for by Ministry ofConstruction Ordinance 58-4-3) 58-4-4).
(1) Excavation of land, banking, cutting or any other act which changes the configurationof land;(2) Construction, reconstruction, or removal of a structure.
(3) The piling of earth, stone or other materials above the load per square meter as
specified by Government Ordinance 58-4-5)
2
The provision of Article 33 58-4-6) shall apply mutatis mutandis to an heir, juridical
person established by merger or other general business successor succeeding to the business ofa person who obtained the permission of the preceding paragraph, to a person who takes overfrom a person who obtained the permission of the preceding paragraph the land or structure
regarding which the permission was obtained or the land on which the structure regarding
which the permission was obtained is to be built (hereinafter in this paragraph referred to as
land etc. regarding which the permission was obtained) and to a person who, by lease or any
other means, obtains the right to use the land etc. regarding which the permission was
obtained from a person who obtained the permission concerned.
[Gor 58-4-1]

Government Ordinance Article 35-2 (Acts within the spatial river conservation zone that do not

require permission)
Acts as stipulated in the proviso of Article 58-4 Paragraph 1 of the River Law shall be the following:(1) Tilling-E97-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(2) Act that is listed below and that does not cause an increase in surcharge load of more than 2t/m2(a) Banking within 1m in height from ground surface(b) Construction or reconstruction of a structure on ground surface or within 1m below groundsurface(c) Accumulation of earth, stone or other objects(3) Excavation or cutting of land within 1.5m below ground surface(4) Removal of a structure on ground surface or within 1m below ground surface(5) Acts other than the ones listed above that the river administrator designates as being of small consequence
to conservation of river administration facilities
2

The provisions of designation stipulated in Article 15-4 Paragraph 2 of the Government Ordinance shallapply mutatis mutandis to designation stipulated in Item (5) of the preceding article.
[Moc 58-4-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 33-5 (Public notification on acts in the spatial river conservation zonethat do not require permission)
The provisions of Article 17 Paragraph 1 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance shall apply mutatis
mutandis to public notification stipulated in Article 35-2 Paragraph 1 of the Government Ordinance.
[Moc 58-4-3]

MOC Ordinance Article 33-4 (Application for permission for acts in the spatial riverconservation zone)
The provisions of Article 15 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance shall apply mutatis mutandis toapplication for permission concerning construction, reconstruction or removal of a structure stipulated in Article
58-4 Paragraph 1 Items (1) through (3) of the River Law.

The provisions of Article 16 of the Ministry ofConstruction Ordinance shall apply mutatis mutandis to permission concerning excavation, cutting or banking ofland or other acts that alter the configuration of land stipulated in Article 58-4 Paragraph 1 Items (1) through (3)of the River Law (excluding permission concerning construction, reconstruction or removal of a structure).
2

Application as provided for in Article 58-4 Paragraph 1 Item (3) of the River Law (excluding permission

concerning construction, reconstruction or removal of a structure or excavation, cutting or banking of land orother acts that alter the configuration of land) shall be made by submitting one original of an application on Form
8 (A) and (B-9) and its copies in the number specified in Table 2 attached hereto.
3

The application provided for in the preceding paragraph shall be accompanied by the following documents:(1) Document outlining the plan for the project involving accumulation of earth, stone or other objects;(2) 1/50,000-scale location map;
(3) Surveyed plan of land concerned with accumulation of earth, stone or other objects;(4) Area calculations for the land concerned with accumulation of earth, stone or other objects;(5) In the case of accumulation of earth, stone or other objects on land that a person other than the riveradministrator administers on the basis of his title, a writing indicating that the applicant holds or can bereasonably expected to acquire the title to carry out said accumulation of earth, stone or other objects;(6) In the case where it is necessary to receive permission, approval or other disposition by other-E98-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

administrative agencies in connection with an act or project involving accumulation of earth, stone orother objects, a writing indicating that the applicant has received such disposition or explaining the
likelihood of receiving such disposition;(7) Documents describing other relevant information.
[Note 58-4-4]

For information on Articles 39 and 40 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance, see Notes 23-

75-1 and 23-75-2 to Article 23 of the River Law.
[Gor 58-4-5]

Government Ordinance Article 35-3 (Weights of accumulated objects in the spatial riverconservation zone that require permission)
The weight to be stipulated in the Government Ordinance referred to in Article 58-4 Paragraph 1 Item (3) of
the River Law shall two tons.
[Law 58-4-6]

River Law Article 33 (Succession to status)(The Projected Spatial River Zone) 58-5-1)
Article 58-5.
When the river administrator deems it necessary for execution of river works, hemay designate as a projected spatial river zone an aboveground or underground space to be
designated as a spatial river zone in connection with said river works.
2
The designation of a projected spatial river zone shall not be made until after thedate when the execution of the river works has become definite in view of the work execution
plan.
3
When the river administrator designates a projected spatial river zone, he shallnotify the public to that effect as may be provided for by Ministry of Construction Ordinance
58-5-2). The same shall apply in case he changes or cancels a designation made.
4
Designation of a projected spatial river zone including river administration
facilities of Article 2 58-5-3) Paragraph 1 in a designated projected river zone shall nullify thedesignation of said projected river zone.
[Note 58-5-1]

This article includes provisions for construction works for spatial rivers, which are equivalent to

the provisions of Section 5 (The projected river zone) Articles 56 through 58 of the River Law concerning theplanned sites of ordinary river administration facilities such as levees.
[Moc 58-5-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 33-6 (Public notification of designation of the projected spatial riverzone, etc.)
The provisions of Article 33-2 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance shall apply mutatis mutandis to
public notification under Article 58-5 Paragraph 3 of the River Law.
[Law 58-5-3]

River Law Article 58-2 (The spatial river zone)-E99-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(Restrictions within the Projected Spatial River Zone)
Article 58-6.
A person who intends to do any of the acts listed below in a projected spatial riverzone, excluding those stipulated by Government Ordinance 58-6-1), shall obtain the permissionof the river administrator as may be provided for by Ministry of Construction Ordinance 58-6-2).
(1) Excavation of land, banking, cutting or any other act which changes the configurationof land;(2) Construction or reconstruction of a structure.
2
In the event that a person suffers loss as a result of the restriction of his act as
stipulated in the preceding paragraph, the river administrator shall compensate him for suchloss as would ordinarily be incurred.
3
The provisions of Article 22 58-6-3) Paragraphs 4 and 5 shall apply mutatis mutandis
to the compensation of losses in accordance with the provision of the preceding paragraph,and the provision of Article 33 58-6-4) shall apply mutatis mutandis to an heir, juridical person
established by merger or other general business successor succeeding to the business of aperson who obtained the permission of Paragraph 1, to a person who takes over from theperson who obtained the permission referred to in Paragraph 1 the land or structure regarding
which the permission was obtained or the land on which the structure regarding which thepermission was obtained is to be build (hereinafter referred to in this paragraph as land etc.
regarding which the permission was obtained) and to a person who, by lease or any othermeans, obtains the right to use the land etc. regarding which the permission was obtained froma person who obtained the permission of Paragraph 1.
[Gor 58-6-1]

Government Ordinance Article 35-4 (Acts in the projected spatial river zone that do not require

permission)
Acts as stipulated in the proviso of Article 58-6 of the River Law shall be the acts listed in the items of Article
35 of the Government Ordinance.
[Moc 58-6-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 33-7 (Application for permission for acts in the projected spatial riverzone)
The provisions of Article 15 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance shall apply mutatis mutandis toapplication for permission concerning construction or reconstruction of a structure stipulated in Article 58-6
Paragraph 1 Item (1) or (2) of the River Law.

The provisions of Article 16 of the Ministry of Construction

Ordinance shall apply mutatis mutandis to application for permission stipulated in Article 58-6 Paragraph 1 Item(1) of the River Law (excluding permission concerning construction or reconstruction of a structure).
[Note 58-6-3]

For information on Articles 39 and 40 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance, see Notes 23-

75-1 and 23-75-2 to Article 23 of the River Law.

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THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Law 58-6-4]

River Law Article 22 (Emergency measures to be taken during floods, etc.)[Law 58-6-5]

River Law Article 33 (Succession to status)(Spatial River Zone Whose Land Title is Acquired by the River Administrator) 58-7-1)
Article 58-7.
After the river administrator obtains the title to the aboveground or undergroundspace in the projected spatial river zone, the space shall be regarded, even before the zone
becomes a spatial river zone, as one within the spatial river zone for purposes of applicationof this Law. However, the penal provisions shall apply only in cases where there is aprovision to that effect.
[Note 58-7-1]

This article includes provisions for the spatial river zone, which are equivalent to the provisionsof Article 58 (Projected river zone whose land title is acquired by the river administrator) of the River Law
concerning the planned sites of ordinary river administration facilities such as levees.

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THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Chapter III.

Financial Responsibility for River Administration(Principles)
Article 59.
Unless otherwise provided for in this Law 59-1) or any other law 59-2), the expenses
necessary for administering a class A river is borne by the national government and thosenecessary for administering a class B river is borne by the prefecture where the class B river islocated. 59-3)[Note 59-1]

The special provisions in the River Law are as follows: Article 60 (Prefectural share for cost forclass A rivers), Article 61 (Subsidy for cost for designated section of class A rivers), Article 62 (Subsidy for costfor class B rivers), Article 63 (Sharing of cost for class A and B rivers for the benefited prefectures), Article 65(Sharing of cost for class B rivers on prefectural boundaries), Article 66 (Sharing of cost for joint use structures),
Article 67 (Sharing of cost of works carried out by the person necessitating river works), Article 68 (Sharing of
cost of apprutenant works), Article 69 (Sharing of cost of works carried out by a person other than riveradministrator), Article 70 (Sharing of cost by beneficiaries), Article 70-2 (Sharing of cost by special river water
users), Article 73 (Sharing of cost to perform obligations) and Article 96 (Special arrangements for Hokkaido
region).
[Note 59-2]"Other law" refers to the Specified Multi-Purpose Dams Law, the Water Resources Development

Public Corporation Law, the Law concerning National Treasury Share of Expenses for Rehabilitation of Damage
to Public Works Facilities, the Law concerning Special Financial Aid etc. in Case of Severe Disaster and theSpecial Measures Law concerning Upstream Area Development.
[Note 59-3]

This article stipulates with regard to the cost of river administration that (1) the cost ofadministration of class A rivers, as a rule, be borne by the national government because class A rivers are of vital
importance to land conservation and national economy and can affect the safety and interests of the people ofJapan and (2) the cost of administration of class B rivers, as a rule, be borne by the prefecture concerned because
the benefits directly arising out of the administration of class B rivers remain in the prefecture concerned.

In

reality, however, it is more common to share the cost of river administration at the ratios shown below under the
exception provisions of Article 60 (Prefectural share for cost for class A rivers) and Article 62 (Subsidy for costfor class B rivers) of the River Law:
Cost of administration of class A rivers: national government 1/2, prefecture concerned 1/2
The cost of river improvement works, however, is shared as follows: national government 2/3, prefecture
concerned 1/3-E102-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Cost of administration of class B rivers: national government 0/1, prefecture concerned 1/1
The cost of river improvement works, however, is to be shared as follows: national government 1/2 or less,prefecture concerned 1/2 or more

(Prefectural Share for Cost for Class A Rivers)
Article 60.
Half (three tenth for large scale improvement works; one-third for otherimprovement works; nine-twentieth for maintenance and repairs) of the expenses necessary
for administering a class A river in a prefecture (excluding the expenses for the administrationof a designated section conducted by the prefectural governor in accordance with theprovisions of Article 9 60-1) Paragraph 2) shall be borne by the prefecture as provided byGovernment Ordinance 60-2) 60-3).
2
The expenses necessary for the administration of a designated section of a class A
river, conducted by a prefectural governor according to the provision of Article 9 60-209)
Paragraph 2, shall be borne by the prefecture governed by that prefectural governor.
However, two-thirds of the expenses for improvement works, as part of emergency riverworks to deal with dangerous situations such as collapse of levee etc., eleven-twentieth of theexpenses for improvement works to prevent the repetition of disasters or for large scale
improvement works and half of the expenses for the other improvement works shall be borneby the national government, as provided by Government Ordinance 60-4).
(This article amended by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)[Law 60-1]

River Law Article 9 (Administration of Class A rivers)[Gor 60-2]

Government Ordinance Article 36 (Sharing of cost of administration of class A rivers to be borne byprefectures)
The amount of cost to be borne by the prefecture under the provisions of Article 60 Paragraph 1 of the River
Law shall be calculated as the cost of river administration [in the case where the cost is shared under theprovisions of Article 67, Article 68 Paragraph 2 or Article 70-2 Paragraph 1 of the River Law or Article 14
Paragraph 1 of the Law on the Execution of Preservation Project of Water Resource Quality for Water Supply(Law No. 8, 1994), said cost minus the amount of cost to be borne by a person or persons other than theprefecture; hereinafter referred to as the "basic amount of share"] times the ratio to be borne by the prefecture
stipulated in Article 60 Paragraph 1 of the River Law.

-E103-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Gor 60-3]

Government Ordinance Article 36-2 (Large-scale works to which the special share ratio foradministration cost for class A rivers)
Large-scale works stipulated in Article 60 Paragraph 1 of the River Law shall be works that concern any of thefollowing facilities and whose cost exceeds one hundred twenty million yen (hereinafter referred to as "largescale improvement works"):(1) Dam with a storage capacity of 8,000,000m3;(2) Facilities for lake water level regulation;(3) Conveyance channel, floodway or cut-off channel that is 750m or more in length;(4) Retarding basin that has an area of 150 hectares or more;(5) Weir or groundsill that is 150m or more in length;(6) Other facilities that are similar to those listed in the preceding items that are designated by the
Minister of Construction[Gor 60-4]

Government Ordinance Article 37 (Cost of improvement works carried out by a prefectural

governor that is borne by the national government)
The amount of cost of river improvement works in a designated section of a class A river to be borne by thenational government under the provisions of Article 60 Paragraph 2 of the River Law and the amount of cost ofriver improvement works for a class B river to be borne by the national government under the provision of Article
62 of the River Law shall be their respective basic amounts of share.
2

The ratio of the amount of cost of river improvement works to be executed systematically according to thebasic policy for comprehensive conservation and utilization of rivers set forth in the fundamental rivermanagement policy to be borne by the national government under the provision of Article 62 of the River Law to
the total cost of said river improvement works is one half.

(Subsidy for Cost for Designated Section of Class A Rivers)
Article 61.
The national government may grant a subsidy covering a part of the expenses forrepairing 61-1) such a part of a class A river as has been designated according to the provisionof Article 9 61-2) Paragraph 2 as the part whose repair works should be executed by theprefectural governor concerned, up to one-third of the expenses within the limit of thebudgetary appropriation 61-3).
[Note 61-1]

Repair of a river, which refers to works to restore a river or river administration facility that has

been damaged for some reason, includes the repair of levees, revetments, jetties, etc., and also excavation anddredging to clear river channels of obstructions.
[Law 61-2]

River Law Article 9 (Administration of class A rivers)-E104-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Note 61-3]

Article 60 of the River Law stipulates that the cost of administration of a designated section of aclass A river excluding river improvement works be borne by the prefecture concerned.

Since the maintenanceand repair of rivers ranks second only to river improvement works in importance, this article stipulates that thenational government may bear up to one third of repair cost within the limit of the national budgetary
appropriation.

(Subsidy for Cost for Class B Rivers) 62-1)
Article 62.
Under the provisions of Government Ordinances 62-2), the national government shallmeet up to but not exceeding one half of the cost of improving class B rivers (excluding work
carried out by municipal heads after consultation under the provisions of Article 16-3 62-3)
Paragraph 1).
[Note 62-1]

Article 59 of the River Law stipulates that, as a rule, all costs for class B rivers be borne by theprefectures concerned.

There are many cases, however, where the cost of river improvement is so high as togreatly affect prefectural finances.

This article therefore requires the national government to shoulder part ofsuch cost.
[Note 62-2]

For information on Article 37 (Cost of improvement works carried out by a prefectural governor

that is borne by the national government) of the Government Ordinance, see Note 211 to Article 60 of the River
Law.
[Law 62-3]

River Law Article 16-3 (River works by municipalities)(Sharing of Cost for Class A and B Rivers for the Benefited Prefectures)63-1)
Article 63.
In case a prefecture other than the prefecture which, in accordance with the provisionof Article 60 63-2) Paragraph 1, bears a part of the expenses for river administration conductedby the Minister of Construction is benefited greatly by the river administration, the Minister ofConstruction may make the former prefecture bear a part of the expenses to be borne by thelatter prefecture according to the provision of the said paragraph, within the limit of thebenefit gained. 63-3)
2
When the Minister of Construction intends to make the benefited prefecture bear apart of the expenses for river administration in accordance with the provision of the preceding
paragraph, he shall bear beforehand the opinion of the prefectural governor governing theprefecture.

-E105-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

3
In case a prefecture other than the prefecture whose prefectural governor conducts
river administration is benefited greatly by the river administration, the latter prefecture may
make the benefited prefecture bear a part of the expenses for the administration borne by thelatter prefecture, within the limit of the benefit gained. 63-220)
4
When the prefectural governor intends to make the benefited prefecture bear a partof the expenses for the river administration in accordance with the provision of the preceding
paragraph, he shall consult beforehand with the prefectural governor governing the benefited
prefecture.
[Note 63-1]

Paragraphs 3 and 4 of this article enables a similar arrangement about class B rivers.

[Law 63-2]

River Law Article 60 (Prefectural share for cost for class A rivers)[Note 63-3]

As a rule, the cost of administration of a class A river is to be borne by the government of theprefecture where the river, facility or works concerned are located.

This provision makes it possible that if a

prefecture other than the prefecture concerned is so benefited as to make this principle seem unreasonable, thebenefited prefecture may be made to bear part of the cost within the limit of such benefits. A situation like thismay occur, for example, when a downstream prefecture is protected by the flood control function of a dam
upstream.

(Payment and Receipt of Share)
Article 64.
The expenses to be borne by the prefecture in accordance with the provision of
Article 60 Paragraph 1 and the expenses to be borne by the benefited prefecture in accordancewith the provision of Paragraph 1 of the preceding article out of the expenses foradministration of a class A river conducted by the Minister of Construction shall be paid into
the National Treasury, as may be provided for in detail by Government Ordinance 64-1).
2
The expenses to be borne by the national government in accordance with theprovision of the latter half of Article 60 Paragraph 2 or the provision of Article 62 64-1) and theexpenses to be borne by the benefited prefecture in accordance with the provision of
Paragraph 3 of the preceding article out of the expenses for river administration conducted by
the prefectural governor shall be paid to the prefecture governed by the prefectural governor,
as may be provided for in detail by Government Ordinance 64-2).
[Law 64-1]

River Law Article 60 (Prefectural share for cost for class A rivers), Article 62 (Subsidy for cost forclass B rivers)-E106-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Gor 64-2]

Government Ordinance Article 38 (Payment)

In the case where the cost of administration of a class A river is shared under the provisions of Article 60
Paragraph 1 or Article 63 (Sharing of cost for class A and B rivers for the benefited prefectures) Paragraph 2 of theRiver Law, the Minister of Construction shall notify each prefecture concerned of that prefecture's obligation tobear part of the cost and the amount to be borne by that prefecture. In the case, however, where part of theamount of cost to be borne by prefecture A under the provisions of Article 60 (Prefectural share for cost for class
A rivers) Paragraph 1 of the River Law is to be borne by prefecture B under the provisions of Article 63
Paragraph 1 of the River Law, the Minister of Construction shall notify prefecture A that prefecture A is to pay theamount of cost calculated as the total cost minus the amount of cost to be borne by prefecture B.
2

The amount of cost to be borne by a prefecture other than the prefecture concerned under theprovisions of Article 63 Paragraph 3 of the River Law shall be paid by the time the fund of which that payment ismade part of is to be expended.

(Sharing of Cost for Class B Rivers on Prefectural Boundaries)
Article 65.
In case a special administration method has been established by the prefectural
governors concerned for such part of a class B river as forms or crosses the boundary between
two or more prefectures on the basis of the consultation according to the provision of Article
11 65-1) Paragraph 1, the prefectural governors concerned may, by agreement, fix the amountsof shares to be borne by the respective prefectures and method of bearing them.
[Law 65-1]

River Law Article 11 (Administration of class B rivers on the prefectural boundaries)(Sharing of Cost for River Works Carried Out by Municipalities) 65-2-1)
Article 65-2.
The cost of river works or river maintenance carried out by a municipal head after
consultation as stipulated in Article 16-3 65-2-2) Paragraph 1 shall be met by the municipality
which is under the jurisdiction of the said municipal head. In this case, of the said cost, thenational government or the prefectural government shall meet a part of the cost of river
improvement work in accordance with the provisions of Government Ordinances 65-2-3).
2
In the case where a prefecture other than the prefecture that meets a part of the costof river improvement work stipulated in the latter part of the preceding paragraph receives
considerable benefit from the said river improvement work, the prefecture which meets a partof the said improvement cost may request the prefecture that receives the said benefit to meeta part of the cost commensurate with the benefit received.

-E107-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

3
The provisions of Article 63 65-2-4) Paragraph 4 shall apply mutatis mutandis to thecase stipulated in the preceding paragraph.
4
As provided by Government Ordinance 65-2-5), the cost that the national government
and prefectural governments should meet under the provisions of the latter part of Paragraph 1
and the part of the cost which the prefecture that receives benefit from river improvement
work should meet under the provisions of Paragraph 2 must be paid to the municipality that is
meeting the cost of the work in accordance with the provisions of the first part of Paragraph 1.
[Note 65-2-1]

This article provides for the sharing of the expenses for river works to be carried out bymunicipalities under Article 16-3 (River works by municipalities).
[Law 65-2-2]

River Law Article 16-3 (River works by municipalities)[Note 65-2-3]

There is as yet no provision concerning this paragraph in the Government Ordinance.

[Law 65-2-4]

River Law Article 63 (Sharing of cost for class A and B rivers for the benefited prefectures)[Gor 65-2-5]

Government Ordinance Article 38-2 (Payment to municipalities)

In the case where part of the amount of cost to be borne by prefecture A under the provisions of Article 65-2
paragraph 1 of the River Law is to be borne by prefecture B under the provisions of Paragraph 2 of the same
article, prefecture A shall pay to the municipality that is to bear the cost of river works, etc., under the provisionof the first sentence of Paragraph 1 of the same article the amount calculated as the total cost minus the amount tobe borne by prefecture B.
2

Any share of cost to be borne by a benefiting prefecture under the provisions of Article 65-2 Paragraph 2 of

the River Law shall be paid by the time the fund of which that payment is made part of is to be expended.

(Sharing of Cost for Joint Use Structures) 66-1)
Article 66.
If a river administration facility is intended to be used for a purpose other than riveradministration as well, the bearing or sharing of the expenses for administration is fixed byconsultation between the river administrator (the Minister of Construction in case the bearerof the expenses is the national government in accordance with the provisions of Article 59 andthe first part of Article 60 66-2) Paragraph 2, and the prefectural governor governing theprefecture in case the bearer is a prefecture; the same shall apply in the next article, Article 68,
Article 70 and Article 70-2 66-2) and the administrator of the non-river administration facility.
[Note 66-1]

This article provides for the sharing of cost for joint use structures as stipulated in Article 17 (Joint

use structure) of the River Law.

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THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Law 66-2]

River Law Article 59 (Principles of financial responsibility), Article 60 (Prefectural share for costfor class A rivers), Article 68 (Sharing of cost of apprutenant works), Article 70 (Sharing of cost by
beneficiaries), Article 70-2 (Sharing of cost by special river water users)(Sharing of Cost of Works Carried Out by a Person Necessitating River Works)67-1)
Article 67.
The river administrator shall make the whole or a part of the expenses for riverworks and/or river maintenance necessitated by some other works or other act be borne by the
person who has necessitated the river works and/or river maintenance within the limit of theexpenses for the amount of works necessitated.
(This article amended by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)[Note 67-1]

This article provides for the sharing of cost for works as stipulated in Article 18 (Works by person

who has necessitated such works) of the River Law.

(Sharing of Cost of Apprutenant Works) 68-1)
Article 68.
The person who is to meet the cost of river works must meet all or part of the cost of
apprutenant work that has become necessary as a result of the river works or apprutenant
work that is necessary for the implementation of the river works under the provisions ofArticle 59, Article 60 first part of Paragraph 2 and Article 65-2 68-2) first part of Paragraph 1 tothe extent to which it is necessary, except in the case where it is otherwise specified in theprovisos to the approval stipulated in Article 26 68-3) Paragraph 1 and in the case where it isotherwise specified in consultations held under the provisions of Article 95 68-4).
2
In case the river works referred to in the preceding paragraph have been necessitatedby works other than river works or by some other set, the river administrator may make theperson who is to bear the expenses for the other works or act which has necessitated the otherworks referred to in the said paragraph bear the whole or a part of the expenses, within thelimit of the expenses for the amount of works necessitated.
[Note 68-1]

This article provides for the sharing of cost for apprutenant works stipulated in Article 19(Apprutenant works) of the River Law.
[Law 68-2]

River Law Articles 59 (Principles of financial responsibility), 60 (Prefectural share for cost forclass A rivers), 65-2 (Sharing of cost for river works carried out by municipalities)[Law 68-3]

River Law Article 26 (Permission for construction of structures)[Law 68-4]

River Law Article 95 (Special arrangement for use of rivers by the national government)-E109-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(Sharing of Cost of Works Carried Out Executed by a Person Other than River
Administrator) 69-1)
Article 69.
The expenses for river works or river maintenance executed by a person other than
the river administrator in accordance with the provision of Article 20 69-2) shall be borne by
the person who is the executor of the river works or river maintenance.
[Note 69-1]

This article provides for the sharing of cost for river works stipulated in Article 20 (River works bypersons other than the river administrator) of the River Law.
[Law 69-2]

River Law Article 20 (River works by persons other than the river administrator)(Sharing of Cost by Beneficiaries)
Article 70.
In case any persons are greatly benefited by river works, the river administrator may
make them bear a part of the expenses for the river works, within the limit of the benefit
accruing to them from the river works.
2
The scope of the persons from whom the shares according to the preceding
paragraph are to be collected and the method of collecting the shares shall be fixed either by
Government Ordinance 70-1) (in case the shares are imposed by the Minister of Construction),or by bylaw of the prefecture which the prefectural governor concerned governs (in case they
are imposed by a prefectural governor).
[Gor 70-1] Government Ordinance does has as yet no provision concerning this article.

(Sharing of Cost by Special River Water Users) 70-2-1)
Article 70-2.
The river administrator may make the persons who use river water by constructing or
expanding their own facilities (hereinafter in this article to be called special river water users)
bear a part of the expenses necessary for the river works connecting two or more rivers(hereinafter referred to as interlinking rivers) in order to improve the state of river water,which eliminate and diminish public losses caused by the water of river, and which provide
water to special river water users (excluding the river works which also constructs the riveradministration facilities to store the water of a river) and bear a part of the expenses necessary
for administering river administration facilities set by the river works, within the limit of thebenefit accruing to them from the river works.

-E110-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

2
When the river administrator intends to execute the river works of the preceding
paragraph, he shall, in advance, consult with the heads of the administrative agencies
concerned and hear the opinions of the prefectural governors concerned in case of a class A
river and the opinions of the heads of the cities, towns and villages concerned in case of aclass B river and obtain consent of the special river water users concerned to bearing theexpenses necessary for the river works and for administering river administration facilities set
by the river works, as may be provided for in detail by Government Ordinance 70-2-2).
3
In case of Paragraph 1, the method of calculating and returning shares shall be fixed
by Government Ordinance70-2-3) 70-2-4) . The method of collecting shares shall be fixed byGovernment Ordinance 70-2-5) 70-2-6) (in case the shares are imposed by the Minister ofConstruction), or by bylaw of the prefecture which the prefectural governor concerned
governs (in case they are imposed by a prefectural governor).
4
The river works of Paragraph 1 shall be executed so that it might not damage thenormal functions of the river water concerned.
[Note 70-2-1] This article require persons who can become new users of river water (special river water users) as
a result of a so-called interlinking river project to bear a just amount of cost. Interlinking rivers help to meetgrowing water demand in urban areas. By interconnecting two or more rivers, interlinking rivers contribute toflood protection, interior drainage and maintenance of minimum acceptable flow and to efficient use of water
resources.
PLAN OF NORTH-CHIBA WATER CONVEYANCE PROJECT[Gor 70-2-2]

Government Ordinance Article 38-3 (Contents of consultation under Article 70-2 Paragraph 2 of

the River Law)
In the case where the river administrator hold a consultation, hear opinion and seek to obtain consent under theprovisions of Article 70-2 Paragraph 2 of the River Law, he shall clarify the purpose of the river works
concerned, an outline of the plan, matters concerning improvement of river water conditions, matters concerning-E111-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

the special river water user and matters concerning the cost of the river works concerned and the sharing of cost.
2

In the case where the river administrator intends to alter any of the matters listed in the preceding

paragraph, he shall consult with the heads of the administrative organizations concerned, hear the opinion of thehead of the municipality concerned and obtain the consent of the special river water user.
[Gor 70-2-3]

Government Ordinance Article 38-4 (Method of calculation of the share to be borne by the

special river water user)
The amount of a share that the river administrator makes a special river water user bear under the Article 70-2
Paragraph 1 of the River Law as part of the cost of river works as stipulated in said paragraph of the same law(excluding river works whose purposes include securing a source of water supply to a special river water user
who uses river water for irrigation or power generation) or the cost of administration of a river administration
facility constructed as a result of said river works shall be calculated as the sum of the amount of the cost of theriver works or the cost of administration of the river administration facility constructed as a result of the riverworks (excluding the amount corresponding to consumption taxes and local consumption taxes) times the shareratio for a special river water user, the amount corresponding to consumption taxes to be imposed in connection
with allowing the special river water user to use the river administration facility concerned or performing
administration of the river administration facility concerned for the special river water user and the amount of thelocal consumption taxes levied on the basis of the amount of said consumption taxes.

The share ratio in thiscalculation shall be calculated by the alternative expenditure method. Should the application of the alternative
expenditure method, however, is deemed inappropriate because of unreasonably large differences in the degree ofimportance between the uses for which the river works concerned are to be carried out or for other reasons, theMinister of Construction may consult with the heads of the administrative organizations concerned as to themethod of calculation to be used and calculate the share ratio by the method thus adopted.
[Gor 70-2-4]

Government Ordinance Article 38-5 (Alternative expenditure method)

The alternative expenditure method referred to in the preceding article shall be a method of calculation inwhich an alternative construction cost is calculated for each of the uses for which river works as stipulated in
Article 70-2 Paragraph 1 of the River Law are carried out, and the cost of the river works concerned or the cost ofadministration of the river administration facility constructed as a result of the river works is allocated to each use
according to the ratio of the amount of said alternative construction cost of each use to the total cost.
2

The alternative construction cost referred to in the preceding paragraph shall be an estimated cost,calculated for each use of river works as stipulated in Article 70-2 Paragraph 1 of the River Law, of constructionof a facility or structure whose utility is comparable to that created as a result of the river works concerned.
[Gor 70-2-5]

Government Ordinance Article 38-6 (Collection of the share to be borne by the special riverwater user)
Shares of cost that the Minister of Construction obligates special river water users to bear shall be collected in
the amount he determines according to the project plan for each fiscal year by the date he specifies on the basis of
the funds program for each fiscal year.

-E112-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Gor 70-2-6]

Government Ordinance Article 38-7 (Returning of shares collected from special river water

users)In the event that river works as stipulated in Article 70-2 Paragraph 1 of the River Law have been cancelled,
the national government or the prefecture concerned shall return all shares that have been received.

(Notification of Amounts of Shares and Payment Procedure)
Article 71.
Necessary matters concerning the shares according to the provision of Article 67,
Article 68 Paragraph 2, Article 70 Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 1 of the preceding article
including the notification of the amounts of shares and the procedure for their payment shallbe fixed by Government Ordinance 71-1).
(This article amended by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)[Note 71-1] The Government Ordinance has as yet no provision concerning this article, but shares under thisarticle are collected by means of a notice of payment due issued by the national government or the prefectural
government concerned.

(Vesting of Shares Collected)
Article 72.
The shares collected in accordance with the provision of Article 67. Article 68
Paragraph 2, Article 70 Paragraph 1, Article 70-2 Paragraph 1 or Article 75 Paragraph 9 shallbe vested either in the national government (in case they are imposed by the Minister ofConstruction) or in the prefecture which the prefectural governor governs (in case they are
imposed by a prefectural governor).
(This article amended by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)(Sharing of Cost to Perform Obligations)
Article 73.
The expenses necessary for performing a duty imposed in accordance with theprovisions of this Law or of Government Ordinance or prefectural bylaw based on this Law or
a duty imposed by an official action based on such provisions shall be borne by the personbound by the duty unless otherwise provided for in this Law.
(Compulsory Collection of Shares and Charges)
Article 74.
In case a person fails to pay within the time-limit of payment the share, charge foruse of river water, etc. (hereinafter referred to as share etc.) to be paid in accordance with any-E113-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by articleof the provision of this Law, Government Ordinance or prefectural bylaw based on this Law
or in accordance with an official action based on any of such provisions, the riveradministrator (the Minister of Construction in case the share etc. are to be included in thenational revenues, or in case they are to be included in the revenues of a prefecture, theprefectural governor governing the prefecture; the same hereinafter in this article) shall urge
the payment by designating a time limit.
2
In urging the payment in accordance with the provision of the preceding paragraph,
the river administrator shall send a letter of reminder to the person under duty to makepayment. The date of time limit to be designated in the letter of reminder shall be a day 20
days or more after the day when the letter of reminder is sent.
3
In case a person bound by the duty to make payment who has received a letter ofreminder according to the provision of Paragraph 1 fails to pay the share etc. and the fee on
arrears according to the provision of Paragraph 5 by the date of time limit, the riveradministrator may effect a disposition for the recovery of the share etc. in arrears following
either the examples of recovering national taxes in arrears (in case the share etc. are to be
included in the national revenues) or those of recovering local taxes in arrears (in case theshare etc. are to be included in the revenues of a prefectures).
4
The order of priority of the recovery of the money to be collected according to thepreceding paragraph shall be next to national taxes and local taxes; and the prescription shallfollow the examples of that of national taxes.
5
In case the river administrator urged the payment in accordance with the provisionof Paragraph 1, he may collect a fee on arrears calculated on the basis of the number of days
counted from the day following the date of time limit for payment to the day preceding the day
when the whole amount of the share etc. is paid or the person's property is attached and at 14.5
per cent per year of the amount of the share etc. referred to in the said paragraph, as may beprovided for in detail by Government Ordinance74-1) .
[Gor 74-1]

Government Ordinance Article 39 (Arrearage charge)

In the case where part of the share etc. as stipulated in Article 74 Paragraph 1 of the River Law has been paidon or before the due date of payment, the amount of share etc. used as the basis of calculation of an arrearage
charge under Article 74 of the River Law shall be calculated as the full amount of share etc. minus the amount
paid on or before the due date of payment.
[Gor 74-2] Government Ordinance Article 39-2 (Public notification in case structures have been taken into
custody)
The matters of which the public is to be to notified are the following:(1) Name or type, shape and number of the structure(s) taken into custody (including any boat/ship to be removed-E114-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

under an order; the same shall apply hereafter in this chapter)(2) Place where the structure taken into custody had been found and the date of removal of the structure from itssite of origin(3) Date on which the structure was taken into custody and the place where the structure is kept(4) Any other information deemed necessary for returning the structure[Gor 74-3] Government Ordinance Article 39-3 (Method of public notification in case structures have been taken
into custody)
Public notification under the provision of Article 75 Paragraph 5 of the River Law shall be made by
the following methods:(1) Post the information listed in the items of Article 39-274-2) of the Government Ordinance at the office of theriver administrator concerned (an office of the regional construction bureau concerned or an office of theprefectural government concerned; the same shall apply hereafter in this chapter) for fourteen (14) days after the
structure is taken into custody(2) Should the name and address of the owner, occupant or any other person who holds title to the structure (inArticle 39-774-7) hereof referred to as the "owner or other title holder") cannot be identified even after the public
notification period stipulated in the foregoing item has ended, announce a summary of the public notification in
the Official Gazette, a gazette of the prefectural government concerned or a newspaper2

The river administrator shall not only make public notification by the methods stipulated in the foregoingparagraph but also keep a file of all structures in custody at his office and keep the file open to perusal by any
person concerned.
[Gor 74-4] Government Ordinance Article 39-4 (Method of valuation of structures)
Valuation of a structure under the provision of Article 75 Paragraph 6 of the River Law shall be madein consideration of factors such as the price of the structure, the cost of its manufacture, age of the structure,degree of wear and any other factors affecting the valuation of the structure. If the river administrator deems it
necessary for the purpose of such valuation, he may consult a person or persons who have expert knowledge ofthe valuation of structures for advice.
[Gor 74-5] Government Ordinance Article 39-5 (Procedures for disposal by sale of structures in custody)
Disposal by sale of a structure in custody under Article 75 Paragraph 6 of the River Law shall be madeby competitive bidding, provided, however, that if there is no bidder for the structure to be disposed of by sale orif subjecting the structure to be disposed of by sale to competitive bidding is deemed inappropriate, the structure
may be sold by a negotiated contract.
[Gor 74-6] Government Ordinance Article 39-6
If the river administrator intends to subject a structure to open bidding, which falls under the categoryof competitive bidding as stipulated in Article 39-5 of the Government Ordinance, he shall post at his office, atleast five days before the bidding date, the information stipulated in the MOC Ordinance including the name ortype, shape, and name of the structure(s) or make public notification by a similar method.

-E115-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

2

If the river administrator intends to subject a structure to selective bidding, which falls under the category ofcompetitive bidding as stipulated in Article 39-5 of the Government Ordinance, he shall nominate three or morebidders wherever possible and inform those bidders in advance of the information on the structure stipulated in
the MOC Ordinance including the information stipulated in the MOC Ordinance including the name or type,
shape, and number of the structure(s).
3

If the river administrator intends to adopt a negotiated contract under the proviso of Article 39-5 of theGovernment Ordinance, he shall take price quotations from at least two prospective buyers wherever possible.
[Gor 74-7] Government Ordinance Article 39-7 (Procedures for returning structures)
In cases where the river administrator returns a structure in his custody (including the money received
as a result of the sale of a structure as provided for in Article 75 Paragraph 6 of the River Law) to the owner orother title holder, the river administrator shall have the person who is to receive the structure prove that that
person is really the owner or other title holder by presenting a document or documents that certify his identity orby other means and shall return the structure in exchange for a receipt duly made out on the form specified in the
MOC Ordinance.
[Moc 74-8] MOC Ordinance Article 33-8 (Form for a Listing of Structures in Custody)
The form stipulated in the MOC Ordinance referred to in Article 39-374-3) Paragraph 2 of the Government
Ordinance shall be Form 16-3 attached hereto. (Form 16-3 omitted)[Moc 74-9] MOC Ordinance Article 33-9 (Information to Be Posted in Connection with Competitive Bidding)
Information stipulated in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance referred to in Article 39-674-6) Paragraphs 1 and
2 of the Government Ordinance shall be the following:(1) Title and name of the person responsible for execution of the competitive bidding concerned(2) Time and place of the competitive bidding concerned(3) Outline of the terms and conditions of contract(4) Other information deemed necessary by the river administrator[Moc 74-10] MOC Ordinance Article 33-10 (Form for a receipt for returned structure)
The form stipulated in the MOC Ordinance referred to in Article 39-7 74-7) of the Government Ordinance shall be
Form 16-4 attached hereto.

-E116-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Chapter IV.

Supervision(Supervisory Measures and Orders)
Article 75.
In case a person to whom a permission or approval has been given in accordance withthe provisions of this Law or of Government Ordinance or prefectural bylaw based on this
Law is found to fall under any of the following items, the river administrator may annul thepermission or approval, make some alteration to it, suspend its effect, change its conditions or
attach new conditions to it, or order him to discontinue the works or other act, to reconstruct
or remove the structure (including the removal of moored boats and ships that violate theprovisions of Article 24), to set up a facility or take a step necessary for eliminating or
preventing the harm which has been caused or may be caused by the works or other act or by
the structure or to restore the river to its original state:(1) Person who has violated any of the provisions of this Law or a Government Ordinance or
prefectural bylaw issued based on this Law or acted in contravention of a disposition made inaccordance with such provisions; his general business successor or person who has taken overfrom him the structure etc. (included boats and ships ordered to be removed. Otherwise thesame applies throughout this article) involved in the violation, or person who has obtained theright to use the structure or the land involved in the violation from the violator by lease orsome other means;(2) Person who does not meet the conditions attached to the permission or approval given inaccordance with the provisions of this Law or a Government Ordinance or prefectural bylaw
issued based on this Law;
(3) Person who has obtained the permission or approval provided for in this Law or a
Government Ordinance or prefectural bylaw issued based on this Law by fraud or some otherillegal means.
2
In any of the following cases, the river administrator may make any of thedispositions prescribed in the preceding paragraph against a person to whom the permission orapproval according to this Law or a Government Ordinance or prefectural bylaw based on thisLaw was given:(1) In case the person concerned has failed, in connection with the works or act for which thepermission or approval has been given or in connection with the operation of the project
connected therewith, to obtain, when it is necessary under some other law or regulations, thepermission, approval or some other official action by the administrative agency in charge, orin case the official action has been annulled or has become invalid;-E117-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(2) In case the works or other act for which the permission or approval was given or the
project involving such works or act has been discontinued either wholly or partly;(3) In case the works or other act for which the permission was given has come to be a great
hindrance to river administration, as a result of a change in the river conditions caused by aflood, high tide or other natural phenomenon;(4) In case the disposition is unavoidable for execution of river works;(5) Apart from the case mentioned in the preceding item, in case the disposition is
unavoidable for the public benefit.
3
In the event that the person to be ordered to take necessary corrective measures
under the provisions of Paragraphs 1 and 2 (hereafter referred to as the “violator”in thisparagraph) cannot be confirmed without fault on the part of the river administrator, the riveradministrator may take said corrective measures himself or order or commission a third party
to take said corrective measures. In this case, the river administrator shall make a public
notification in advance, to the effect that the violator must carry out the said corrective
measures within a reasonable period of time specified by the river administrator and that if
the violator fails to carry out the corrective measures, the river administrator will carry out thesaid corrective measures himself or order or commission a third party to carry out the saidmeasures.
4
The river administrator shall keep custody of any structure that has been removed by
the river administrator or a third party under the provisions of the preceding paragraph 75-7).
5Should the river administrator take custody of any structure under the provision of
the preceding paragraph, he shall make a public announcement as stipulated in relevant
government ordinances in order to return the said structure to the owner or user of thestructure or a person who has the title to the structure ( hereafter in this article referred to as“owner etc.”). 75-1) 75-2) 75-6) 75-9)
6
In the event that a structure the river administrator takes custody of is in danger ofbeing lost or damaged or in the event that said structure cannot be returned within threemonths from the date of the public announcement made under the provision of the preceding
paragraph and the expenses or fees required for keeping said structure in custody isunreasonably high in comparison with the value of said structure estimated in accordance with
relevant government ordinances, the river administrator may sell the said structure and keep
custody of the proceeds from the sale.75-3) 75-4) 75-5) 75-8)
7
In the case where the river administrator is unable to find a buyer of a structure thatthe river administrator seeks to sell under the provision of Paragraph 6, the riveradministrator may scrap the structure if the value of the structure estimated in accordancewith the provision of the preceding paragraph is extremely low.

-E118-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

8
The proceeds from the sale of a structure as stipulated in Paragraph 6 may be used tocover the expenses required for selling the structure.
9
All expenses required for the removal, storage and sale of a structure, publicannouncement made in connection with the structure and any other measures taken under theprovisions of Paragraphs 3 through 6 shall be borne by the owner etc. to whom said structure
is to be returned or the person who is ordered to take corrective measures as stipulated in
Paragraph 3.
10
In the event that a structure that is being kept in custody under the provision of
Paragraph 4 ( including the proceeds from the sale of such structure under the provision of
Paragraph 6 ) cannot be returned within six months from the date of the public announcement
as stipulated in Paragraph 5, the ownership of the said structure shall pass to the Japanese
government if the structure is in the custody of the Minister of Construction or to theprefectural government concerned if the structure is in the custody of a prefectural governor.
(Paragraphs 1 & 3 amended by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)(Paragraphs 4 through 10 added by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)[Gor 75-1]

Government Ordinance Article 39-2 (Information to be included in public notification in case astructure taken into custody)
Information to be included in public notification under Article 75 Paragraph 5 of the River Law shall be thefollowing]:(1) Name or type, configuration and quantity of the structure taken into custody (including boats/ships whose
removal has been ordered; the same shall apply hereafter in this chapter);(2) Place where the structure taken into custody was found and the date of removal of the structure;(3) Date on which the structure concerned was taken into custody and place where the structure is kept incustody;(4) Matters other than those listed in the preceding three items that are deemed necessary for return of thestructure taken into custody.
[Gor 75-2]

Government Ordinance Article 39-3 (Method of public notification in case a structure has beentaken into custody)
Public notification as stipulated in Article 75 Paragraph 5 of the River Law shall be made by the following
method:(1) Post the information listed in Article 39-2 of the Government Ordinance at an office of the riveradministrator concerned (which is an office of the regional construction bureau concerned or an office ofthe prefectural government concerned; the same shall apply hereafter in this chapter) for fourteen days
from the day the structure concerned was taken into custody;-E119-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(2) In the event that the name and address of the owner or possessor of the structure concerned or the person
who holds the title to the structure (referred to as "owners etc." in Article 39-7 of the Government
Ordinance) cannot be identified by the time the public notification period stipulated in the preceding item
expires, publish a summary of the contents of the public notification on the Official Gazette, a prefecturalgazette or a newspaper.
2

The administrator shall make public notification by the method stipulated in the preceding paragraph, keepa listing of structures kept in custody on the form specified in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance, and keep
the listing ready for perusal by the persons concerned.
[Gor 75-3]

Government Ordinance Article 39-4 (Method of valuation of structures)

Valuation of structures under Article 75 Paragraph 6 of the River Law shall be made in consideration of thecost of the purchase or manufacture of the structure concerned, the age of the structure, degree of wear and tearand other factors relevant for valuation of the structure concerned.

In connection with this valuation, the riveradministrator may, if he deems it necessary, hear the opinion of a person who has expert knowledge about thevaluation of structures.
[Gor 75-4]

Government Ordinance Article 39-5 (Procedures for selling structures in custody)

All structures that have been taken into custody under Article 75 Paragraph 6 of the River Law shall be sold bycompetitive bidding provided that the river administrator may sell by negotiated contract any structure that has
not been bidden in response to invitation for bids or that is deemed to be not suitable for competitive bidding.
[Gor 75-5]

Government Ordinance Article 39-6

In the case where the river administrator intends to subject a structure to open bidding which falls within the
category of competitive bidding as stipulated in Article 39-5 of the Government Ordinance 75-4), he shall makepublic notification by posting at his office the name or type, configuration and quantity of the structure
concerned, the degree of wear and tear of the structure and other information as may be stipulated in the Ministryof Construction Ordinance or at least five days before the day before the bidding or by a similar, appropriate
method.
2

In the case where the river administrator intends to subject a structure to competitive bidding by nominatedbidders which falls within the category of competitive bidding as stipulated in Article 39-5 of the Government
Ordinance, he shall wherever possible nominate three or more bidders and inform those bidders in advance of thename or type, configuration and quantity of the structure concerned and other information as may be stipulated in
the Ministry of Construction Ordinance.
3

In the case where the river administrator intends to adopt a negotiated contract as stipulated in the proviso

of Article 39-5 of the Government Ordinance, he shall wherever possible quotations from two or more persons.
[Gor 75-6]

Government Ordinance Article 39-7 (Procedure for returning structures)

In the event that the river administrator returns a structure he has taken into his custody (including any
proceeds from the sale of a structure under Article 75 Paragraph 6 of the River Law) to the owner etc., the riveradministrator shall make the person to whom the structure concerned is to be returned prove, by submitting a-E120-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

document certifying his name and address or by other means, that he is the owner etc. to whom the structure
concerned is to be returned, and shall return the structure in return for a receipt on the form specified in the
Ministry of Construction Ordinance.
[Moc 75-7]

MOC Ordinance Article 33-8 (Form for a listing of structures in custody)

The form stipulated in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance referred to in Article 39-3 Paragraph 2 of theGovernment Ordinance shall be Form 16-3 attached hereto.
[Moc 75-8]

MOC Ordinance Article 33-9 (Information to be posted in connection with competitive bidding)

Information stipulated in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance referred to in Article 39-6 Paragraphs 1 and 2of the Government Ordinance shall be the following:(1) Title and name of the person responsible for execution of the competitive bidding concerned;(2) Time and place of the competitive bidding concerned;(3) Outline of the terms and conditions of contract;(4) Other information deemed necessary by the river administrator.
[Moc 75-9]

MOC Ordinance Article 33-10 (Form for a receipt for returned structure)

The form stipulated in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance referred to in Article 39-7 of the Government
Ordinance shall be Form 16-6 attached hereto.

(Compensation for Loss Due to Supervisory Measures)
Article 76.
In the case where a river administrator has taken action in accordance with theprovisions of Paragraph 2 of the preceding article under the application of Items 4 and 5 ofParagraph 2 of the preceding article, and in the event that a person suffers a loss as a result of
the said action, the river administrator must compensate the person for such losses as would
ordinarily arise. This does not apply to the case where a person who obtains approval as
stipulated in Article 23 or Article 26 Paragraph 1 with regard to water use pays compensation
under the provisions of Article 41.
2
The provision of Article 22 Paragraphs 4 and 5 shall apply mutatis mutandis to thecase of compensating a loss in accordance with the provision of the preceding paragraph.
3
In case the loss to be compensated by the river administrator in accordance with theprovision of Paragraph 1 has been caused by a disposition according to the provision of
Paragraph 2 of the preceding article made on the ground that it fell under Item (5) of the same
paragraph, the river administrator may make the person who has brought about the cause forcompensation pay the compensation money.

-E121-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article( River Guards)
Article 77.
The river administrator may appoint river guards from among his staff members andauthorize them to act for him in ordering persons who have acted in contravention of any ofthe provisions of Article 20, Article 23 through 27, Article 30, Article 31 Paragraph 2, Article
55 Paragraph 1, Article 57 Paragraph 1, Article 58-4 Paragraph 1 or Article 58-6 Paragraph 1
or any of the provisions of a Government Ordinance or prefectural bylaw based on theprovision of Article 28 or Article 29, or in contravention of a disposition made in accordancewith any of the said provisions (including violators of a disposition made in accordance withthe provisions of Article 75 Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2 and violators of any conditionattached to the permission or approval in accordance with the provision of Article 90
Paragraph 1) to take necessary steps to correct the contravention.
2
A river guard shall, in exercising his authority given him in accordance with theprovision of the preceding paragraph, carry with him an identification card indicating his
status and show it to the parties concerned.
3
The form of the identification card referred to in the preceding paragraph andnecessary matters related thereto shall be provided for by Ministry of Construction Ordinance
77-1).
[Moc 77-1]

MOC Ordinance Article 35 (Form for certificate)

The form for the certificate as stipulated in Article 77 Paragraph 3 of the River Law shall be Form 17 attachedhereto.
[Moc 77-2] Daily management of rivers and river administration facilities are performed either by MOC
personnel (for class A rivers) or by river guards who are employees of the prefectural government concerned (forclass B rivers).

(Reporting from Permittees and Inspections by River Administrators)
Article 78.
The Minister of Construction or the river administrator may, in case it is necessaryfor enforcing this Law, make a person who has been given permission or approval inaccordance with any of the provisions of this Law or of a Government Ordinance or
prefectural bylaw based on this Law submit a report which is necessary for riveradministration, or, within the limit necessary for exercising his powers under this Law, havehis official enter the place for the works or other act for which the permission or approval was
given or the office or workshop of the person to whom the permission or approval was given
and inspect the actual situation of the works or other act, the structures, books, documents and-E122-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

other articles whose inspection is necessary.
2
An official who makes inspection by entering the office etc. in accordance with theprovision of the preceding paragraph shall carry with him an identification card 78-1) indicating
his status and show it to the parties concerned.
3
The power to make inspection by entering the office etc. provided for in Paragraph 1
shall not be construed as meaning power vested for criminal investigation.
[Moc 78-1]

MOC Ordinance Article 35 (Form for certificate)

The form for the certificate as stipulated in Article 78 Paragraph 2 of the River Law shall be Form 18 attachedhereto.

Form 18 (omitted)(Approval by the Minister of Construction)79-1)
Article 79.
When seeking to carry out river administration of class A rivers under the provisionsof Article 9 Paragraph 2 as stipulated in Government Ordinances 79-2), prefectural governors
must obtain the approval of the Minister of Construction.
2
A prefectural governor must obtain the approval of the Minister of Construction in
the case where one of the following items apply in respect of a class B river under thejurisdiction of the prefectural governor.
(1) When the prefectural governor establishes or modify a fundamental river management
policy or a river improvement plan .
(2) When the prefectural governor carries out river works stipulated in Government
Ordinances 79-3).
(3) When the prefectural governor holds consultations in accordance with the provisionsof Article 16-3 Paragraph 1 with respect to river works stipulated in Article 16-2
Paragraph 1 and in Government Ordinances79-5).
(4) When the prefectural governor takes action under the provisions of Article 23, Article
24, Article 26 Paragraph 1, Article 29, and Article 34 Paragraph 1 with regard to water
use stipulated in Government Ordinances79-6), or action stipulated in Article 75 inconnection with this action.
(Paragraph 2 amended by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)[Gor 79-1] A not insignificant portion of the task of river administration is relegated to local governments.
Examples are the administration of Class B rivers placed under the jurisdiction of prefectural governments under
Article 5 (Class B rivers) of the River Law and part of the administration of Class A rivers that may be placed
under the jurisdiction of prefectural governors under Article 9 (Administration of class A rivers). It is understood,-E123-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

however, that the power to administer rivers rests with the national government, and that prefectural andmunicipal governments undertaking river administration are simply performing part of the national government's
work on its behalf. This article, therefore, stipulates that certain tasks associated with river administration be
performed only after obtaining the approval of the Minister of Construction.
[Gor 79-2]

Government Ordinance Article 45 (Approval of the Minister of Construction)

Administration of class A rivers as stipulated in the Government Ordinance referred to in Article 79 Paragraph
1 of the River Law shall be the following:(1) Formulation or alteration of river improvement plan ;(2) River improvement works to be executed systematically under the basic policy for comprehensive riverconservation and utilization set forth in the fundamental river management policy;(3) Agreeing to hold consultation as stipulated in Article 16-3 Paragraph 1 concerning river works falling withthe category of river works described in the preceding item and defined in the proviso of Article 10-5 Item(6) of the Government Ordinance;(4) Disposition concerning water uses listed below and other than designated water uses under Article 23,
Article 24, Article 26 Paragraph 1 or Article 34 Paragraph 1 of the River Law or disposition under Article
75 of the River Law concerning such disposition:(a) Water use for a water supply system that involves a maximum intake rate of 1,200m3 or more per day orthat is to serve a population of 5,000 or more;(b) Water use for a mining or industrial water supply system that involves a maximum intake rate of
1,200m3 or more per day;(c) Water use that involves a maximum intake rate of 0.3m3/sec. or more per second or that is to irrigate
100 hectares or more of land.
(5) Permission under Article 26 Paragraph 1 of the River Law concerning dams, gates, locks, bridges or otherstructures that are of great consequence to flood control or water utilization (excluding permission
concerning water use) and disposition under Article 75 of the River Law concerning such permission;(6) Permission under Article 27 Paragraph 1 of the River Law for excavation of land, etc., that is likely togreatly affect the condition of land in the river zone.
[Gor 79-3]

Government Ordinance Article 46

River works provided for in the Government Ordinance referred to in Article 79 Paragraph 2 Item (2) of theRiver Law shall be those associated with the following facilities:(1) Dams (excluding dams whose height from foundation ground to crest is less than 15m)
(2) Underground river administration facilities specified in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance[Moc 79-4]

79-4)

MOC Ordinance 35-2 (Underground river administration facilities requiring the approval of the

Minister of Construction)
Underground river administration facilities provided for in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance referred toin Article 46 Paragraph 2 of the Government Ordinance shall be penstocks.

-E124-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Gor 79-5]

Government Ordinance Article 46-2

River works provided for in the Government Ordinance referred to in Article 79 Paragraph 2 Item (3) of theRiver Law shall be river improvement works concerning any of the facilities listed in Article 46 Item 2 of theGovernment Ordinance.
[Gor 79-6]

Government Ordinance Article 47

Water uses provided for in the Government Ordinance concerning referred to in Article 79 Paragraph 2 Item(4) of the River Law shall be specified water uses.

-E125-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Chapter V.

The River Council and the Prefectural River Council(Jurisdiction of the River Council)
Article 80.
A River council shall be established within the Ministry of Construction(hereinafter referred to as the Council).
2
The Council shall make investigation and deliberation on the matters placed under
its jurisdiction by this Law, and, in addition, make investigation and deliberation on otherimportant matters concerning rivers as the request of the Minister of Construction.
3
The Council may express its opinions to the administrative agencies concerned
concerning the matters referred to in the preceding paragraph.
[Note 80-1] Recent activities of the River Council
In June 1996, the River Council submitted a report to the Minister of Construction in response to his
earlier inquiry. The report dealt with (1) a changeover from river administration focusing on abnormal
phenomena such as floods and droughts to administration paying attention to rivers at ordinary times, (2)conservation of a sound hydrologic cycle, maintenance of biological diversity, and creation of attractive riverlandscapes and waterfront space and (3) the Basic Policies of Water Resources Management for the 21st Century(document section calling for closer cooperation with local community). In December of the same year, theMinistry of Construction submitted a bill to revise the River Law. The bill proposed that (1) the objective of riveradministration be defined as improvement and conservation of the river environment, (2) the river improvement
plan be divided into a basic policy and an implementation plan and (3) the River Law be revised to incorporate
measures to ensure smooth coordination of water uses during drought periods. In June 1996, the bill was adopted
at a Diet session.
Currently, the River Council is deliberating on "Recommendations for New Comprehensive
Administration Focusing on Hydrological Cycle and National Land Management" (inquiry made in June 1997)
and "Recommendations on Policies for an Information-Intensive Approach to River Administration" (inquiry
made in March 1998).

(Organization)
Article 81.
The Council shall consist of 30 members or less.
2
The members shall be appointed by the Minister of Construction from among
persons with experience or an academic background on rivers and the heads of local publicbodies.
3
The term of office of the members appointed from among persons with experience-E126-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

or an academic background on rivers shall be two years. However, the term of office of amember filling a vacancy shall be the remainder of the term of office of his predecessor.
4
The members shall be in part-time service.
[Note 81-1] The organization and members of the River Council as of July 1998 are as follows:

River Council Organization
River Council
Subcommittee for Conciliation of Water Rights (matters concerning water uses)
Chairman: Hiroshi Takahashi, Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo(Conciliation of water uses greatly contributing to the interests of the public with the rights of
the river users concerned)

Subcommittee for Planning(matters concerning the fundamental river management policy and other river project planning)
Chairman: Tadashi Kosaka, President, Japan River Association(Formulation of fundamental river management policy)
Working Group for Fundamental Policies (June 1994-June 1996)

Subcommittee for Management(important river-related matters that are not covered by the other subcommittees)
Chairman: Seibi Matsubara, President, City Planning Association of Japan(Designation, change in designation or cancellation of designation of Class A rivers)

Technical committee: Technical Subcommittee on River Administration System(June 1996-Dec. 1996)
Technical committee: Technical Committee on Comprehensive Policies (June 1997-)
Chairman: Tadashi Kosaka, President, Japan River Association
Technical Subcommittee on Urban Rivers
Chairman: Hiyoroshi Shi-igai, Visiting Professor, Kanazawa Institute of Technology
Technical Subcommittee on Hydrologic Cycle
Chairman: Yutaka Takahashi, Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo
Technical Subcommittee for Learning from Rivers
Chairman: Keiichi Sugiyama, Professor, Shizuoka University
Technical Subcommittee on Comprehensive Sediment Management
Chairman: Tamotu, Professor, Kyoto University
Technical Subcommittee on Crisis Management
Chairman: Yoshiyuki Sasa, former Head of the Security Affairs Office, Prime Minister?s Office
Technical Subcommittee on River Information

River Council Members
ChairmanMembers

Tadahiro Sekimoto, Chairman, NEC Corp.
Takao Akabane, Economist
Makiko Arima, President, Yokohama Women?s Association for Communication and Networking-E127-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Mikiko Ishikawa, Professor, Kogakuin University
Kazuaki Itoh, News Commentator, Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK)
Mitsuaki Usui, Professor, Law and Political Science, University of Tokyo
Fusyo Ozawa, Deputy President, Agricultural Forestry and Fisheries Credit Foundation
Noboru Kuroyanagi, Vice-President, Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.
Shigeto Kuwahara, Director, Secretariat, Tokyo Techno Forum, Yomiuri-NTV Culture Center
Tadashi Kosaka, President, Japan River Association
Rieko Zanma, President, Environmental and Space Design, Inc.
Daisaku Sugito, Executive Director, Japan Federation of Waterworks Industry
Yutaka Takahashi, Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo
Minoru Harada, President, The High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan
Ikuo Hirayama, President, Japan Scholarship Foundation
Mariko Fujiwara, Visiting Researcher, Hakuhodo Institute of Life & Living
Seibi Matsubara, President, City Planning Association of Japan
Takeo Morizane, President, The Tokyo Grain Exchange
Toshio Endo, Governor, Tokushima Prefecture
Shuichi Yoshida, Mayor, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture
Takato Sakaki, Mayor, Erimo-cho, Horoizumi-gun, Hokkaido(Chairman)
Article 82.
The Council shall have a chairman, who shall be elected by mutual election of themembers.
2

The chairman shall exercise general control over the duties of the Council.

3

In case the chairman is unable to attend to his duties, a member designatedbeforehand by the chairman shall stand proxy for him in doing his duties.
(Special Members)
Article 83.
In case it is necessary for investigation and deliberation on the matters concerning a
specific river, the Council may have special members.
2

The special members shall be appointed by the Minister of Construction fromamong persons who have profound knowledge and experience concerning the matters inquestion and the heads and members of the assemblies of the local public bodies having
connection with the river.
3

The special members shall be released from office upon the completion of the-E128-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

investigation and deliberation on the matters in question.
4
The special members shall be in part-time service.
(Subcommittees)
Article 84.
The Council shall have necessary subcommittees including the Subcommittee for
Conciliation of Water rights.
2
Each subcommittee shall have a chief of subcommittee, who shall be appointed by
the chairman of the Council from among the members.
3
The members and special members to constitute a subcommittee shall be nominatedby the chairman.
4
The Council may, as may be provided for by its regulations, regard a resolution of a
subcommittee as such of the Council.
[Note 84-1] For information on the committees and committee members, see Note 81-1.

(Matters Left to Government Ordinance)
Article 85.
The necessary matters concerning the organization and operation of the Council
which are not stipulated in this chapter shall be fixed by Government Ordinance.
[Note 85-1] Government Ordinance for the river council (omitted)(The Prefectural River Council)
Article 86.
A prefecture may have a Prefectural river council for investigations and deliberations
on important matters relative to class B rivers in the prefecture at the request of the prefectural
governor, as may be provided for in detail by prefectural by law.
2
Necessary matters concerning a Prefectural river council shall be fixed by law of
the prefecture.
[Note 86-1] As of November 1997, of the 47 prefectures in Japan, only Fukui, Shizuoka and Hyogo have aprefectural river council.

-E129-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Chapter VI.

Miscellaneous Provisions(Transitory Measures)
Article 87.
A person who, on the basis of the competency and as of the day of the designation ofa class A river, class B river, river zone, river conservancy zone, projected river zone, spatial
river conservancy zone or projected spatial river zone is doing an act for which permission
according to the provisions of this Law must be obtained or setting up a structure for which
permission according to the provisions of this Law must be obtained shall be deemed to haveobtained the permission according to this Law concerning the act or the setting up of thestructure on the same condition as before. The same shall apply to a person who, on thebasis of the competency and as of the day of the enforcement of a Government Ordinancereferred to in Article 25, Article 27 Paragraph 1, Article 55 Paragraph 1, Article 57 Paragraph
1, Article 58-4 Paragraph 1 or Article 58-6 Paragraph 1 or a Government Ordinance to amendor abolish such a Government Ordinance, is doing an act or setting up a structure for which it
becomes necessary to obtain new permission as a result of the enforcement of the Government
Ordinance.
(Notification by De Facto Permittees)
Article 88.
Upon the designation referred to in the preceding article, those who are designated byGovernment Ordinance 88-1) out of the persons who, according to the provision of the article,
are deemed to have obtained the permission referred to in Article 23 through 27 shall notify
the river administrator of the necessary matters as may be provided for in detail by
Government Ordinance.
[Gor 88-1]

Government Ordinance Article 48 (Notification of the river administrator)

Those who are designated by the Government Ordinance referred to in Article 88 of the River Law shall bepersons who have obtained permission under Article 23 (Permission for river water use) of the River Law.
2

Notification as provided for in Article 88 of the River Law shall be made within one year from day ofdesignation as a class A river or class B river by submitting writings describing the matters listed below on theform specified in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance:(1) Name of the river concerned with use of river water;(2) Name and address of the person who is using river water (in the case of a juridical person, the name andplace of business of the juridical person and the name of its representative);-E130-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(3) Purpose of the use of river water;(4) Quantity of water being used;(5) Conditions for the use of river water;(6) Location of intake or outlet and other places of use of river water;(7) Facilities for use of river water;(8) Brief description of the project involving the use of river water and other relevant information.
[Moc 88-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 36 (Form for notification submitted by a de facto permittee)

The form specified in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance referred to in Article 48 Paragraph 2 of theGovernment Ordinance shall be Form 20 attached hereto.
Form 20 (omitted)(Entry into Third Party Land for River Administration)
Article 89.
The Minister of Construction, the prefectural governor concerned, or a person who
has been given order or authorized by the Minister of Construction or the prefectural governormay, in case it is imperative for making investigation for designation of a class A river, class
B river, river zone, river conservancy zone, projected river zone, spatial river conservancy
zone or projected spatial river zone or for performing river administration including riverworks and river maintenance, enter land occupied by another person or temporarily use as amaterial yard or workshop land of another person which is not being used for any specific use.
2
In case an official or other person intends to enter land occupied by another personin accordance with the provision of the preceding paragraph, he shall in advance notify theoccupant to that effect. However, the same shall not apply in case it is difficult to makeprevious notification.
3
In case an official or other person intends to enter residential land or land enclosed
by a fence, paling or the like in accordance with the provision of Paragraph 1, he shall informthe occupant of the land to that effect before entering it.
4
No entry shall be made into the land referred to in the preceding paragraph before
sunrise or after sunset, except in case the consent of the occupant has been obtained.
5
An official or other person who intends to enter land in accordance with theprovision of Paragraph 1 shall carry with him an identification card 89-1) certifying his status
and show it to the parties concerned.
6
In case an official or other person intends to temporarily use another person's land
which is not being used for any specific use as a material yard or workshop, he shall inadvance notify the occupant and owner of the land and hear their opinions.

-E131-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

7
The occupant and the owner of the land shall not refuse or prevent the entry or
temporary use of it according to the provision of Paragraph 1 unless he has a justifiablereason.
8
In case a person suffers a loss as a result of an act according to the provision of
Paragraph 1, the Minister of Construction or the prefectural governor concerned shallcompensate him for the loss which would ordinarily be incurred.
9
The provisions of Article 22 Paragraphs 4 and 5 shall apply mutatis mutandis to thecompensations of loss according to the provision of the preceding paragraph.
[Moc 89-1]
3

MOC Ordinance Article 35 (Form for certificate)

The form for a certificate as provided for in Article 89 Paragraph 5 of the River Law shall be Form 19

attached hereto.
Form 19 (omitted)(Conditions for Permission)
Article 90.
The river administrator may attach necessary conditions to the permission orapproval according to any of the provisions of this Law, or of a Government Ordinance or
prefectural by law based on this Law.
2
The conditions referred to in the preceding paragraph shall be limited to those of theminimum necessity and shall not impose any undue duty on the person to whom thepermission or approval is given.
(Administration of Disused River Site)
Article 91.
In case a river zone has been changed or come to be disused, the land of the former
river zone and the river administration facilities in the zone which it has become unnecessary
to administer as river administration facilities (national land and national facilities only;
hereinafter referred to as disused river site etc.) shall be administered by the person who has
been administering the river concerned, for a period not exceeding one year fixed byGovernment Ordinance 91-1) 91-2).
2
Within the period referred in the preceding paragraph, a disused river site etc. shallnot be regarded as a disused river side etc. in application of the provision of Article 106 of theLand Expropriation Law.

-E132-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Gor 91-1]

Government Ordinance Article 49 (Public notification on disused river sites etc.)

In the event that a change or disuse of a river zone has given rise to a disused river site etc., the administrator of
the river concerned before said change or disuse shall make public notification to that effect as stipulated in the
Ministry of Construction Ordinance 91-3).
[Gor 91-2]

Government Ordinance Article 50 (Period of administration of disused river site etc.)

The period stipulated in the Government Ordinance referred to in Article 91 Paragraph 1 of the River Law shallbe ten months.
[Moc 91-3]

MOC Ordinance Article 37 (Public notification on disused river site etc.)

Public notification under Article 49 of the Government Ordinance shall be made by indicating on the Official
Gazette if by the Minister of Construction or a prefectural gazette of the prefecture concerned if by a prefectural
governor the following:(1) Name of the river;(2) Date of occurrence of the disused river site etc.;(3) Location of the disused river site etc.;(4) Type and quantity of the disused river site etc.;(5) Instructions to make application under Article 7 Paragraph 1 of the Supplementary Provisions of theGovernment Ordinance within three months from the date of public notification.

(Exchange of Disused River Site)
Article 92.
The person who administers a disused river site etc. in accordance with the provisionof Paragraph 1 of the preceding article may, within the period referred to in the said
paragraph, exchange the disused river site etc. for land to be a new river zone, as may beprovided for in detail by Government Ordinance 92-1).
[Gor 92-1]

Government Ordinance Article 51 (Exchange of disused river site etc.)

A disused river site etc. may be exchanged for land that is to become a new river zone only when the differencein value is smaller than one half of the higher of the values of the two.
2

In the event of exchange as stipulated in the preceding paragraph, any difference in value shall becompensated for with money.

(Transfer of Disused River Site of Class B Rivers)
Article 93.
After the elapse of the period referred to in Article 91 Paragraph 1, the Minister ofConstruction may, upon consultation with the Minister of Finance, transfer the disused riversite etc. of a class B river which have not been exchanged as provided for in the preceding-E133-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

article to the prefecture where the disused river site etc. are located, unless it is necessary tokeep them as national properties.93-1)
2
The party from which the purchase or repurchase may be made according to theprovision of Article 106 of the Land Expropriation Law or Article 579 of the Civil Code (Law
No.89 of 1896) shall be the prefecture to which the disused river site etc. have beentransferred in accordance with the provision of the preceding paragraph.
[Gor 93-1]

Government Ordinance Article 52 (Procedure for applying for transfer of a disused river site etc.

associated with a class B river)Any prefecture seeking to take over a disused river site etc. under the provisions of Article 93 of the River Law
shall submit to the Minister of Construction an application for transfer that indicates the details listed below alongwith relevant documents:(1) Date of occurrence of the disused river site etc.;(2) Location of the disused river site etc.;(3) Type and quantity of the disused river site etc.;(4) Reason a transfer of the disused river site etc. is necessary;(5) Other relevant matters.

(Administrative Cost and Revenue of Disused River Site)
Article 94.
The expenses for the administration of a disused river site etc. during the period
referred to in Article 91 Paragraph 1 or for the exchange of a disused river site etc. according
to the provision of Article 92 shall be borne by either the national government (in the case ofclass A river; except the designated sections) or the prefecture (in the case of a class B riveror a designated section of a class A river), and the proceeds from the administration of disused
river site etc. shall be included in the revenue of the party that bears the expenses foradministration.
(Special Arrangement for Use of Rivers by National Government)
Article 95.
With reference to the application of any of the provision of Article 20, Article 23
through 27, Article 30 Paragraph 2, Article 34 Paragraph 1, Article 47 Paragraph 1, Article53-2 Paragraph 1, Article 55 Paragraph 1, Article 57 Paragraph 1, Article 58-4 Paragraph 1
and Article 58-6 Paragraph 1 to a project executed by the national government and the riveradministrator concerned shall be regarded as obtainment of the permission or approvalaccording to the corresponding provision.95-1) 95-2)-E134-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(This article amended by Law No.69 of 4 June 1997)[Gor 95-1]

Government Ordinance Article 16-11 (Special arrangement for the national government)

With respect to the application of any of the provisions of Article 16-3 Paragraph 1 and Article 16-8 Paragraph
1 of the Government Ordinance to a project undertaken by the national government, permission under theseprovisions shall be regarded as having been obtained when agreement has been reached as a result of consultation
between the national government and the river administrator.
[Moc 95-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 42 (Procedure for consultation on river use, etc.)

Consultation as stipulated in Article 95 of the River Law of Article 16-11 of the Government Ordinance shallbe held by following a procedure similar to the procedure for permission or approval.

(Special Arrangements for Hokkaido Region)
Article 96.
With regard to the rivers in Hokkaido, the bearing of expenses for riveradministration, the powers of the river administrator, the vesting of charges for use of riverwater etc. and other matters may be fixed separately by Government Ordinance regardless ofthe provision.96-1)~ 96-6)[Gor 96-1]

Government Ordinance Article 40 (Execution of river improvement works by the Minister ofConstruction in a special designated section of a class A river)
Administration of a designated section of a class A river in Hokkaido the Minister of Construction speciallydesignates (hereinafter referred to as a "special designated section") because he deems it necessary fordevelopment of Hokkaido that he entrusts to the governor of Hokkaido shall be other than what is listed in Article
2 (excluding Item (7)) and the following:(1) Executing river improvement works;(2) Exercising the powers provided for in Articles 17 through 19, Article 21, Article 37, Article 56 Paragraph
1, Article 58-5 Paragraph 1, Articles 66 through 68, Article 70 Paragraph 1, Article 70-2 and Article 74 of
the River Law and the powers provided for in Article 20, Article 57 and Article 58-6 of the River Law(including the powers provided for in Article 75, Article 76 and Article 90 Paragraph 1 of the River Law
concerning approval or permission under the provisions listed above).
2

In the case where the Ministry of Construction intends to designate a special designated section, he shall inadvance consult with and hear the opinion of the Director-General of the Hokkaido Development Agency. A
comparable rule shall apply to any change or cancellation of such designation.
3

When the Minister of Construction designates a special designated section, he shall make public

notification to that effect as stipulated in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance. A comparable rule shall apply
to any change or cancellation of such designation.

-E135-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Gor 96-2]

Government Ordinance Article 41 (Execution of river improvement works by the Minister ofConstruction in a designated section)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 10 of the River Law, the Minister of Construction, when he deems it
necessary for comprehensive development of Hokkaido, may carry out river improvement works, maintenance orrepair of a designated class B river section in Hokkaido (hereinafter referred to as a "designated river").
2

In the case of the preceding paragraph, the Minister of Construction, on behalf of the governor of

Hokkaido, shall exercise the powers provided for in Articles 16 through 19, Article 21, Article 37, Article 56
Paragraph 1, Article 58-5 Paragraph 1, Articles 66 through 68, Article 70 Paragraph 1, Article 70-2 and Article
74 of the River Law and the powers provided for in Article 20, Article 57 and Article 58-6 of the River Law(including the powers provided for in Article 75, Article 76 and Article 90 Paragraph 1 of the River Law
concerning approval or permission under the provisions listed above).
3

The provisions of Paragraphs 2 and 3 of the preceding article shall apply mutatis mutandis designation

under the provisions of Paragraph 1.
[Gor 96-3]

Government Ordinance Article 42 (Special arrangement concerning the bearing of the cost of riveradministration)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 60 Paragraph 1 of the River Law, in the case of the cost of largescale river improvement works that are river improvement works for a non-special designated section of a class A
river in Hokkaido carried out by the Minister of Construction, the amount calculated as the basic amount of sharetimes 8.5/10 shall be borne by the national government; and, notwithstanding the provisions of said paragraphs,
with respect to the cost of other works, the amount calculated as the basic amount of share times 8/10 shall beborne by the national government.
2

Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 60 Paragraph 1 of the River Law, in the case of the cost of river

improvement works for a special designated section of a class A river in Hokkaido carried out by the Minister ofConstruction, the amount calculated as the basic amount of share times 8.5/10 shall be borne by the national
government.
3

Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 60 Paragraph 1 of the River Law, in the case of the cost of

maintenance or repair for a class A river in Hokkaido carried out by the Minister of Construction, the amountcalculated as the basic amount of share times 7/10 shall be borne by the national government.
4

Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 60 Paragraph 2 of the River Law, in the case of the cost of works

for an emergency river project carried out to cope with a dangerous situation such as a levee break that are river
improvement works for a designated section of a class A river to be carried out systematically according to thebasic policy for comprehensive river conservation and utilization formulated as part of the fundamental rivermanagement policy to be carried out by the governor of Hokkaido under the provisions of Article 9 Paragraph 2of the River Law, the amount calculated as the basic amount of share times 8/10 shall be borne by the national
government; notwithstanding the provisions of said paragraph, in the case of the cost of works carried out toprevent recurrence of disasters or large-scale river improvement works other than works for an emergency river-E136-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

project carried out to cope with a dangerous situation such as a levee break, the amount calculated as the basic
amount of share times 7/10 shall be borne by the national government; and notwithstanding the provisions of said
paragraph, in the case of the cost of other works, the amount calculated as the basic amount of share times 2/3
shall be borne by the national government.
5

Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 62 of the River Law, in the case of the cost of river improvement

works carried out by the Minister of Construction as part of administration of a designated river under theprovisions of Item (1) of the preceding article, the amount calculated as the basic amount of share times 8.5/10
shall be borne by the national government; and, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 59 of the River Law, inthe case of maintenance and repair, the amount calculated as the basic amount of share times 7/10 shall be borneby the national government.
6

Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 62 of the River Law, in the case of the cost of works for an

emergency river project for coping with a dangerous situation such as a levee break that are river improvement
works for a designated class B river in Hokkaido to be carried out systematically according to the basic policy forcomprehensive river conservation and utilization formulated under the fundamental river management plan
(excluding river improvement works to be carried out by the head of the municipality concerned), the amountcalculated as the basic amount of share times 3/5 shall be borne by the national government; and, notwithstanding
the provisions of said paragraph, in the case of the cost of other works, the amount calculated as the basic amountof share times 5.5/10 shall be borne by the national government.
[Gor 96-4]

Government Ordinance Article 43 (Special arrangements concerning the title to charges for use ofriver water, etc.)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 32 Paragraph 1 of the River Law, all charges for use of river water,etc., for non-designated sections and special designated sections of class A rivers and for designated rivers shallbe collected by the Minister of Construction and, notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph 2 of said article,
shall be made a revenue of the national government.
2

The provisions of Article 32 Paragraph 4 of the River Law shall not apply to permission under Articles 23

to 25 of the River Law and disposition under Article 75 of the River Law concerning said permission made by the
Minister of Construction for non-designated sections and special designated sections of class A rivers.
3

In the case where the governor of Hokkaido has granted permission under Article 23, 24 or 25 of the River

Law for a non-designated section or special designated section of a class A river or a designated river, he shallpromptly notify the Minister of Construction of the matters relevant to the permission concerned. A comparable
rule shall apply to disposition under the provisions of Article 75 of the River Law concerning such permission.
[Gor 96-5]

Government Ordinance Article 44 (Special arrangements concerning disused river site etc.)

The provisions of Article 93 of the River Law shall not apply to disused river sites etc. associated withdesignated rivers.

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THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Moc 96-6]

MOC Ordinance Article 34 (Public notification on special designated sections and designatedrivers)The provisions of Article 3 of the Ministry of Construction Ordinance shall apply mutatis mutandis to public
notification under Article 40 Paragraph 3 of the Government Ordinance (including mutatis mutandis application
under Article 41 Paragraph 3 of the Government Ordinance).

(Filing of Complaints)
Article 97.
No complaint under the Administrative Complaint Reinvestigation Law (Law
No.169 of 1952) shall be raised concerning a disposition or other exercise of public power
according to the provision of Article 22 Paragraph 1 or 2.
2
Any person who is dissatisfied with a disposition made on behalf of the riveradministrator by the administrator of the non-river administration facility on the basis of theagreement reached by consultation under the provision of Article 17 Paragraph 1 may make arequest for examination either to the Minister of Construction and the Minister having
jurisdiction over the facility (in case the administrator of the non-river administration facility
is the national government, a national organization, a prefecture or a prefectural governor) or
to the prefectural governor concerned (in case he is not any of them). With regard to adisposition made by the administrator of the non-river administration facility who is aprefecture, a city, town or village or other public body, he may make an objection as well.
3
A person who is dissatisfied with a disposition mentioned in any one of thefollowing items may, if the reason for complaint is connected with coordination with a mining
or stone quarrying enterprise, apply for ruling to the Environmental Disputes Coordination
Commission. In this case, no complaint can be filed under the Administrative Complaint
Reinvestigation Law.
(1) Permission under any of the provisions of Article 24 through 27, Article 29, Article 55
Paragraph 1, Article 57 Paragraph 1, Article 58-4 Paragraph 1 or Article 58-6
Paragraph 1 or not giving such permission;(2) Disposition under the provision of Article 75 made in connection with a disposition
under the provision of the preceding paragraph.
4
The provision of Article 18 of the Administrative Complaint Reinvestigation Law
shall apply mutatis mutandis to cases where the disposing agency concerned has erroneously
instructed that request for examination or raising of objection may be made, concerning eitherof the items given in the preceding paragraph.

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THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(Delegation of Powers)
Article 98.
A part of the powers of the Minister of Construction under this Law may bedelegated to the Director Generals of the Regional Construction Bureaus or the Director
General of the Hokkaido Development Bureau, as may be provided for in detail by
Government Ordinance 98-1) 98-2) 98-3).
[Gor 98-1]

Government Ordinance Article 53 (Delegation of powers)

Of the statutory powers of the Minister of Construction as a river administrator, all powers other than thoselisted below shall be delegated to the director-generals of the regional construction bureaus and the DirectorGeneral of the Hokkaido Development Agency except for administration of designated sections of class A rivers
delegated to prefectural governors under the provisions of Article 9 Paragraph 2 of the River Law.
(1) Powers stipulated in Article 2 9-3) Items (2) and (5);(2) Powers stipulated in Article 2 9-3) Items (3) and (4) (limited to powers under the provisions of Article 30,
Article 31, Article 33 Paragraph 3 (including the cases of mutatis mutandis application under Article 55
Paragraph 2, Article 57 Paragraph 3, Article 58-4 Paragraph 2 and Article 58-6 Paragraph 3 of the RiverLaw), Article 46 Paragraph 1, Article 49, Article 50 Paragraph 2, Article 53-2, Article 77 Paragraph 1 andArticle 78 Paragraph 1; powers under the provisions of Article 90 Paragraph 1 of the River Law excluding
powers associated only with the powers listed in (a) through (e); and the powers associated with acts
involving acts that require disposition based on the powers of the Minister of Construction as a lawdesignated river administrator, other than the powers listed in (a) through (e) below):(a) Execution of disposition under the provisions of Article 23 of the River Law associated only with achange of the place of river water use or updating of the period of permitted use (excluding, in the caseof the updating of the period of permitted use, disposition concerning a person who is not engaged in
the permitted use of river water concerned);(b) Execution of disposition under the provisions of Article 24 of the River Law associated only with theupdating of the permitted period of use or any of the acts provided for in (c) below (excluding, in thecase of the updating of the period of permitted use, disposition concerning a person who is notengaged in the permitted use of river water concerned);(c) Execution of disposition under the provisions of Article 26 Paragraph 1 of the River Law associatedonly with the construction of a structure for use of river water or reconstruction of a dam that will
increase storage capacity or other structures for use of river water other than those specified in the
Ministry of Construction Ordinance;-E139-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(d) Execution of disposition under the provisions of Article 47 Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 4 of the River
Law associated only with disposition other than disposition concerning dams that fall within the
categories provided for in Article 23 Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2 (limited to disposition provided forin the Ministry of Construction Ordinance);(e) Powers under the provisions of Article 27 Paragraph 1, Article 55 Paragraph 1, Article 57 Paragraph
1 and Paragraph 2, Article 58-4 Paragraph 1 and Article 58-6 Paragraph 1 and Paragraph 2 of theRiver Law.
(3) Powers provided for in Article 32 Paragraph 4, Article 35 and Article 36 Paragraph 1 of the River Law
concerning specified water uses (excluding the powers listed in (a) through (b) in the preceding item);(4) Powers under Article 6, Article 14, the proviso of Article 26 Paragraph 4, Article 40 Paragraph 2, Article
54 Paragraph 1, Article 56 Paragraph 1, Article 58-2, Article 58-3 Paragraph 1 and Article 58-5 Paragraph
1 of the River Law.
2

Of the statutory powers of the Minister of Construction, the following shall be delegated to the director-

generals of the regional construction bureaus.
(1) Powers under the provisions of Article 32 Paragraph 3;(2) Powers provided for in Article 79 Paragraph 1 of the River Law concerning disposition provided for in
Article 45 Paragraphs 4 through 6.
[Moc 98-2]

MOC Ordinance Article 37-2 (Reconstruction of structures for use of river water requiring thepermission of the Minister of Construction)
Reconstruction of structures for use of rive water provided for in the Ministry of Construction Ordinancereferred to in Article 53 Paragraph 1 Item (2) (c) of the Government Ordinance shall be any of the following:(1) Reconstruction of a dam or weir;(2) Reconstruction of a dam or weir which will affect the stability of said dam or weir;(3) Reconstruction of an intake resulting in an increase in the rate of intake.
[Moc 98-3]

MOC Ordinance Article 37-3 (Acts concerning operation regulations that require the approval of

the Minister of Construction)
Acts provided for in the Ministry of Construction referred to in Article 53 Paragraph 1 Item (2) (d) of theGovernment Ordinance shall be the following:(1) Make operation regulations as stipulated in the first sentence of Article 47 Paragraph 47 of the River Law;
(2) Alter the operation regulations as stipulated in the second sentence of Article 47 Paragraph 1 or Paragraph
4 of the River Law (limited to regulations governing matters related to the methods of storage or release ofriver water).

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THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(Commitment of Business to Local Public Body) 99-1)
Article 99.
The river administrator may, when he deems it especially necessary, commit themaintenance, operation and similar river administrative business of such river administration
facilities as may be fixed by Government Ordinance 99-2) to the local public body concerned.
[Note 99-1] This provision was made because in cases where river administration facilities are located in
mountains or need to be operated quickly according to changing water levels or rainfall conditions, entrusting thegovernment of the municipality in which the facilities concerned are located with the maintenance and operationof the facilities is more human resource and money saving. Expenses required for this arrangement are usually
borne by the river administrator because it is he who is responsible for administration.
[Gor 99-2]

Government Ordinance Article 54 (River administration facilities whose administration may bedelegated to local public bodies)River administration facilities provided for in the Government Ordinance referred to in Article 99 of the River
Law shall be gates, pump stations, etc., whose maintenance or operation does not create influence beyond theboundary of the area under the jurisdiction of the local public body to which the river administration facilities
concerned are entrusted.

(Locally designated rivers)
Article 100.
The provisions of this Law concerning class B rivers (except the provision which
may be designated by Government Ordinance 100-2)) shall apply mutatis mutandis to a river
designated by the head of a city, town or village, other than any of class A rivers and class B
rivers. In this case, "the prefectural governor" in the provisions shall read "the head of thecity, town or village"; "the prefecture" "the city town or village"; and "the Minister ofConstruction" "the prefectural governor."100-1)
2
Unless provided for in the preceding paragraph, technical modification in readingnecessary for mutatis mutandis application of the provisions of this Law shall be fixed byGovernment Ordinance 100-3) 100-4) 100-6).
[Gor 100-1]

Government Ordinance Article 55 (Designation of locally designated rivers)

In the case where the head of a municipality intends to designate a river under the provisions of Article 100(Locally designated rivers) Paragraph 1 of the River Law, if the river concerned lies on the boundary withanother city, town or village, he shall consult with the head of the municipality concerned.
2

In the case where the head of a municipality designates a river under the provisions of Article 100 (Locallydesignated rivers) Paragraph 1 of the River Law, he shall make public notification on the name of the river and-E141-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

the section concerned for each river system as stipulated in the Ministry of Construction Ordinance 100-5).
3

Alteration or cancellation of designation of a river (hereinafter referred to as a "locally designated river")by the head of a municipality under the provisions of Article 100 Paragraph 1 of the River Law shall be made byfollowing a procedure similar to the procedure for designation stipulated in the two preceding paragraphs.
4

In the event that a locally designated river is designated as a class A river or a class B river, the designation of

the locally designated river under Article 100 (Locally designated rivers) Paragraph 1 of the River Law shallcease to have effect.
[Gor 100-2]

Government Ordinance Article 56 (Inapplicable provisions)

The provisions stipulated in the Government Ordinance referred to in Article 100 Paragraph 1 of the River Law
shall be Article 6 Paragraph 4, Article 14 Paragraph 2, Article 16, Article 16-2, Article 35 Paragraph 1, Article 36
Paragraph 2, Article 62, Article 65-2, Article 70-2, Article 79 Paragraph 2 Item (3), Article 97 Paragraph 2 andArticle 99 of the River Law.
[Gor 100-3]

Government Ordinance Article 57 (Provisions concerning replacement of words/phrases formutatis mutandis application)
Replacement of words/phrases as provided for in Article 100 Paragraph 2 shall be made as shown in the tablebelow:
Article 11 Paragraphs 1 and 3, Article 63 Paragraphs 3 and 4, Article 64 Paragraph 2, Article 65:“Prefecture” shall be read as “City, town or village”.
Article 11, Article 63 Paragraphs 3 and 4, Article 65:“Prefectural governor” shall be read as “Head of municipality”.
[Gor 100-4]

Government Ordinance Article 57-2 (Mutatis mutandis application of the provisions of theGovernment Ordinance to locally designated rivers)
The provisions of Chapter I (excluding Article 1 Paragraph 2, Article 2, Article 9-2, Articles 10 through 10-6,
Article 16-2, Article 16-3, Article 19 and Article 20), Article 38 Paragraph 2, Article 39, Chapter II-2, Articles 47
through 52, Article 58, Article 59 Paragraphs 2 and 3, Article 60 Paragraph 2 and Articles 61 through 63 shallapply mutatis mutandis to the locally designated rivers, in which case the words and phrases shown in the middle
part of the table below in the provisions shown in the uppermost part of the same table shall be read as shown in
the lowermost part of the same table.
Article 3, Article 18 Paragraph 2 Item (3):“prefectural governor” shall be read as “municipal head”.
Article 5 Paragraph 1:“excluding the matters stipulated in Item (3) below in the case of a class B river” shall be read as“excluding the matters stipulated in Item (3) below”.

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THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Article 7:“the river ledges for a class A river shall be kept in the custody of the office of the regional construction
bureau concerned (including the office of the Hokkaido Development Bureau; the same shall apply for
Article 39-3
Paragraph 1) and those for a class B river shall be kept in the custody of the office of the prefecture
concerned”
shall be read as “office of the city, town or village concerned”.
Article 16-9:“Article 16-3 Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 1 of the preceding article” shall be read as “Paragraph 1 of thepreceding article”.
Article 16-10 Paragraph 1:“class A river, class B river” shall be read as “designation under Article 100 Paragraph 1 of the River Law”.
“Article 16-3 Paragraph 1 or Article 16-8 Paragraph 1” shall be read as “Article 16-8 Paragraph 1”
Article 16-10 Paragraph 2, Article 48 Paragraph 2:“designation of a class A river or a class B river” shall be read as “designation under Article 100 Paragraph 1of the River Law”.
Article 16-11:“Article 16-3 Paragraph 1 and Article 16-8 Paragraph 1” shall be read as “Article 16-8 Paragraph 1”.
Article 18 Paragraph 2 Item (3), Article 38 Paragraph 2:“prefecture” shall be read as “city, town or village”.
Article 22 Paragraph 4:“either in an Official Gazette if by the Minister of Construction or in a prefectural gazette if by a prefectural
governor” shall be read as “in a gazette of the city, town or village concerned if by the head of amunicipality”.
Article 39-3 Paragraph 1 Item (1):“An office of the regional construction bureau concerned or an office of the prefectural government
concerned” shall be read as “an office of the municipal government concerned”.
Article 39-3 Paragraph 1 Item (2):“A gazette of the prefectural government concerned” shall be read as “gazette of the municipal government
concerned”.
Article 52:“prefecture” shall be read as “city, town or village”.
Article 61 Paragraph 2:“Article 16-3 Paragraph 1 or Article 16-8 Paragraph 1” shall be read as “Article 16-8 Paragraph 1”:
Article 63:“Article 58 through the preceding article” shall be read as “Article 58, Article 59 Item (2) or (3),-E143-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Article 60 Item (2), Article 61 Item (1) or (2) (excluding the part regarding permission
under Article 16-3 Paragraph 1) or the preceding article”.
[Moc 100-5]

MOC Ordinance Article 38 (Public notification on the designation of locally designated rivers)

Public notification under Article 55 Paragraph 2 of the Government Ordinance shall be made by indicating thestart and end points of the river section concerned and one or more of the matters listed in Article 1-2 of the
Ministry of Construction Ordinance.
[Moc 100-6]

MOC Ordinance Article 38-2 (Mutatis mutandis application of the provisions of the Ministry ofConstruction Ordinance to locally designated rivers)
The provisions of Article 1, Article 2, Articles 4 through 6, Article 7 Item (3), Article 8 Paragraph 1, Articles 9through Article 18, Articles 18-6 through 33-10, Articles 35 through 37, Article 39, Article 40 and Article 42
shall apply mutatis mutandis to locally designated rivers, in which case the words and phrases shown in the
middle part of the table below in the provisions shown in the uppermost part of the same table shall be read asshown in the lowermost part of the same table.

Article 2, Article 8 Paragraph 1, Article 14 Paragraph 2, Article 17 Paragraph 1, Article 23 Paragraph 1, Article
33-2, Article 37:“the Official Gazette if by the Minister of Construction or a gazette of the prefecture concerned if by aprefectural governor” shall be read as “ a gazette of the city, town or village”.
Article 4:“governors concerned” shall be read as “heads of the municipalities concerned”.
“prefecture concerned” shall be read as “city, town or village concerned”.
“prefectural governor” shall be read as “municipal head”
Article 7 Item (3), Table 4:“class B river” shall be read as “locally designated river”.
Article 7 Item (3), Table 1, Table 2, Table 3:“prefectural” shall be read as “municipal”
Article 39, Article 40:“Article 16-3 Paragraph 1 or Article 16-8 Paragraph 1 of the Government Ordinance” shall be read as“Article 16-8 Paragraph 1 of the Government Ordinance”.
Table 2, Table 3:“designated section of class A river and class B river” shall be read as “locally designated river”.

(Matters Left to Government Ordinance)
Article 101.
Matters necessary for enforcement of this Law not provided for in this Law shall be
fixed by Government Ordinance.

-E144-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Chapter VII.

Penal Provisions(Acts Subject to Penal Servitude Not More Than 1 Year or a Fine of Not More Than 500,000 Yen)

Article 102.
A person to whom one of the following items applies shall be punished with penal
servitude for not more than one year or a fine of not more than five hundred thousand yen.
(1) A person who used the flowing water of a river exclusively in violation of the provisionsof Article 23.
(2) A person who constructed, reconstructed or removed a structure in violation of theprovisions of Article 26 Paragraph 1.
(3) A person who excavated, banked or cut land or carried out any other act that altered theshape of land or planted or cut trees in violation of the provisions of Article 27 Paragraph 1.
(Acts Subject to Penal Servitude Not More Than 6 Months or a Fine of Not More Than 300,000 Yen)

Article 103.
A person to whom one of the following items applies shall be punished with penal
servitude for not more than six months or a fine of not more than three hundred thousand yen.
(1) A person who rejected or obstructed restoration measures in violation of the provisions ofArticle 22-2 Paragraph 4.
(2) A person who used a structure in violation of the provisions of Article 30 Paragraph 1.
(3) A person who denied or obstructed the entry into or temporary use of land in violation of
the provisions of Article 89 Paragraph 7.
(Acts Subject to Penal Servitude Not More Than 3 Months or a Fine of No More Than 200,000 Yen)

Article 104.
A person who falls under any of the following items shall be punished with penal
servitude for not more than three months or a fine of not more than two hundred thousand yen.
(1) A person who violated the provision of Article 55 Paragraph 1 by taking any of the actions
stipulated therein in a river conservancy zone.
(2) A person who violated the provision of Article 58-4 Paragraph 1 by taking any of theactions stipulated therein in a spatial river conservancy zone.

-E145-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article(Acts Subject to a Fine of Not More Than 300,000 Yen)
Article 105.
A person to whom one of the following items applies shall be punished with a fine of
not more than three hundred thousand yen.
(1) A person who failed to follow instructions issued under the provisions of Article 44
Paragraph 1.
(2) A person who used a dam in order to store or intake the flowing water of a river withoutobtaining authorization under the operation regulations stipulated in Article 47 first part ofParagraph 1.
(3) A person who operated a dam in violation of the provisions of Article 47 Paragraph 3.
(4) A person who obtained approval under Article 23, Article 26 Paragraph 1, Article 27
Paragraph 1, Article 55 Paragraph 1 or Article 58-4 Paragraph 1 through fraud or otherimproper means.
(5) A person who used a structure which had passed a completion check under the provisionsof Article 30 Paragraph 1 on the basis of fraud or other improper means.
(Acts Subject to a Fine of Not More Than 200,000 Yen)
Article 106.
A person to whom one of the following items applies shall be punished with a fine of
not more than two hundred thousand yen.
(1) A person who failed to draw up a record, refused to submit a record or submitted false
records in violation of the provisions of Article 49.
(2) A person who used a dam in order to store or intake the flowing water of a river without
the placement of a chief superintendent as stipulated in Article 50 Paragraph 1.
(3) A person who constructed, reconstructed or removed a structure in violation of theprovisions of Article 26 Paragraph 1 on land in a projected river zone that is deemed to be in ariver zone according to the provisions of Article 58 or in aboveground or underground spacein a projected spatial river zone that is deemed to be in aboveground or underground space ina spatial river zone according to the provisions of Article 26 Paragraph 1.
(4) A person who excavated, banked or cut land or carried out any other act that altered theshape of land or planted or cut trees in violation of the provisions of Article 27 Paragraph 1 onland in a projected river zone stipulated in the preceding item or in aboveground or
underground space in a projected spatial river zone stipulated in the same item.
(5) A person who, in violation of the provisions of Article 30 Paragraph 1, used a structurethat was constructed or reconstructed on land in a projected river zone stipulated in Item (3) orin aboveground or underground space in a projected spatial river zone stipulated in the same

-E146-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

item.
(6) A person who failed to submit a report or submitted a false report or rejected or obstructed
the test stipulated in Article 78 Paragraph 1 in violation of the provisions of the said
paragraph.
(Liability of Employer and a Juristic Person)
Article 107.
In case the representative of a juridical person, or an agent or and employee of or any
other person working for a juridical or natural person has violated any of the provision of
Articles 102 through 106 in connection with the business of the juridical or natural person, notonly the offender shall be punished by, the juridical or natural person shall also be punishedwith a fine prescribed in the corresponding article.
(Acts Subject to a Fine Not More Than 50,000 Yen)
Article 108.
A person who failed to notify or made a false notification in violation of theprovisions of Article 33 Paragraph 3 (including the cases where the said paragraph applies to
Article 55 Paragraph 2, Article 57 Paragraph 3, Article 58-4 Paragraph 2 and Article 58-6
Paragraph 3) shall be punished with a fine of not more than fifty thousand yen.
(Establishment of Penal Provisions in Government Ordinances or Prefectural Regulations)

Article 109.
Government Ordinances 109-1)~ 109-6) or prefectural regulations established on the basisof the provisions of Article 28 or Article 29 Paragraph 1 or 2 may establish the necessary
penalties.
2
The penalties under Government Ordinances stipulated in the preceding paragraphshall be penal servitude for not more than six months, a fine of not more than three hundred
thousand yen, detention or a minor fine. The penalties under prefectural regulations shall be
penal servitude for not more than three months, a fine of not more than two hundred thousand
yen, detention or a minor fine.
[Gor 109-1]

Government Ordinance Article 58

Any person who has caused damage to a river in violation of the provisions of Article 16-4 29-2) Paragraph 1 of
the Government Ordinance shall be subject to up to six months' imprisonment with labor or a fine of up to
300,000 yen.

-E147-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article[Gor 109-2]

Government Ordinance Article 59

Any person who falls within any of the categories listed below shall be subject to up to three months'
imprisonment with labor or a fine of up to 200,000 yen.
(1) Person who has floated down logs or bamboos in violation of the provisions of Article 16-3 28-4) Paragraph 1of the Government Ordinance;(2) Person who has dumped earth or stone, trash, human wastes, corpse of a plant or animal, or other wastes onland within a river zone in violation of the provisions of Article 16-4 29-2) Paragraph 1 of the Government
Ordinance;(3) Person who has brought into the area of land within a river zone specified by the river administrator an
automobile or other things specified by the river administrator in violation of the provisions of Article 16-4
29-2)

Paragraph 1 of the Government Ordinance.

[Gor 109-3]

Government Ordinance Article 60

Any person who falls within any of the categories listed below shall be subject to a fine of up to 300,000 yen.
(1) Person who has navigated a boat/ship or raft in violation of the provisions of Article 16-2 28-1) Paragraph 2
or 3 of the Government Ordinance;(2) Person who, in violation of Article 16-8 29-10) Paragraph 1 of the Government Ordinance, has committed
any of the acts listed in the items of said paragraph.
[Gor 109-4]

Government Ordinance Article 61

Any person who falls within any of the categories listed below shall be subject to a fine of up to 200,000 yen.
(1) Person who has failed to make notification or has made false notification in violation of the provisions ofArticle 16-5 29-4) Paragraph 1 or 2 of the Government Ordinance;(2) Person who has obtained permission under Article 16-3 28-4)Paragraph 1 of the Government Ordinance or
Article 16-8 29-10)Paragraph 1 of the Government Ordinance by fraudulent or otherwise illegal means.
[Gor 109-5]

Government Ordinance Article 62

Any person who has failed to make notification or has made false notification in violation of the provisions ofArticle 16-10 29-17)of the Government Ordinance shall be subject to a fine of up to 100,000 yen.
[Gor 109-6]

Government Ordinance Article 63

In the event that the representative of a juridical person or an agent,employee or any other worker of a juridical

or natural person has committed an act violating any of the provisions of Articles 58 through 62 of theGovernment Ordinance in connection with said juridical or natural person's business, both the person who hascommitted said act and said juridical or natural person shall be subject to a fine stipulated in this article.

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THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

Supplementary Provisions
1
This Law shall come into force as from 1 April 1965. Provided that, theprovisions of Chapter 5 shall come into force as from the day of its promulgation.
2
With regard to the application of the provisions of Article 60 in fiscal 1985, thestipulation of "1/3" in Paragraph 1 of the said article shall be "1/4", and the stipulation of"2/3" in Paragraph 2 of the said article shall be "6/10".
3
With regard to the application of the provisions of Article 60 in fiscal 1986 andfiscal 1991 through to fiscal 1993, the stipulation of "1/3" in Paragraph 1 of the said article
shall be "4/10", and the stipulation of "2/3" in Paragraph 2 of the said article shall be "5.5/10".
Provided that, the same shall not apply from fiscal 1991 through to fiscal 1993 in the casewhere the provisions of the said article apply with regard to emergency river improvement
works carried out to deal with a collapse of a levee or other hazardous situation.
4
With regard to the application of the provisions of Article 60 from fiscal 1987
through to fiscal 1990, the stipulation of "1/3" in Paragraph 1 of the said article shall be"4.5/10" (4/10 in respect of the cost of improvement works which is carried out to prevent a
recurrence of a disaster and which is not emergency river improvement works stipulated in theproviso at Paragraph 4 of the Supplementary Provisions), and the stipulation of "2/3" inParagraph 2 of the said article shall be "5.25/10" (5.5/10 in respect of the cost of improvement
works which is carried out to prevent a recurrence of a disaster and which is not emergency
river improvement works stipulated in the proviso at Paragraph 4 of the Supplementary
Provisions). Provided that, the same shall not apply in the case where the provisions of thesaid article apply with regard to emergency river improvement works carried out to deal witha collapse of a levee or other hazardous situation.
5
Until further notice, the national government may extend interest-free loans to local
public bodies for river improvement works for which the government is to meet a part of thecost under the provisions of Article 60 latter part of Paragraph 2, Article 62, Article 65-2 latterpart of Paragraph 1, or Article 96, and to which Article 2 Paragraph 1 Item 2 of the Special
Measures Law Concerning the Promotion of Social Capital Development Utilizing Revenue
from the Sale of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Co. Ltd. Stock (Law No.86 of 1987;
hereinafter referred to as "Social Overhead Capital Development Special Measures Law")applies, up to an amount equivalent to the amount which the national government is to meet
under the provisions of Article 60 latter part of Paragraph 2, Article 62, Article 65-2 latter partof Paragraph 1, or Article 96 (with regard to the percentage of the national government shareof cost under these provisions, in the case where there are legal provisions which set a-E149-

THE RIVER LAW with commentary by article

different percentage from these provisions, the said provisions which set different percentages
are included; hereinafter the same) within the limit of budgetary appropriation.
6
Until further notice, the national government may extend interest-free loans to local
public bodies for a part of the cost or river works (excluding river improvement work andriver repair work) concerning class A or class B rivers (rivers to which provisions pertaining
to class B rivers contained within this Law apply as stipulated in Article 100) to which Article
2 Paragraph 1 Item 2 of the Social Capital Development Special Measures Law applies,
within the limit of budgetary appropriation.
7
The redemption period for the loans extended by the national government stipulated
in the preceding two paragraphs shall be not more than twenty years (including a deferment
period of not more than five years) and stipulated in Government Ordinances.
8
In addition to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the redemption method,advancing the redemption period and other necessary matters concerning redemption of theloans stipulated in Paragraph 5 and 6 of these Supplementary Provisions shall be stipulated inGovernment Ordinances.
9
In the case where the national government extended a loan to a local public bodyunder the provisions of Paragraph 5 of these Supplementary Provisions for river improvement
works, the share of the cost to be met by the national government as stipulated in Article 60
latter part of Paragraph 2, Article 62, Article 65-2 latter part of Paragraph 1, or Article 96,
shall be met by way of a transfer of an amount equivalent to the repayment amount at the timeof redemption of the said loan.
10
In the case where the national government extended a loan to a local public bodyunder the provisions of Paragraph 6 of these supplementary provisions for river works, thenational government shall provide a subsidy of an amount equivalent to the said loan by wayof a transfer of an amount equivalent to the repayment amount at the time of redemption of
the said loan.
11With regard to the application of the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs in
the case where a local public body received an interest-free loan under the provisions ofParagraph 5 or 6 of these supplementary provisions and advanced the redemption period
stipulated in Paragraph 7 and 8 of these Supplementary Provisions (excluding cases stipulated
in Government Ordinances), the said redemption shall be deemed to have been carried out atthe conclusion of the said redemption period.

-E150-

#8,)#6-:)6#0%;
WITH COMMENTARY BY ARTICLE%22'0&+:#+3:)621)28#36(-2%2')#*36
7869'896%0#78%2(%6(7#*36#6-:)6#%(1-2-786%8-32*%'-0-8-)7
j7869'896%0#36(-2%2')kTHE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance

THE RIVER LAW
WITH COMMENTARY BY ARTICLE

Appendix I
GOVERNMENT ORDINANCE FOR
STRUCTURAL STANDARDS FOR RIVER ADMINISTRATION FACILITIES(STRUCTURAL ORDINANCE)CONTENTSPAGE
CHAPTER 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
ArticleArticle1
2

Objectives
Definitions of terminology
CHAPTER 2

Article 3
Article 4
Article 5
Article 6
Article 7
Article 8
Article 9
Article 10
Article 11
Article 12
Article 13
Article 14
Article 15
Article 16

DAM

Scope of application
Principle of structure
Height of non-overflow section of a dam
Kind of load to act on a dam body, etc.
Spillway
Width of overflow section of an overflow spillway
Energy dissipator
Principle of a structure gate, etc.
Kinds of load to act on a gateCalculation method of load, etc.
Measurement facilities
Outlet structures
Prevention works against land sliding and prevention works againstleakage
Fluvial woods zone formed around a reservoir

I-1

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance

CHAPTER 3
Article 17
Article 18
Article 19
Article 20
Article 21
Article 22
Article 22-2
Article 22-3
Article 23
Article 24
Article 25
Article 26
Article 26-2
Article 27
Article 28
Article 29
Article 30
Article 31
Article 32

Scope of application
Principle of structure
Material and structure
HeightCrown width
Slope gradient, etc. of a levee of earth embankment
Types of load to act on a high-standard levees
Calculation method of loads.
Berm
Marginal strip
Revetment
Groyn
Fluvial woods zone to be established along levees
Inspection passage
Measures to be taken for a levee seriously affected by waves
Special rules for height and crown width of a levee in backwatersectionSpecial rules for crown width of a levee of a lake and swamp or hightide section
Exception of application of provisions for crown width, etc.
Special rules for a levee to be built in stages on discontinuous schedule
CHAPTER 4

Article 33
Article 34
Article 35
Article 35-2

GROUND SILL

Principle of structure
Bed-protection work and high water bed protection works
Revetment
Fishway
CHAPTER 5

Article 36
Article 37
Article 38
Article 39
Article 40
Article 41

LEVEE

WEIR

Principle of structure
Relation with flow section
Span in movable section of a weirSpecial rules for span of movable section of a weir
Structure of gate in movable section of a weir
Height of gate in movable section of a weir

I-2

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance

Article 42
Article 43
Article 44
Article 45

Special rules for height of a lift gate in movable section of a weir
Administration facilities
Bed protection works, etc.
Special rules concerning a weir for diversion of flood
CHAPTER 6

Article 46
Article 47
Article 48
Article 49
Article 50
Article 51
Article 52
Article 53

Principle of structure
Structure
Cross section features
Span of a sluice to be built across a river, etc.
Structure of a gate, etc.
Height of a gate of a sluice, etc.
Administration of facilities, etc.
Bed protection works, etc.

CHAPTER 7

Article 54
Article 55
Article 56
Article 57
Article 58
Article 59

SLUICE AND SLUICEWAY

PUMP STATION, DRAINAGE PUMP STATION
AND INTAKE TOWER

Principle of structure
Outfall well of a drainage pump station, etc.
Facilities for removal of flowing materials
Sluiceway
Structure of intake tower
Bed protection works, etc.
CHAPTER 8

Article 60
Article 61
Article 62
Article 63
Article 64
Article 65
Article 66
Article 67

Principle of structure
Abutment
Bridge Pier
Span
Overhead Clearance, etc.
Revetment, etc.
Inspection passage
Exception of application

I-3

BRIDGE

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance

CHAPTER 9
Article 68
Article 69
Article 70
Article 71
Article 72

Scope of application
Principle of structure
StructureGate, etc.
Depth
CHAPTER 10

Article 73
Article 74
Article 75
Article 76
Article 77

INVERTED SIPHONMISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Exception of application
Special rules of application in case design flood discharge, etc.
has been fixed or charged
Special rules in case temporary improvement work execution plan has
been fixedSpecial rules for small rivers
Mutatis-mutandis application to river administration facilities, etc. to
be built in locally designated rivers

I-4

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance+3:)621)28#36(-2%2')#*36
7869'896%0#78%2(%6(7#*36#6-:)6#%(1-2-786%8-32#*%'-0-8-)7(STRUCTURAL ORDINANCE)The Cabinet promulgates this Government Ordinance on the basis of the provisions
stated in Article 13* (including the cases of mutatis mutandis application of the River
Law in Article 100**) of the River Law (Law No.167 of 1964).
* Article 13 (Structural Standards for River Administration Facilities)
River administration facilities, or river structures established with approval as stipulated in
Article 26 Paragraph 1 must be structurally safe in consideration of water level, flow, topographicaland geological conditions and other river conditions, and the dead load, water pressure and otheranticipated loads.
2

Technical standards necessary for river administration and applicable to dams, levees and othermajor river administration facilities as well as river structures established with approval as stipulated
in Article 26 Paragraph 1 shall be stipulated in Government Ordinance.
**Article 100 (Locally designated rivers)
The provisions of this Law concerning class B rivers (except the provision which may bedesignated by Government Ordinance) shall apply mutatis mutandis to a river designated by the head ofa city, town or village, other than any of class A rivers and class B rivers.

In this case, "theprefectural governor" in the provisions shall read "the head of the city, town or village"; "theprefecture" "the city town or village"; and "the Minister of Construction" "the prefectural governor."2

Unless provided for in the preceding paragraph, technical modification in reading necessary formutatis mutandis application of the provisions of this Law shall be fixed by Government Ordinance.

CHAPTER 1.

GENERAL PROVISIONS(Objectives)
Article 1.
This Government Ordinance provides general technical standards required forexecuting river administration on major structures such as dam and levee out of theriver administration facilities* or the structures to be built with permission of Article
26 Paragraph 1(hereinafter referred to as "permitted structures") of the River Law(hereinafter referred to as "the Law").
The term "river" as used in this Law means either a class A river or a class B
river and includes the river administration facilities of the river.

I-5

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance*Article 3 (The River and the River Administration Facilities)
The term "river" as used in this Law means either a class A river or a class B river andincludes the river administration facilities of the river.
2

The term river administration facility as used in this Law means a dam, weir, sluice, levee,

revetment, groundsill, fluvial woods (trees planted along levees or reservoirs in a long, narrow strip forflood mitigation and/or water conservation purposes designated by the Ministry of Construction
Ordinance 3-3) ) or any other facility which has the function of increasing public benefits from the waterof a river or of eliminating or decreasing public losses which may be caused by the water of a river.
However, with regard to a facility built by a person other than the river administrator, the term
applies only when the river administrator has obtained the consent of the person who, on the basis of
his title, administers the facility concerned to making it a river administration facility.

(Definitions of terminology)
Article 2.
In this Government Ordinance, the terminology as given in each of the following
items shall be defined by the respective item in the following.
(1) Normal top water level:
Normal top water level means the highest water level which is, in a plan of
construction or reconstruction of a dam, expected to take place at the upstream
face of the non-overflow section of the dam in storing river water at normaltime.
(2) Surcharge water level:
Surcharge water level means the highest water level which is, in a plan of
construction or reconstruction of a dam, expected to take place at the upstream
face of the non-overflow section of the dam in temporarily storing river water atflood time.
(3) Design flood stage:
Design flood stage means the highest water level which is, in a plan of
construction or reconstruction of a dam, expected to take place at the upstream
face of the non-overflow section of the dam on the assumption that the largest
discharge (in case of a fill-type dam, a discharge 1.2 times this discharge;
hereinafter referred to as "dam design flood discharge") among such discharges
as a flood discharge expected to occur at a rate of once per two hundred years at
a site closely upstream of the dam, the largest flood discharge in the past which
occurred at this site, and a flood discharge expected to occur at the site in thelight of the results of observation of hydrology or meteorology connected withthe largest floods which occurred in the basin related to the dam or in anotherbasin similar to the basin in hydrology or meteorology is released from the flood
spillway of the dam (in case of a dam whose storage effect is large, a water level
to be obtained by deducting a value obtained in consideration of the storage
I-6

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinanceeffect from this water level).
(4) Design flood discharge:
Design flood disch arge m eans t he high-wate r disc harge fix ed by th eriver administrator in accordance with the fundamental river management policy
in consideration of major floods in the past, the particulars of the occurrence ofthe damage due to them, and the conditions of meteorology, topography, geology
and development of the region where occurrence of damage must be prevented.
(5) Design cross-section:
Design cross-section means the river cross-section fixed by the riveradministrator, in accordance with the fundamental river management
policy , so as to carry the Design flood discharge, prevent the backwater orthe high tide at the design high-tide level from flowing out to the outside of theriver, utilize the river properly, maintain the normal functions of the river flow
and maintain and conserve the fluvial environment .
(6) Flow section:
Flow section means a river cross-section area effective for carrying the riverdischarge.
(7) Design high-water level:
Design high-water level means the high-water level fixed by the riveradministrator, in accordance with the fundamental river management
policy , based on the design flood discharge and the design cross-section
and/or considering storage of river water.
(8) Design high-tide level:
Design high-tide level means the high-tide level fixed by the riveradministrator, in accordance with the fundamental river management
policy , in comprehensive consideration of the major high-tides in the past andthe particulars of occurrence of damage due to them, the hydrology andmeteorology of the river basin and the sea area where the river is pouring into,
and the condition of development of the region where occurrence of damage
must be prevented.
(9) High-tide section: High-tide section means a section of the river where thedesign high-tide level is higher than the design high-water level.
(10) Design water level for high-standard levees:
Design water level for high-standard levees is the maximum water level in a river section in
the event of a flood or high tide that is expected in the basin of that river section in view ofhydrological or meteorological observations associated with the maximum flood or high tidethat has occurred in the basin of a river section designated in the fundamental rivermanagement policy for construction of high-standard levees (referred to in Paragraph 2 ofArticle 2 as a "high-standard levee section") or the basin of a river section with similarhydrological or meteorological conditions.
I-7

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance

CHAPTER 2.

DAM(Scopet of application)
Article 3.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to dams other then those stated below.
(1) Dam to be built for checking and/or regulating sand efflux.
(2) Dam whose height from the foundation ground to the crest is less than 15m.
(Principle of structure)
Article 4.
Dam body and its foundation (including the connection part of them; hereinafter
the same in this Government Ordinance) shall have necessary watertightness andsufficient strength against expected loads.
2. The body of concrete dam shall be a structure which does not overturn nor slide by
expected loads.
3. The body of fill-type dam shall be a structure which is not broken on sliding nor
on seepage by expected loads.
4. Dam foundation shall not slide, break sliding, nor break on seepage by expectedloads.
5. No discharge facility nor water channel structure shall be built in the body of filltype dam.
(Height of non-overflow section of a dam)
Article 5.
Height of the non-overflow section of a dam shall, according to with or without
flood gates, be larger than the largest value given in the right column of the following
table in case of a concrete dam, and shall be larger than a value to be obtained byadding 1m to the largest value given in the same column in case of a fill-type dam.
Item

Classification

1

Dam with flood gates

Height of non-overflow section of dam (in m)
H n +h w +h e +0.5 (H n +2 in case of h w +h e <1.5)
H s +h w +h e /2+0.5 (H s +2 in case of h w +h e /2<1.5)
H d +h w +0.5 (H d +1 in case of h w <0.5)

2

Dam without flood gate

H n +h w +h e (H n +2 in case of h w +h e <2)
H s +h w +h e /2 (H s +2 in case of h w +h e /2<2)
H d +h w (H d +1 in case of h w <1)

Notes:In this table, H n , h w , he , H s and H d shall be the values given in the following.

I-8

THE RVER LAW: Structural OrdinanceH n : Normal top water level (m).
h w : Height of wind wave above the water surface of the reservoir (m).
h e : Height of wave due to earthquake above the water surface of the reservoir (m).
H s : Surcharge water level (m).
H d : Design flood stage (m).

2. In applying the provision of the preceding paragraph to a fill-type dam having no
flood gates, if the overflow depth is less than 2.5m when the dam design flood
discharge overflows the spillway, "H n +2 in case of h w+h e <2" shall be "H n +1 in case ofh w+h e /2<1".
(Kind of load to act on a dam body, etc.)
Article 6.
With regard to loads to act on dam body and foundation, those given in thefollowing table shall be taken according to type of dam and water level of thereservoir.

Type of dam

Concrete gravity dam

Concrete arch dam

Fill-type dam

W, P, P e , I, P d , U

W, P, P e , I, P d , U, T

W, P, I, P p

W, P, P e , U

W, P, P e , U, T

Water level of reservoir
1.

In case water level at upstream faceof non-overflow section of dam islower than normal flood water levelor lower than water level at surcharge

2.

In case water level at upstream faceof non-overflow section of dam islower than design flood stage

Notes:In this table, W, P, P e , I, P d , U, P p and T shall be the loads given below.
W : Weight of dam body.
P : Hydrostatic pressure of stored water.
P e : Earth pressure of sand deposit in reservoir.
I : Inertia force of dam body during earthquake.
P d : Hydrodynamic pressure of stored water during earthquake.
U : Uplift of stored water.
P p : Pore pressure (water pressure due to seepage water in dam body or foundation).
T : Force due to temperature change in dam body.

I-9

W, P, P e

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance(Spillway)
Article 7.
Dam shall be equipped with spillway.
2. Spillway (except energy killer) shall be a structure which can release the dam
design flood discharge and discharges smaller than it safely.
3. Spillway shall be a structure which give no trouble to dam body, foundation andreservoir.
(Width of overflow section of an overflow spillway)
Article 8.
In case the height of a levee located upstream of a dam with overflow spillway (incase the design cross-section is already fixed, the levee related to the design crosssection (hereinafter referred to as "design levee") is included) is higher than the design
flood stage of the dam and lower than the crest height of the non-overflow section, theprovisions of Article 38 and Article 39 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the spillway ofthis dam. In this case, "span (distance between the centerlines of two adjoining piers;
the same in this chapter)" mentioned in Article 38 Paragraph 1 and "span" mentioned
in Article 38 and Article 39 shall read "width of overflow section (width of each
overflow section in case the overflow section of the spillway is divided by gate-piersor bridge-piers)".
(Energy dissipator)
Article 9.
Spillway shall be equipped with proper energy dissipator in case it is necessary todissipate the energy of water flowing down on the spillway in order to protect the dam
body and/or the river bed, the river banks or the river administration structures
downstream of the dam.
(Principle of a structure gate, etc.)
Article 10.
Gate of dam (including valve; the same in this chapter) shall be a structure whichsurely opens or closes and has necessary watertightness and durability.
2. Operating apparatus of dam gate shall be a structure which surely opens or closes
the gates.
3. Dam gate shall be a structure which is safe against expected loads.
4. Spillway with gates shall be equipped with spare gates or substitutional facilities
for them.

I-10

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance(Kinds of load to act on a gate)
Article 11.
As for the loads to act on gates of dam, such forces shall be taken as weight of gate,hydrostatic pressure of stored water, earth pressure of silt deposited in the reservoir,
force due to freezing of stored water, inertia force of gate during earthquake,hydrodynamic pressure of stored water during earthquake and force due to opening andclosing of gate.
(Calculation method of load, etc.)
Article 12.
Technical standards required for the calculation of the loads stipulated in Article
6 and the preceding article and the calculation of dam structure shall be fixed by
Ministry of Construction Ordinance (Structural Rules).
(Measurement facilities)
Article 13.
Dam shall be equipped with facilities for measuring the matters stated in the rightcolumn of the following table in accordance with the classification started in the
middle column of the table.
Item

Type of dam

1

Concrete gravity

2

3

Concrete arch

Fill-type

Height of dam

Matters to be measured

Less than 50m

Rate of seepage, uplift

50m and overRate of seepage, deformation, upliftLess than 30m

Rate of seepage, deformation

30m and overRate of seepage, deformation, uplift

Dam body almost madeof homogeneous material

Rate of seepage, deformation, line of seepage

OthersRate of seepage, deformation

2. Dam whose crest height from foundation is 100m and over or dam speciallydesigned shall be equipped with facilities for measuring the matters especially deemed
to be necessary for administration of the dam.
(Outlet structures)
Article 14.
Dam shall be equipped with outlet structure necessary for maintaining the normal
functions of the river flow.

I-11

THE R V ER LAW: Struc tural Ordinance(Prevention works against land sliding and prevention works against leakage)
Article 15.
If it is necessary to prevent land sliding in the reservoir or in land adjacent to thereservoir which may be caused by installation of a dam or storage of river water or toprevent leakage from the reservoir, appropriate prevention works against land sliding
or leakage shall be executed.
(Fluvial woods zone formed around a reservoir)
Article 16.
Fluvial woods zones formed around reservoirs shall be designed appropriatelyfrom the viewpoint of contamination of reservoir water and inflow of sediments into
the reservoir as fixed by Ministry of Construction Ordinance.

CHAPTER 3.

LEVEE(Scope of application)
Article 17.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to levees and open levees to be built forthe purpose of preventing river water to flow out of the river channel.
(Principle of structure)
Article 18.
Levee shall be a structure which is, as one body with revetment, groyne and othersimilar structures, safe against the normal action of river flow at a water level equal toor lower than the design high-water level (or the design high-tide level in a high-tide
section).
(Material and structure)
Article 19.
Levee shall be built with earth embankment. However, in case it is deemed
inevitable by reason of the condition of land utilization and other special
circumstances, the whole or the major part of the levee may be a structure of concrete,
sheet pile or a structure similar thereto or a levee equipped with concrete parapet or asimilar structure.

I-12

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance(Height)
Article 20.
Height of levee (excluding levee of lake and swamp whose design flood discharge
is not fixed) shall be higher than a value to be obtained by adding the value given in
the right column of the following table to the design high-water level in accordancewith the design flood discharge. However, this shall not apply to a section where theelevation of the protected land adjacent to the levee (hereinafter referred to as"protected ground height") is higher than the design high-water level and it is deemedthat there is no hindrance against flood control from the standpoint of the condition of
topography, etc.
Item

Design flood discharge

Value to be added to design high water level3

1

Less than 200 m /s

2

200 and over, and less than 500 m 3 /s

33

500 and over, and less than 2,000 m /s

4

3

2,000 and over, and less than 5,000 m /s

1.2m

5

3

1.5m

6

0.6m
0.8m
1.0m

5,000 and over, and less than 10,000 m /s
3

10,000 m /s and over

2.0m

2. Out of the levees mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the height of levee of lakeand swamp or high-tide section where the design flood discharge is fixed shall accord
with the provision of the preceding paragraph and besides shall take a value not lessthan a value to be obtained by adding a value deemed necessary considering the effectof wind waves to the design high-water level in case of the levee of the lake andswamp or to the design high-tide level in case of the levee of the high-tide section.
3. The height of levee of lake and swamp where the design flood discharge is not
fixed shall be higher than a value to be obtained by adding a value deemed necessary
considering the effect of wind waves to the design high-water level (in a high-tide
section, the design high-tide level; the same in the following paragraph).
4. Height of the portion except parapet of a levee with parapet shall be higher thanthe design high-water level.
(Crown width)
Article 21.
The crown width of levee (excluding a levee of lake and swamp where the design
flood discharge is not fixed), except for a section where the difference between theheight of the levee and the ground height of the protected land is less than 0.6m, shallbe larger than values given in the right column of the following table in accordancewith design flood discharge. However, in a section where the protected ground heightis higher than the design high water level and it is deemed that there is no hindrance
I-13

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinanceagainst flood control from the standpoint of the condition of topography, etc., thecrown width may take a value larger than 3m also in case the design flood discharge islarger than 500m 3 /s.
Item
1

Design flood discharge

Crown width3

Less than 500m /s

3m
3

2

500 and over, and less than 2,000m /s

332,000 and over, and less than 5,000m /s

5m

4

3

6m

5

4m

5,000 and over, and less than 10,000m /s
310,000m /s and over7m

2. The crown width of levee of lake and swamp where the design flood discharge is
not fixed shall take an appropriate value larger than 3m in consideration of the heightof the levee, the structure and the condition of the protected land.
(Slope gradient, etc. of a levee of earth embankment)
Article 22.
The slope gradient of levee of earth embankment (excluding a portion of parapet
and a portion protected by revetment; the same in the following paragraph) shall beless than 50% except for a section where the difference between the height of leveeand the ground height of the protected land is less than 0.6m.
2. The surface of slope of levee of earth embankment shall be protected by sodding,
etc.
(Types of load acting on high-standard levees )Article 22-2.
The types of loads assumed to be acting on high-standard levees and their foundation
shall be chosen from the load types given in the table below according to the waterlevel in the river channel.
Item

Water level within the river channel

Loads

1

Level equal to or lower than the design highwater level
Level higher than the design high-water level,
and lower than the high- standard levees design
water level

W,P,I,P p

2

Notes
In this table, W,P,I, P p andshall be the loads given below

W: Dead weight of the high-standard levee
P: Hydrostatic pressure of the flow water

I-14

W,P,Pp,

THE R V ER LAW: Struc tural Ordinance

I: Inertia force of body of the high-standard levee and its foundation during earthquake
P p : Pore pressure (water pressure due to seepage water in the high-standard levee and its
foundation): Shearing force by overtopping flow

(Calculation methods of loads)
Article 22-3.
Technical standards required for the calculation of the loads stipulated in thepreceding article and the calculation of high-standard levee structure shall be fixed by
Ministry of Construction Ordinance.
(Berm)
Article 23.
If it is necessary for stabilizing a levee, berm shall be built in the mid-slope of thelevee.
2. The width of berm of a levee shall be larger than 3m.
(Marginal strip)
Article 24.
If it is necessary for stabilizing a levee, or it is necessary especially for storing
sand, etc. for emergency or for the conservancy of environment, marginal strip shallbe built at the foot of the land-side slope of the levee as may be provided for in detailby Ministry of Construction Ordinance (Structural Rules).
(Revetment)
Article 25.
If it is necessary for protecting the levee from the action of river flow, revetment
shall be built on the river-side face of the levee or on the river-side berm.
(Groyn)Article 26.
If it is necessary to control the direction of flow or to dissipate the energy offlow in order to protect the levee from the action of flow, groyn shall be built at an
appropriate site.
(Fluvial woods zone to be established along levees)
Article 26-2.
Fluvial woods zone established along the levee should be structured inconsideration of prevention of dike break, etc. in accordance with the Ministry ofConstruction Ordinance.

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THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance(Inspection passage)
Article 27.
A levee shall be provided with passage for river administration (hereinafterreferred to as "inspection passage") as may be provided for in detail by Ministry ofConstruction Ordinance (Structural Rules).
(Measures to be taken for a levee seriously affected by waves)
Article 28.
The following measures shall be taken at need for such levees subject to serious
influence of waves as those of lake and swamp, high-tide section and at confluence of
two or more rivers.
(1) The river-side surface of slope and/or the river-side berm shall be provided
with revetment or revetment and parapet.
(2) The front of the levee shall be provided with wave dissipation work.
2. If there is a fear of wave overtopping with regard to the levee mentioned in thepreceding paragraph, the following measures shall be taken at need besides theprovisions in the same paragraph.
(1) The crown, the land-side surface of slope and the land-side berm shall beprotected by concrete or similar material.
(2) Drain shall be built along the foot of the land-side slope.
(Special rules for height and crown width of a levee in backwater section)
Article 29.
In case the joining of A river and B river will cause backwater in B river, theheight of levee of B river upstream from the confluence shall not be lower than theheight of levee of A river at the confluence which is fixed by the provisions of Article
20 Paragraph 1 to 3. However, this shall not apply to a section where the protected
ground height is higher than the design high water level and it is deemed that there isno hindrance against flood control from the standpoint of the condition of topography,
etc. and a section where occurrence of backwater can be prevented by facilities forpreventing back flow.
2. In case the height of levee of B river is determined in accordance with theprovision stated in the preceding paragraph, the crown width of levee of B river in thesection from the confluence up to a spot where the height of levee of A river at theconfluence is equal to the levee height of B river to be obtained by adding a value
given in the right column of the table in Article 20 Paragraph 1, according to thedesign flood discharge for B river, to the assumption that backwater does not takeplace in B river (excluding a section of the river which is lake or swamp; hereinafterreferred to as "backwater section") shall not be less than the crown width of the leveeof A river at the confluence which will be determined in accordance with the
I-16

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinanceprovisions stipulated in Article 21 Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2. However, this shall not
apply to a section where the protected ground height is higher than the design highwater level and it is deemed that there is no hindrance against flood control from thestandpoint of the condition of topography, etc.
(Special rules for crown width of a levee of a lake and swamp or high-tide section)
Article 30.
In case the measures stated in Article 28 Paragraph 1 Item 1 are taken for a leveeof lake and swamp or high-tide section where the design flood discharge is fixed, indisregard of the provisions stated in Article 21 Paragraph 1 and Paragraph 2 of thepreceding article , the crown width of the levee may take an appropriate value larger
than 3m in consideration of the contents of measures to be taken in accordance withthe provisions of Article 28 and the crown width of the levee to connect with the leveein question (or the design levee in case the design cross-section has been fixed).
(Exception of application of provisions for crown width, etc.)
Article 31.
The provisions of Article 21, Article 29 Paragraph 2 and the preceding article
shall not apply to a levee all or the major part of which is composed of concrete, sheet
pile or similar material.
2. In applying the provisions of Article 21, Article 29 Paragraph 2 and the precedingarticle concerning a levee with parapet, the crown width means that to be obtained bydeducting the width of the upright part of the parapet from the width of the crownsurface of the levee excepting the parapet.
(Special rules for a levee to be built in stages on discontinuous schedule)
Article 32.
In case a levee is built in stages on discontinuous schedule by reason of thegeology of ground of the levee, the condition of the opposite bank, the height of the
upstream and downstream bank and levee and under other special circumstances, withregard to a levee in each of the steps, the provisions of this chapter (excepting Article
29 and the preceding article) shall apply mutatis mutandis by regarding a value to beobtained by deducting a value corresponding to the difference between the design
levee height and the levee height at the stage concerned from the design high-waterlevel (or the design high-tide level in case of the high tide section; hereinafter the same inthis article) as the design high water level.

I-17

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance

CHAPTER 4.

GROUND SILL

(Principle of structure)
Article 33.
Ground sill shall be a structure which is safe against the action of river flow at awater level equal to or lower than the design high water level (or the design high-tidelevel in case of a high-tide section).
2. Ground sill shall be a structure which will not seriously hinder the adjacent bankand the structure of river administration facilities.
(Bed-protection work and high water bed protection works)
Article 34.
In building a ground sill, an appropriate bed-protection work or high water bed
protection work shall be executed if it is necessary for preventing scour of river bed orhigh water bed which connects with the ground sill.
(Revetment)
Article 35.
In building a ground sill, revetment for preventing scour at river bank or levee
which may occur due to change in flow shall be built as may be provided for by
Ministry of Construction Ordinance (Structural Rules).
(Fishway)
Article 35-2.
In building a ground sill, if it is necessary for not hinder fish run, fishway should
be built as may be provided for by Ministry of Construction Ordinance.

CHAPTER 5

WEIR(Principle of structure)
Article 36.
Weir shall be a structure which is safe against the action of flow at a water level
equal to or lower than the design high water level (or the design high-tide level in caseof the high-tide section).
2. Weir shall be a structure which will not hinder the flow of flood at a water level
equal to or lower than the design high-water level and will not seriously hinder theadjacent river bank and the structure of river administration facilities and will be
designed by paying proper attention to prevention of scour in river bed and high waterI-18

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance

bed which connect with the weir.
(Relation with flow section)
Article 37.
The portion (excluding gate piers) except for movable section (limited to gates forspilling river water and gate piers which support the gates; the same in the following
article and Article 39) of a weir with movable section and the fixed weir must not bebuilt within the flow section (including the design cross-section in case the design
cross-section is fixed; the same in this article, Article 58 Paragraph 1 and Article 61
Paragraph 1). However, this shall not apply in case it is deemed that there is nohindrance against flood control by reason that the weir is to be built in a ravine or otherreasons such as the conditions of river and topography, etc. or provided that a measure
deemed appropriate for securing the function for flood control is taken in case it isdeemed inevitable according to the condition of river bed to be built within the flow
section.
(Span in movable section of a weir)
Article 38.
Span in the movable section of a weir (distance between the center lines of two
adjoining gate piers; the same in this chapter) shall, in accordance with the design
flood discharge, be larger than a value given in the right column of the following table(or the total length of the movable section (the distance between the center lines of theend gate-piers; the same in the following paragraph) in case it is smaller than a value
given in the same column with regard to each magnitude of design flood discharge).
However, this shall not apply in case it is deemed that there is no hindrance against
flood control by reason that the weir is to be built in a ravine or other reasons such as
the conditions of river, topography, etc.
Item
1

Design high-water discharge

Span

3

less than 500m /s

15m
3

2

500 up and less than 2,000m /s

20m

32,000 up and less than 4,000m 3 /s

30m

4

3

4,000m /s up

40m

2. In case the total length of the movable section of a weir is less than 30m withregard to a case falling under the middle column of Item 1 of preceding table, the spanin the movable section may take a value larger than 12.5m in disregard of theprovisions of the preceding paragraph.
3. In case the mean value of the spans exceed 50m in applying the provision of
Paragraph 1 with regard to a case falling under the middle column of Item 3 or Item 4
I-19

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinanceof the preceding table and this is not deemed to be appropriate from the standpoint of
the structure of the weir with movable section, the span of the weir with movablesection, may, in disregard of the provision, take a value less than that given in theright column of Item 3 or Item 4 of the table as may be provided for by Ministry ofConstruction Ordinance (Structural Rules).
4. In a case falling under the middle column of Item 4 of the preceding table, thespan in the movable section of a weir related to the river portion except for the thalweg
may take a value larger than 30m in disregard of the provision of Paragraph 1. In thiscase, the mean value of the spans in the movable section must take a value larger than
40 m except for in case the provision of the preceding paragraph is applied.
5. In case the movable section of a weir is a shutter-type, it is permissible as may beprovided for in detail by Ministry of Construction Ordinance (Structural Rules) not toapply the provision of the preceding paragraph to the span in the movable section.
(Special rules for span of movable section of a weir)
Article 39.
In case a part of the movable section of a weir is planed to double as a sand-flash
or a boat-passage, the span of that portion may take a value larger than those given in
the third column of the following table in accordance with design flood discharge. In
this case, the mean value of the spans in the movable section must take a value larger
than those given in the fourth column of the table except for the movable section of aweir falling under Article 38 Paragraph 2.
Item

Design flood

Span of the part

Mean value ofdischargeof movable section thatspans in the movabledoubles as a sand-flash section
or a boat-passage

1

3

Less than 500m /s
3

12.5m

15m

2

500 up and less than 2,000m /s

12.5m

20m

3

3

15m

30m

20m

40m

4

2,000 up and less than 4,000m /s
34,000m /s up

2. In case the span in the movable section of a weir excluding a part which doubles asa flash-gate or a boat-passage will become too long to be suitable for the structure of
the gate in accordance with the provision of the preceding paragraph and it is deemedthat there is no hindrance from the standpoint of flood control, it is permissible as may
be provided for in detail by Ministry of Construction Ordinance (Structural Rules) not
to apply the latter provision of the preceding paragraph to the span in the movablesection.

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THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance(Structure of gate in movable section of a weir)
Article 40.
The provisions of Article 10 Paragraph 1 to Paragraph 3 and Article 11 and Article
12 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the gate in the movable section of a weir.
2. Besides the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the matters necessary for the
standards of structure of gate in the movable section of a weir shall be provided by
Ministry of Construction Ordinance (Structural Rules).
(Height of gate in movable section of a weir)
Article 41.
The height of lower fringe of a lift gate in the movable section of a weir at the
maximum lift height must, in accordance with the design flood discharge, take a value
larger than that obtained by adding a value given in the right column of the tableshown in Article 20 Paragraph 1 to the design high water level and must not be lower
than the design high tide level in a high tide section, and, in other sections, must not belower than the height of a line connecting the tops of the river-side slopes of the levees
on both sides of the river at the spot in question (or, in case the design cross-section
features are fixed, the design levees in case the heights of the design levees are lower
than those of the existing levees and it is deemed that there is no hindrance against
flood control or in case the heights of the design levees are higher than those of theexisting levees).
2. The height of upper fringe of a shutter gate in the movable section of a weir at
opening shall be lower than the height of the base (including the floor slab) of the weirwith movable section.
(Special rules for height of a lift gate in movable section of a weir)
Article 42.
The height of lower fringe of a lift gate at the maximum opening in movablesection of a weir to be built in a backwater section may take a value larger than either
larger of the two heights given below in disregard of the provision of the preceding
Article Paragraph 1, if it is deemed that there is no hindrance against flood control.
(1) a height to be obtained by adding a value given, according to the design
flood discharge, in the right column of the table in Article 20 Paragraph 1 tothe design high water level to be fixed on the assumption that no backwatertakes place in the river in question(2) the design flood discharge (or the design high tide level in high tide
section).

I-21

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance2. The height of lower fringe of a lift gate at the maximum lift height in the movablesection of a weir to be built in an area where there is a fear of ground settlement mustnot be lower than a height deemed necessary in consideration of expected groundsettlement and the condition of the river as well as it must accord with the provisionsof Paragraph 1 of the preceding article and the preceding paragraph.
(Administration facilities)
Article 43.
A weir with movable section shall be equipped at need with inspection bridge andother facilities suitable for administration.
(Bed protection work, etc.)
Article 44.
The provisions from Article 34 to Article 35 Paragraph 2 shall apply mutais
mutandis to a case of building a weir.
(Special rules concerning a weir for diversion of flood)
Article 45.
The provisions of Article 37 and Article 41 shall not apply to weir for diversion offlood.

CHAPTER 6 SLUICE AND SLUICEWAY(Principle of structure)
Article 46.
Sluice or sluiceway shall be a structure which is safe against the action of flow at awater level equal to or lower than the design high water level (or the design high tidelevel in case of a high tide section).
2.
Besides the provision of the preceding paragraph, structure of gates andsluiceways in the high standard levee section or in its backwater section should be safe
against the action of river flow at a water level equal to or lower than the high-standard
levee design water level.
3.
Sluice or sluiceway shall be a structure which will not hinder flood flow at awater level equal to or lower than the design high water level and will not seriously
hinder river banks and structure of river administration facilities in the proximity andis designed by paying proper attention to prevention of scour in river bet and highwater bed which connect with the sluice or the sluiceway.

I-22

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance(Structure)
Article 47.
Sluice or sluiceway (except for gate and administration facilities) shall be areinforced concrete structure or a structure similar thereto.
2. Sluiceway shall be a structure which will not hinder release of sediment etc.
(Cross section features)
Article 48.
The cross section features of the spillway portion of a sluice or a sluiceway to bebuilt across a river shall be fixed in consideration of the design flood discharge (or thedesign flood discharge and the size of boats to pass through in the case of a sluice to be
used for passage of boats).
2. The provision of the preceding paragraph shall apply mutatis mutandis to a sluice
or a sluiceway to be built across a waterway other than any of the rivers* and therivers** designated by the head of a city, town or village in accordance with theprovision of Paragraph 1, Article 100 of the Law (called "locally designated river" in
Article 77 of this Government Ordinance) at the confluence with a river.
(Span of a sluice to be built across a river, etc.)
Article 49.
The provisions from Article 37 to Article 39 (excepting Article 38 Paragraph 5)
shall apply mutatis mutandis to a sluice to be built across a river. In this case, "theportion (excluding gate piers) except for movable section (limited to gates for spilling
river water and gate piers which support the gates; the same in the following article
and Article 39) of a weir with movable section and the fixed weir" in Article 37 shallread "the portion of a sluice except for the gates for spilling river water and the gatepiers"; "the movable section of a weir" and "the movable section" in Article 38 and
Article 39 shall read "the portion of the gates for spilling river water and the gate piers
to support them out of a sluice"; and "gate piers" in Article 38 Paragraph 1 shall read"sluice gate piers".
2. With regard to sluiceways to be built across a river, the inner width of a sliceway
which has more than two gates shall be 5m or more. However, this shall not apply tocases where the inner width reaches over two times of the inner height.
(Structure of gate, etc.)
Article 50.
The gates of a sluice or a sluiceway shall be a structure which is sure to open or
close and has necessary watertightness.
2. The gates of a sluice or a sluiceway shall be a steel structure or a structure similar
thereto.
I-23

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance3. Operating apparatus of the gates of a sluice or a sluiceway shall be a structure
which can surely open or close the gates.
(Height of gate of sluice, etc.)
Article 51.
Height of upper fringe of the curtain wall of a sluice or height of upper fringe ofthe gates at closing of a sluice without curtain wall must not be lower than the heightof the levees which connect with the sluice (or the height of the design levees in casethe height of the design levees is lower than the height of the existing levees and it isdeemed that there is no hindrance against flood control, or in case the height of thedesign levees is higher than the height of the existing levees, in case that the design
cross-section features are fixed). In a high-tide section, however, in case it is deemedin the light of the condition of the hinterland of the sluice and other special
circumstances that there is no hindrance against flood control, it is permissible to takean appropriate height higher than the design high tide level in consideration of thestructure of the sluice and wave height, etc.
2. The provision of Article 41 Paragraph 1 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the heightof curtain wall and gates of a sluice to be built across a river (except a sluice fordiversion of river flow); the provision of Article 42 shall apply mutatis mutandis to theheight of curtain wall and gates of a sluice to be built across a river. In this case, "theheight of lower fringe of lift gate at the maximum lifting in the movable section of aweir" in these provisions shall read "the height of lower fringe of curtain wall of asluice and the height of lower fringe of lift gate of a sluice at the maximum lifting.
(Administration facilities, etc.)
Article 52.
The provisions of Article 43 shall apply mutais mutandis to sluice and sluiceway.
2. Sluice shall be a structure which doubles as an inspection passage as may beprovided for in detail by Ministry of Construction Ordinance (Structural Rules).
(Bed protection works, etc.)
Article 53.
The provisions of Article 34 and Article 35 shall apply mutatis mutandis to thecases of construction of sluice or sluiceway.

I-24

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance

CHAPTER 7

PUMP STATION, DRAINAGE PUMP STATION
AND INTAKE TOWER(Principle of structure)
Article 54.
Pump station or drainage pump station shall be a structure which does not give
severe trouble to the river banks or the structures of the administration facilities.
2. Pump room of pump station or drainage pump station (limited to the floor where
the pump is equipped and the room thereunder), pump well, outfall well and otherpressure regulation part shall be a structure of reinforced concrete or a structure
similar thereto.
(Outfall well of a drainage pump station, etc.)
Article 55.
Drainage pump station which possesses a sluiceway shall be equipped with outfall
well and other pressure regulation part.
This shall not apply, however, in case there is no fear to hinder the structure of riverbanks or levees where the sluiceway crosses (excepting marginal strip to be built forstoring earth and sand, etc. for emergency or for the conservancy of environment; thesame in Article 57 Paragraph 1, Article 65 Paragraph 2, Article 70 Paragraph 1 andArticle 72).
2. Top height of outfall well and other pressure regulation part shall be higher thanthe height of the levee to be crossed by the sluiceway of the drainage pump station (orthe height of the design levee in case, when the design cross-section is fixed, theheight of the design levee is lower than the existing levee height and it is deemed that
there is no hindrance against flood control, or in case the design levee height is higher
than the existing levee height).
(Facilities for removal of flowing materials)
Article 56.
Pump station or drainage pump station shall be equipped with sand basin, screen
and/or other facilities suitable for removal of flowing materials. This shall not apply,
however, in case it is deemed that there is no hindrance against river administration.
(Sluiceway)
Article 57.
Sluiceway of a pump station or a drainage pump station and the portion other than
the sluiceway shall be separated in structure. This shall not apply, however, in casethere is no fear to hinder the structure of river banks or levees to be crossed by thesluiceway.

I-25

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance2. The provision of Article 49 Paragraph 2 shall not apply to a sluiceway to be used
only for pumping up or drainage by pump in a pump station or a drainage pump station.
(Structure of intake tower)
Article 58.
Intake tower (limited to those to be built within flow section; hereinafter the samein this article and the following article) shall be a structure which will not disturb
flood flow at a water level equal to or lower than the design high water level and will
not seriously hinder the structure of adjacent river banks and river administration
facilities, and is designed by paying proper attention to prevention of scour in river
bed and high water bed adjoining the intake tower.
2. Intake tower shall be a reinforced concrete structure or a structure similar thereto.
3. Under-river-bed portion of an intake tower must not be equipped with inlets to be
used for direct intake. This shall not apply, however, in case it is deemed that there isno hindrance against flood control in consideration of the magnitude of intake and its
depth, etc.
(Bed protection works, etc.)
Article 59.
The provisions of Article 34 and Article 35 shall apply mutatis mutandis to thecase of construction of intake tower.

CHAPTER 8

BRIDGE(Principle of structure)
Article 60.
Abutment and pier to be built within the river area shall be a structure which will
be safe against the action of river flow at a water level equal to or lower than thedesign high water level (or the design high tide level in a high tide section).
2. Abutment and pier to be built within the river area shall be a structure which will
not disturb flood flow at a water level equal to or lower than the design high waterlevel, will not severely hinder the structure of adjacent river banks and administration
facilities and is designed by paying proper attention to prevention of scour in river bed
and high water bed adjoining the abutment or the pier.

I-26

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance(Abutment)
Article 61.
Abutment to be built in river bank or on a river whose width is larger than 50m or
in a levee related to a back-water section or a high-tide section (or the design levee incase the design cross-section is fixed; hereinafter the same in this article) must not bebuilt within the flow section. However, this shall not apply in case the abutment will
be located in a ravine or it is deemed from the standpoint of the conditions of the river,the topography, etc. that there is no hindrance against flood control.
2. No abutment to be built in a levee area (excepting abutments coming provided forin the preceding paragraph) shall be built on the river side of the front slope of thelevee.
3. The river-side face of an abutment to be built in a levee must be parallel to thealignment of the levee. However, this shall not apply in case a necessary measure istaken not so as to hinder severely the structure of the levee.
4. The bottom of an abutment to be built in a levee shall be fixed on the foundationof the levee.
(Bridge pier)Article 62.
The horizontal cross section of a pier to be built in a river channel (excepting thefoundation of the pier (including the bottom slab; the same in the following paragraph)and other portion where there is no fear of attack of river flow; the same in thisparagraph) shall be as thin an elliptical shape as possible or other shape similar thereto
and the direction of the major diameter (including those similar thereto) must be thesame as the direction of flood flow. However, the horizontal cross section of pier may
be a circular shape or other shape similar thereto in the horizontal cross section of thepier is very small, in case the component of load acting on the pier perpendicular to thedirection of the flood flow is very large and it is deemed to be unavoidable from thestandpoint of the structures, or in case the pier is built at a site where the direction offlood flow is unstable.
2. The foundation part of bridge pier to be built in a river channel shall be set at a
depth deeper than 2m below the surface of the low water bed in the low-water channel(including the low-water channel of the design cross-section when it has been fixed;
hereinafter the same in this paragraph) and the high-water channel within 20m fromthe top of slope of river bank of the low-water channel and shall be set at a depth
deeper than 1m below the surface of the high water bed (including the high water bed
related to the design cross-section when it has been fixed) in other part of the highwater channel. However, in case change in river bed is deemed to be very small or incase it is deemed unavoidable from the stand point of the condition of the river orother special circumstances, it is permissible to settle the foundation part of the pier at
I-27

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinancea depth below the surface of the low water bed or the surface of the high water bed.
(Span)
Article 63.
In case bridge piers are built in a river channel, the distance between thecenterlines of two adjoining bridge piers in the river channel when the piers areprojected to a vertical plane crossing the channel perpendicular to the direction offlood flow (including the distance between the river-side face of abutment wall and thecenterline of the nearest pier in the channel in case the abutment is located in riverbank or in levee (or the design levee in case the design cross-section is fixed;
hereinafter the same in this article), or including the distance between the upper cornerof the flow section on the plane mentioned above (or the flow section related to thedesign cross-section in case the design cross-section is fixed) and the centerline of thenearest pier in the channel in case the abutment is not located in river bank or in levee;
hereinafter referred to as "span" in this article) shall take a value larger than a value
obtained by the following formula (this shall be 50m in case it exceeds 50m) except
the case that is deemed to have no hindrance against flood control by reason that thesite is located in a ravine or other reasons such as the conditions of river andtopography, However, in case, if the span takes a value larger than a value to beobtained by the following formula (hereinafter referred to as "standard span" in thisparagraph and Paragraph 3), the average value will exceed a value to be obtained byadding 5m to the standard span, the span may take a value larger than a value to beobtained by deducting 5m from the standard span or the span shall be 30m in case thiswill become less than 30m).
L=20+0.005Q
In this formula, L and Q shall take respectively the following numerical values.
L: span (m).

Q: design flood discharge (m 3 /s).

2. The span of a bridge which will come under one of the following items [except
those related to the principal public facilities regulated by Ministry of Construction
Ordinance (Structural Rules)] may, in disregard of the provision of preceding
paragraph, take a value larger than a value specified in the respective item in case it isdeemed that there is no fear to severely hinder the river administration.
(1) 12.5m for a bridge to be built across a river has the design flood
discharge less than 500m 3 /s and the width less than 30 m.
(2) 15m for a bridge to be built across a river which has the design flood
discharge less than 500m 3 /s and the width more than 30m.
(3) 20m for a bridge to be built across a river whose design flood discharge ismore than 50 m 3 /s and less than 2,000m 3 /s.
I-28

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance

3. In case the standard span will exceed 25m, the span of bridges related to the
portion except the low-water channel may take a value larger than 25m in disregard of
the provisions of Paragraph 1 and 2. In this case, the average value of the spans of thebridges must be larger than the span to be provided in these provisions.
4. Concerning the span of a bridge to be built in close vicinity to a bridge whosepiers are built in river channel, weir or other facilities built across a river, special rules
may be provided for by Ministry of Construction Ordinance (Structural Rules) within
the limits deemed to be necessary from the standpoint of flood control in considerationof the relation among these facilities.
(Overhead clearance, etc.)
Article 64.
The provisions of Article 41 Paragraph 1 and Article 42 shall apply mutatis
mutandis to the overhead clearance of a bridge. In this case, "the height of lower fringeof a lift gate in the movable section of a weir at the maximum lift height" in those
provisions shall read "the overhead clearance of a bridge".
2. Height of bridge surface [means road surface and other bridge portion to beprovided by Ministry of Construction Ordinance (Structural Rules)], in a back-watersection or a high-tide section too, shall be higher than the height of the levee to be
crossed by the bridge (or the height of the design levee in case, when the design
cross-section is fixed, the height of the design levee is lower than the existing leveeheight and it is deemed that these is no hindrance against flood control, or in case thedesign levee height is higher than the existing levee height).
(Revetment etc.)
Article 65.
The provisions of Article 34 and Article 35 shall apply mutatis mutandis to thecase of building a bridge.
2. In addition to the cases which come under the provision of the preceding
paragraph, if it is necessary to protect the river banks or the levees under the bridge,
they shall be protected with concrete or other material similar thereto.
(Inspection passage)
Article 66.
A bridge (including connection part), as may be provided for in detail by Ministryof Construction Ordinance (Structural Rules), shall be a structure which will nothinder the structure of inspection passage.

I-29

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance(Exception of application)
Article 67.
The provisions from Paragraph 1 to Paragraph 3 of Article 61, Article 62, Article
63 and Article 64 shall not apply to a bridge to be built in a lake or swamp, a detention
reservoir or other area similar thereto [except area which comes under therequirements to be provided by Ministry of Construction Ordinance (Structural Rules)]and a bridge to be provided by Ministry of Construction Ordinance (Structural Rules)
by reason of scarcity of influence on flood control.
2. The provisions of this chapter (except Article 64 and the preceding article) shallnot apply to a bridge which doubles as a dam, a weir or a sluice and a bridge to be built
attached to a sluiceway or an intake tower.

CHAPTER 9

INVERTED SIPHON(Scope of application)
Article 68.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to inverted siphons which serve as
irrigation facilities or drainage facilities.
(Principle of structure)
Article 69.
Inverted siphon shall be a structure which will be safe against the action of flow
at a water level equal to or lower than the design high water level (or the design hightide level in a high tide section).
2. Inverted siphon shall be a structure which will not disturb flood flow at a waterlevel equal to or lower than the design high water level and will not hinder severely the
structure of adjacent river banks and river administration facilities.
(Structure)
Article 70.
With regard to an inverted siphon to be built across a levee (including the design
levee in case the design cross-section has been fixed; hereinafter the same in thisparagraph), the part to be built under the levee shall be separated structurally from theother part. This shall not apply, however, to the cases where there is no fear to hinder
the structure of the levee in view of the geology of foundation of the levee, the depth of
the inverted siphon, etc.
2. The provisions of Article 47 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the structure of
inverted siphon.

I-30

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance(Gate, etc.)
Article 71.
Inverted siphon shall be equipped with gates (including valves; the same in thefollowing paragraph) at both ends of the part within the river area or at proper places
substituting therefor in order to prevent the river water to flow out from the river. T
this shall not apply, however, in case it is deemed unnecessary from the viewpoint of
the condition of topography.
2. The provisions of Article 10 Paragraph 2 shall apply mutatis mutandis to theoperation apparatus of gates, and the provisions of Article 43 shall apply mutatis
mutandis to inverted siphons.
(Depth)Article 72.
Inverted siphon shall be built at a depth more than 2m respectively below thesurface of low water bed in the low-water channel (including the low-water channel
related to the design cross-section in case it is fixed; hereinafter the same in thisarticle) and in a part of high-water channel within 20m from the top of slope of theriver bank of low-water channel, below the surface of high-water channel (including
the high-water channel related to the design cross-section in case they are fixed;
hereinafter the same in this article) in the other part of high-water channel and below
the ground surface of levee with regard to the portion to be built under the levee(including the design levee in case the design cross-section is fixed; hereinafter thesame in this article). However, in case changes in river bed are deemed to be very
little or in case it is deemed unavoidable under the conditions of the river or otherspecial circumstances, it may be built respectively below the surface of low water bed,
the surface of high-water channel or the ground surface of levee.

CHAPTER 10

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS(Exception of application)
Article 73.
The provisions of this Government Ordinance shall not apply to the following
river administration facilities or the permitted structures (hereinafter referred to as"river administration facilities, etc.").
(1) River administration facilities, etc. to be built as emergency measures on a small
stretch of river whose flood control function must be improved urgently.
(2) River administration facilities, etc. to be built temporarily.
(3) River administration facilities, etc. to be built temporarily for execution of a
work.
I-31

THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance(4) River administration facilities etc. of a unique structure which Minister ofConstruction approved that its structure has equal to or higher effects than the
structure provided in Chapters 2 to 9 of this Ordinance.
(Special rules of application in case design flood discharge, etc. has been fixed or
charged)
Article 74.
In case the river administration facilities, etc. have become not to be inconformity with the provisions of this Government Ordinance owing to determinationof or change in the design flood discharge, the design cross-section, the design highwater level or the design high tide level (hereinafter referred to as "design flood
discharge, etc." in this article) after the start has been made with the work related to
the river administration facilities, etc. (or the permission of Article 26 of the Law incase of the permitted structures; hereinafter the same in this Article), the provisions
shall apply to the river administration facilities, etc. on the assumption that there has
been no determination of or change in the design flood discharge, etc. However, thisshall not apply to the river administration facilities, etc. related to the reconstruction(except those works to be done as disaster restoration or emergency measures) whichis started after the design flood discharge, etc. have been fixed or changed.
(Special rule in case temporary improvement work execution plan has been
fixed )
Article 75.
In case execution plan of temporary work has been fixed with regard to an
improvement work to be executed on schedule in line with the basic principles
regarding the synthetic preservation and utilization of river which are fixed in thefundamental river management plan, the high-water discharge, the cross-section andthe high-water level or the high-tide level which have been fixed in the temporary
improvement work execution plan shall, as may be provided for in detail by Ministryof Construction Ordinance (Structural Rules), respectively be regarded as the design
flood discharge, the design cross-section and the design high water level or the design
high tide level.
(Special rule for small rivers)
Article 76.
With regard to small rivers whose design flood discharge is less than 100m3 /s, itis permissible, as may be provided for in detail by Ministry of Construction Ordinance(Structural Rules), not to apply the provisions of this Government Ordinance to theriver administration facilities to be built in those rivers.

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THE RVER LAW: Structural Ordinance(Mutatis-mutandis application to river administration facilities, etc. to be built in
locally designated rivers )Article 77.
To the river administration facilities, etc. to be built in the locally designatedrivers shall apply mutatis mutandis the provisions of this Government Ordinance as
may be rovided for in detail by Ministry of Construction Ordinance (Structural Rules)

I-33

THE RIVER LAW
WITH COMMENTARY BY ARTICLE

Appendix II

MINISTRY OF CONSTRUCTION ORDINANCE FOR
STRUCTURAL STANDARDS FOR RIVER ADMINISTRATIONFACILITIES(STRUCTURAL RULES)

THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule

THE RIVER LAW
WITH COMMENTARY BY ARTICLE
Appendix II
MINISTRY OF CONSTRUCTION ORDINANCE FOR
STRUCTURAL STANDARDS OF RIVER ADMINISTRATION FACILITIES(STRUCTURAL RULES)CONTENTS
Page
Article 1

Structural calculations of a dam

Article 2

Design seismic coefficients

Article 3

Dead weight

Article 4

Hydrostatic force

Article 5

Earth pressure of sand deposited in the reservoir

Article 6

Inertia force during an earthquake

Article 7

Dynamic pressure of water during an earthquake

Article 8Uplift pressure

Article 9

Stability and strength of a concrete dam

Article 10

Stability and materials of a fill-type dam

Article 11

Load acts on dam gates

Article 12

Structure of gates, etc. of overflow type spillway

Article 12-2 Special rules for width of overflow section of a overflow type spillway
Article 13

Structure of woods zone formed around a reservoir

Article 13-2 Structural calculation for high-standard levees
Article 13-3 Design seismic coefficient used in structural calculation for high-standard levees
Article 13-4 Loads acting on high-standard levees
Article 13-5 Stability of high-standard levees

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THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule

Article 14

Marginal strip of levees

Article 14-2 Structure of woods zone formed around levees
Article 15

Inspection passage

Article 16

Revetment necessitated pursuant to building ground sill

Article 16-2 Fishways necessitated by groundsill construction
Article 17

Special rules for span in movable section of a weir

Article 18

Special rule for span in movable section in case movable section of weir is a
shutter-type

Article 19

Special rule for span in movable section except for a portion which doubles as sandflash, etc.

Article 20

Loads which act on gate of movable section of weir

Article 21

Structure of gates in case movable section of weir is a shutter-type

Article 22

Revetment necessitated pursuant to building weir

Article 23

Special rule for span of sluice

Article 24

Structure of sluice which doubles as an inspection passage

Article 25

Revetment necessitated pursuant to building sluice or sluiceway

Article 26

Revetment necessitated pursuant to building intake tower

Article 27(canceled)

Article 28

Bridge related to principal public facilities

Article 29

Special rule for neighboring bridge

Article 30

Bridge surface

Article 31

Revetment necessitated pursuant to building bridge

Article 32

Structure of bridge for preservation of inspection passage

Article 33

Area which is not the object of exception of application

Article 34

Bridge which has scare influence on flood control

Article 35

Special rule in case temporary improvement work execution plan has been fixed

Article 36

Special rule for small rivers

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THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule

MINISTRY OF CONSTRUCTION ORDINANCE FOR
STRUCTURAL STANDARDS FOR RIVER ADMINISTRATION FACILITIES(STRUCTURAL RULES)
On the basis of the Government Ordinance for Structural Standards for River Administration
Facilities (hereinafter referred as the “Structural Ordinance”) and in order to enforce the Structural
Ordinance, the Ministry of Construction establishes the Ministry of Construction Ordinance for
Structural Standards for River Administration Facilities (hereinafter referred as the “Structural
Rules”) as provide below.

(Structural calculations of a dam)
Article 1.
The structural calculations concerning dam body and its foundation (including the connection
part of them; the same in the next paragraph and Article 8) shall be made by adopting the loads
related to water levels at the upstream face of non-overflow section of dam in the cases mentioned
in the following items and the case where the dam is presumed to be in danger.
(1) Normal top water level.
(2) Water level of surcharge.
(3) Design flood stage.
2.

The structural calculations concerning the dam body and its foundation of a fill-type dam

shall be made not only in accordance with the provision of the preceding paragraph but also byadopting those loads which will take place in case the water level at the upstream face of the nonoverflow section of the dam is lower then the normal top water level and the water level is lowered
rapidly.
( Design seismic coefficients)
Article 2.
The design seismic coefficient to be used for the structural calculations shall be a value larger
than those given in the following table in accordance with the kind of dam and the classification ofregion and to be given in accordance with the actual condition of the dam.

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THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule

Item

Type of dam

Classification of region
Strong-earthquake Medium-earthquake Weak-earthquake2.

regionregionregion1Concrete gravity

0.12

0.12

0.10

2

Concrete arch

0.24

0.24

0.20

3

Fill-typehomogeneous material

0.15

0.15

0.12

Others

0 .15

0.12

0.10

Dam body almos made of

In case the water level at the upstream face of the non-overflow section of a dam is thesurcharge water level, the seismic coefficient to be used for the structural calculations of the dam
may take a value of 1/2 of the values given in the preceding paragraph except for the case of
calculation specified in Article 4 Paragraph 2.
3.

In case the gate of a concrete arch dam is installed in a place other than the dam body, thedesign seismic coefficient to be used for the structural calculations of the gate may take a value of
1/2 of the values given in the preceding Paragraph 2.
4.

The strong-, medium- and the weak-earthquake regions given in Paragraph 1 shall be

specified elsewhere by Minister of Construction.
(Dead weight )Article 3.
The dead weight of dam body stated in Article 6 of the Government Ordinance for StructuralStandards for River Administration Facilities (hereinafter referred as the “Structural Ordinance”)
shall be calculated on the basis of the unit weight of material of the dam body.
(Hydrostatic force)
Article 4.
The hydrostatic pressure of stored water stated in the Structural Ordinance Article 6 shall becalculated by the following formula on the assumption that the pressure acts perpendicular to thecontact face of the dam body and the stored water.
P=W0h0(1)

In which :P : hydrostatic pressure of stored water (unit:ton/m3)
W0 : weight of unit volume of water (unit: ton/m3)
h0 : depth from the water level started in the third column of the following table in accordance with the classification statedin the second column up to a point on the contact face of the dam and the stored water at which hydrostatic pressure iswanted (unit: m).

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THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule

Item

1

Water level at the upstream face ofWater level in consideration of surface wave at the upstream face of thethe non-overflow section of the dam

non-overflow section of the dam (unit: m)

Normal top water level

Water level to be obtained by adding wind-wave height above the water
surface of the reservoir and height of surface wave due to earthquake above
the water surface of the reservoir to the normal top water level

2

Surcharge water level

Water level to be obtained by adding 1/2 of wind-wave height above thewater surface of the reservoir and height of surface wave due to earthquake above
the water surface of the reservoir to the surcharge water level

3

Design flood stage

Water level to be obtained by adding wind-wave height above the water
surface of the reservoir to the design flood stage

2.

Height of surface wave due to earthquake above the water level of reservoir stated in

Paragraph 1, Article 5 of the Structural Ordinance and the preceding paragraph shall be calculated
by using the values of seismic coefficients specified by the provision of Article 2 Paragraph 1.
(Earth pressure of sand deposited in the reservoir)
Article 5.
The earth pressure of sand deposit in reservoir stated in the Structural Ordinance Article 6 shallbe assumed to act vertically and horizontally on the contact face of the dam body and the sanddeposit in the reservoir. The vertical component of the pressure shall be calculated on the basis of
the unit weight of sand deposit in water and the horizontal component of the pressure shall becalculated by the following formula.
Pe=CeW1d(2)

In which :Pe : horizontal component of the earth pressure of sand deposit (ton/m2)
Ce : earth-pressure coefficient to be determined based on the results of proper mechanical tests or the value used for the
structural calculation for a similar dam
W1 : weight of unit volume of sand deposit in water (unit: ton/m3)
d : depth from the surface of sand assumed to deposit in the reservoir up to a point on the contact face of the dam bodyand the sand deposit at which the horizontal component of the pressure is wanted (unit: m).

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THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule

(Inertia force during an earthquake)
Article 6.
Inertia force of dam body during earthquake stipulated in the Structural Ordinance Article 6
shall be calculated by the following formula on the assumption that the force will act horizontallyon the dam body.
I=WKd

(3)

In which :I : inertia force of dam body during earthquake (ton/m3)
W : own weight of dam body (ton/m3)
Kd : design seismic coefficient specified by the provisions of Article 2 Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2.

(Dynamic pressure of water during an earthquake)
Article 7.
Dynamic pressure of stored water stipulated in Article 6 of the Structural Ordinance shall beassumed to act perpendicular to the contact face of the dam body and the stored water and shall becalculated by the following formula except in the case where it is determined based on propermechanical tests or by a method used for structural calculation for a similar dam.
Pd=0.875WoKd(H1h1)1/2(4)

In which :Pd : dynamic pressure of stored water during earthquake (ton/m3)
Wo : weight of unit volume of water (ton/m3)
Kd : design seismic coefficient specified by the provisions of Article 2 Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2
H1 : depth from the water level at the upstream face of the non-overflow section of the dam up to the foundation ground (m)h1 : depth from the water level at the upstream face of the non-overflow section of the dam up to a point on the contact face ofthe dam body and the stored water at which the dynamic pressure in wanted (m).

(Uplift pressure)
Article 8.
Uplift of stored water stipulated in Article 6 of the Structural Ordinance shall be assumed to act
vertically upward on a cross-section of dam body or foundation on which the value of uplift iswanted and shall be calculated on the basis of the values given in the following table in accordancewith the classification of sections.
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THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule

1. Section affected by drain hole(A) Upper end : Water pressure on the upper side(B) Between upper end and drain hole(a) Between upper : Value in linear variation from value of (A) to value of (b) of (B)(b) Drain hole

: Value obtained by adding value of (C) to a value larger than 1/5 of difference between value of (A)and value of (C)(c) Between drain :Value in linar variation from value of (b) of (B) to value of (C)(C ) Lower end : Water pressure on the lower side
2. Section not affected by drain hole or section of a dam without drain hole(A) Upper end : Value obtained by adding water pressure on the lower side to a value larger than 1/3 of difference between water pressure
on the upper side and that on the lower side(B) Between upper end and drain hole : Value in linear variation from value of (A) to value of (C)(C ) Lower end : Value of water pressure on the lower end(Stability and strength of a concrete dam)
Article 9.
Concrete dam, in the case of the provision of Article 1 Paragraph 1, must have necessary shearsliding resistance force against sliding due to shearing force in the connection part of dam body andfoundation and its adjacent portion.
2.

The shear-sliding resistance force of the preceding paragraph shall be calculated by thefollowing formula (5) and must satisfy the condition (6).

In which :Rb : shear-sliding resistance force per unit width (ton/m)f : coefficient of internal friction to be determined based on the result of proper mechanical tests of the value used for the
structural calculation for a similar dam
V : vertical force that will act on the shearing surface per unit width (ton/m)o : shearing strength to be determined based on the result of field tests with the exception of the case that it can be fixedunquestionably on the basis of data on a similar dam and the features of rock, etc. (ton/m2)
Lo : length of shearing surface on which shearing resistance takes place (m)H : shearing force per unit width (ton/m).

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THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule3.

Stress that will take place in the dam body must not exceed the standard allowable stress inthe case of the provision of Article 1 Paragraph 1. But comprehensive stress that will take place inthe dam body during earthquake must not exceed a value to be obtained by adding a value less than
30% of the standard allowable stress to it.
4.

The standard allowable stress mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall be determined so as

to have a safety factor of more than 4 on the basis of compressive strength of concrete to be used as
the material of dam body.
5.

The dam body of concrete gravity dam shall be a structure which will have no tensile stresson its upstream face in the cases stipulated in Article 1 Paragraph 1. This shall not apply, however,to the portion of a dam which is strengthened by reinforcing bars. etc. against local tensile stress.
(Stability and materials of a fill-type dam)
Article 10.
Fill type dam, in the cases stipulated in Article 1 Paragraph 1 and Paragraph 2, shall havenecessary sliding-resistance force, in view of features of materials of the dam body and conditionsof the foundation, against sliding in the internal portion of dam body, the connection part of dam
body and foundation and its proximity.
2.

The sliding-resistance force mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall be calculated by thefollowing formula (7) and must satisfy the condition (8).
Rs= {(N-U) tan +CL1}

(7)

Rs

(8)

T

In which :Rs : sliding-resistance force per unit width (ton/m)
N : vertical component per unit width of load which will act on each of divided portions on a circular sliding surface (ton/m)
U : pore pressure per unit width of load which will act on each of the divided portions on the circular sliding surface (ton/m): angle of internal friction of material of each divided portion on the circular sliding surface (degree)
C : cohesion of material of each divided portion on the circular sliding surface (ton/m2)
L1: length of each divided portion on the circular sliding surface (m)T : tangential component per unit width of load which will act on each divided portion of the circular sliding surface (ton/m).

3.

The dam body of fill-type dam shall be a structure in which seepage line does not intersectwith the face of downstream slope of the dam body in the cases stipulated in Article 1 Paragraph 1.

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THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule

4.

Impervious wall of a fill-type dam shall be in conformity with the provisions in the following

items.
(1) Materials of impervious wall including soil materials and others must have impermeability.
(2) Height of impervious wall must exceed the value stipulated in the Structural Ordinance
Article 5.
(3) Connection part of impervious wall and foundation shall be a structure in which piping does
not occur.
5.

Fill-type dam whose height from the foundation to the crest is more than 30m and whosebody is composed mostly of homogeneous materials shall be not only in conformity with theprovisions of Paragraph 1 and Paragraph 3 but also a structure whose safety is confirmed on thebasis of proper mechanical tests or calculation, etc. used in similar dams with regard to theirmaterials of the dam body and designs, etc.
6.

Fill-type dam shall be equipped with spilling facilities which enable to lower than water levelof reservoir in order to inspect or repair the dam body.
(Load acts on dam gates)
Article 11.
The provisions of Article 3 to Article 7 shall apply mutatis mutandis to own weight of gates,hydrostatic pressure of stored water, pressure due to sand sediment deposited in reservoir, inertia
force of gates during earthquake and hydrodynamic pressure of stored water during earthquake outof the loads which are stipulated in the Structural Ordinance Article 11 to act on dam gates. In thiscase, "dam body" in these provisions shall read "dam gates".
2.

The loads which act on dam gates shall, in accordance with the classification mentioned in

the second column of the following table, take those which are given in the third column of thetable.
Item

Classification

Loads to be considered

1

Except during earthquake

W, P, Pe, Pi, Po

2During earthquake

W, P, Pe, Pi, I, Pd

In this table :W : own weight of gates
P : hydrostatic pressure of stored water
Pe : pressure due to sand sediment deposited in the reservoir
Pi : pressure of stored water at freezeI: inertia force of gates during earthquake

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THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule

Pd : hydrodynamic pressure of stored water during earthquake
Po : force due to gate operation.

3.

Stresses which will occur in dam gates due to the loads adopted in the table of the preceding

paragraph must not exceed the allowable stresses to be fixed on the basis of the result propermechanical tests.
(Structure of gates, etc. of overflow type spillway)
Article 12.
The lower fringe of a lift gate of overflow-type spillway at its maximum lift height and bridges,
hoists and other dam-crest structures to be built attached to the overflow-type spillway shall keep a
distance of more than 1.5m from the overflow surface of water to be released at the design flood
water level.
2.

In applying the provision of the preceding paragraph to a dam in which the overflow depth isless than 2.5m in case the water flow at the dam design flood discharge runs through the spillway,"1.5m" in the preceding paragraph shall read "1.0m".
(Special rules for width of overflow section of a overflow type spillway)
Article 12-2.
In case the height of the levee (including the design levee in case the cross-section is fixed)
upstream of a dam with overflow-type spillway is between the design flood water level of the dam
and the height of the non-overflow section, the provisions of Article 17 to Article 19 shall apply
mutais mutandis to the spillway of this dam. In this case, "movable section" and "span" describedin these provisions shall read respectively "overflow-type spillway and "width of overflow section(or width of each of divided overflow sections in case the overflow section of the spillway is
divided by gate piers or bridge piers. etc.)", "number of spans corresponding to span" described in
Article 17 and Article 19 "number of overflow section corresponding to the width of overflow
section" and "weir with movable section" described in Article 19 "dam".
(Structure of woods zone for formed around a reservoir)
Article 13.
The structure of a woods zone formed around a reservoir under Article 16 of the Government
Ordinance shall be such that the value obtained by dividing the area of a crown cover projection of
mature trees by the area of land on which a woods zone is to be formed shall be eight-tenths or
more.

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(Structural calculation for high-standard levees)
Article 13-2.
All structural calculations for high-standard levees and underlying ground shall be performed usingloads occurring in any of the cases listed below and in the case where water level in the river
channel is not above the design water level for high-standard levees and the water level falls
rapidly.
(1) Water level is normal.
(2) Water level is at the design flood level.
(3) Water level is at the design water level for high-standard levees.
2.

Calculation for structure of high-standard levees shall assume that top of the levees

excluding those areas stipulated in the Article 21, Paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Structural Ordinanceshall be used for ordinary purposes *.
* Ordinary purposes include construction of houses and buildings etc.

(Design seismic coefficient used in structural calculation for high-standard levees)
Article 13-3
Design seismic coefficients to be used for the structural calculation for the safety against slideof the high-standard levee and its foundation shall be 0.15, 0.12 and 0.10 for strong-earthquake
region, medium-earthquake region and weak-earthquake region respectively, as provided in Article
2, Paragraph 4 hereof.
(Loads acting on high-standard levees)
Article 13-4
Rules stipulated in Article 3, Article 4 Paragraph 1 and Article 6 shall apply mutatis mutandis
to the loads acting to the high-standard levee and its foundation.

In this case, “dam body” in

Article 3 and Article 4 Paragraph 1 shall read as “high-standard levee”; “stored water” and “waterlevel in following table in accordance with the classification stated in the second column” shallread as “water in river channel” and “water level of the river channel” respectively; and “dambody” and “design seismic coefficient specified by the provision of Article 2 Paragraph 1 orParagraph 2” shall read as “high-standard levee and its foundation” and “design seismic coefficient
specified by the provision of Article 13-3 Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2” respectively.
2.

Shearing force caused by overtopping water shall be calculated by the following formula,assuming that the force acts at the surface of the high-standard levee contacting with overtopping
water.

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THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule

In which:: shearing force caused by the overtopping water.
Wo : weight of unit volume of water.
Hs : depth of the overtopping water at the surface of high-standard levee.
Ie : Energy gradient of the overtopping water.

(Stability of high-standard levees)
Article 13-5.
In the cases stipulated in Paragraph 1 of Article 13-2, high-standard levees shall have anecessary degree of resistance to scour by flowing water in the river channel, and, in cases wherewater level in the river channel has reached the design water level for high-standard levees, highstandard levees shall have a necessary degree of shear resistance to scour due to shearing forces
exerted by overflow.
2

In the cases stipulated in Paragraph 1 of Article 13-2, high-standard levees shall have anecessary degree of resistance to slipping in the interior of the high-standard levee or near thesurface of the ground underlying the high-standard levee.
3

The provision of Paragraph 2 of Article 10 shall apply mutatis mutandis to slip resistance asprovided for in the foregoing paragraph.
4

In the cases stipulated in Paragraph 1 of Article 13-2, high-standard levees shall have such

structure that the phreatic line does not intersect the back surface of the high-standard levee andshall have a necessary degree of resistance to seepage near the surface of the ground underlying thehigh-standard levee.
5

In cases where water level in the river channel is below the design flood level, the groundunderlying a high-standard levee shall a necessary degree of resistance to liquefaction during anearthquake.
(Marginal strip of levees)
Article 14.
Marginal strip stipulated in the Structural Ordinance Article 24 shall be installed in accordancewith the provisions of the following items corresponding to its kind.
(1) Marginal strip of first kind.
This strip shall be installed at places of closing old river channel, places of leakage on leveeand other places at which the stability of levee must be contrived, and its width shall be
more than 5m outside the designated section of class A river and more than 3m in thedesignated section of class A river and in class B river.

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THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule(2) Marginal strip of second kind.
This strip shall be installed at places required in particular for storing earth and sand, etc.
for emergency. The strip shall have a width of more than 5m and less than one half of thewidth of levee area (excluding marginal strip) (20m in case it becomes more than 20m)
and a length required for storing earth and sand, etc. of the volume of levee ofapproximately 10m (100m3 in case it becomes less than 100m3).
(3) Marginal strip of third kindThis strip shall be installed at places required in particular for conserving the environment.
It shall have a width of more than 5m and less than one half of the width of levee area
(excluding marginal strip) (20m in case it becomes more than 20m).
(Structure of woods zone formed around levees)
Article 14-2.
The structure of the a woods zone formed along levees as provided for in Article 26-2 of theGovernment Ordinance shall be such that, in the case of a woods zone located on the land side of alevee, either there are one or more trees per 10 m2 whose diameter at breast height as a mature tree
is not less than 30 cm or the woods zone is at least as effective in preventing a levee break, etc., asa woods zone consisting of such trees.
(Inspection passage)
Article 15.
Inspection passage stipulated in Article 27 of the

0.25m

Structural Ordinance shall be built as provided by thefollowing items.

0.7mThis shall not apply, however, in casethere is a proper passage substituting for the inspection
passage, in case all or major part of the levee are formed bystructure of concrete, steel sheet piles or materials similar

4.5m

thereto or in a section in which the difference between theheight of levee and the ground height on the landside oflevee is less than 0.6m.
0.25m(1) The width shall take a proper value more than 3m
Widthand less than the crown width of levee.

0.25m(2) The construction gage is as shown below.

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THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule

(Revetment necessitated pursuant to building ground sill)
Article 16.
Revetment stipulated in Article 35 of the Structural Ordinance shall be built as provided by thefollowing items. This shall not apply, however, in case there is no fear of scouring at river banks
or levees in view of the conditions of geology, etc. or it is deemed that there is no hindrance against
flood control.
(1) Revetment to be built for protecting river banks or levees connected with a ground sill shallcover a section longer than a distance between either more upstream of two points 10m
upstream from the upper end of the ground sill and 5m upstream from the upper and of the
bed-protection work and either more downstream of two points 15m downstream from thelower end of the ground sill and 5m downstream from the lower end of the bed-protection
work.
(2) Besides the provision of the preceding paragraph, revetment of river banks or levees shallbe built in the section as deemed in particular to be necessary in view of bending of river
channel and other conditions.
(3) Height of revetment of river banks (excluding river banks of low water channel; hereinafter
the same in this item) or levees shall exceed the design high water level. However, it shallbe the height of river banks or levees in a section in which river flow will be changed
severely in consequence of building a ground sill.
(4) Height of revetment of river banks of low-water channel shall be the height of the riverbanks of the low-water channel.
(Fishways necessitated by groundsill construction)
Article 16-2.
The structure of a fishway as stipulated in Article 35-2 of the Government Ordinance shallsatisfy the following requirements:(1) Movement of migratory fishes in the water immediately upstream and downstream of thegroundsills under water level fluctuations that are expected under normal conditions is nothampered.
(2) Factors such as the condition of the river bed to which the groundsills are to be connected,
streamflow in the fishway, and fish species for which the fishway is intended are duly
taken into consideration.
(Special rules for span in movable section of a weir)
Article 17.
Span of movable section in the case stipulated in Paragraph 3, Article 38 of the Structural
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THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule

Ordinance may take a value larger than a value to be obtained by dividing the total length of the
movable section by a value to be obtained by adding 1 to the number of spans corresponding to thespan stipulated in Article 38 Paragraph 1.

However, in case the mean value of the spans in the

movable section works out at more than 30m, the span in the movable section related to the river
portion except for the thalweg may take a value larger than 30m.
(Special rule for span in movable section in case movable section of weir is a shutter-type)
Article 18.
Span in the movable section in the case stipulated in Paragraph 5, Article 38 of the Structural
Ordinance, except for the case falling under Paragraph 2 of the same article, in case the verticalheight of the gate is less than 2m, may take value larger than a length in which the ratio of verticallength of the gate to its horizontal length is 0.1 (or 15m in case it works out at less than 15m).
(Special rule for span in movable section except for a portion which doubles as sand flash,etc.)
Article 19.
In case the span in the movable section of a weir except for a portion which doubles as sandflash or boat passage (hereinafter referred to as "portion except combined-use portion" in thisarticle) in the case stipulated in Paragraph 2, Article 39 of the Structural Ordinance gets to exceedby more than 10m the value given in the fourth column of the table of Paragraph 1 of the same
article in accordance with the design high water level or in case the ratio of vertical length andhorizontal length of the gate works out at less than 1/15, the span may take a value larger than thatgiven in the fourth column of the table.

However, in case it comes under one of the following

items, the span in the movable section may take a value larger than that specified in thecorresponding item.
(1) 12.5m in case the design flood discharge is less than 500m3/s and the total length ofthe movable section of the portion except combined-use portion is less 30 m.
(2) A value to be obtained by dividing the total length of the movable section of the portion
except combined-use portion by a value to be obtained by adding 1 to the number ofspans corresponding to the span stipulated in Paragraph 1, Article 39 of the Structural
Ordinance in case the design flood discharge is more than 2,000m3/s and the span of
the portion except combined-use portion is more than 50m.
(Loads which act on gate of movable section of weir)
Article 20.
The provisions of Article 4, Article 6 and Article 7 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the loads
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THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule

which act on the gates in the movable section of a weir. In this case, "dam body" in these provisions
shall read "gate in the movable section of a weir", "design seismic coefficients specified by theprovision of Article 2 Paragraph 1" in Article 4 Paragraph 2 and "design seismic coefficient
specified by the provisions of Article 2 Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2" in Article 6 and Article 7"design seismic coefficient specified in Article 20 Paragraph 2", "the water level states in the thirdcolumn of the following table in accordance with the classification states in the second column" in
Article 4 Paragraph 1 "the water level to be obtained by adding a height deemed to be necessary inview of the influence by wind waves, etc. to the design water level of dam", "Paragraph 1, Article 5of the Structural Ordinance and the preceding paragraph" in Paragraph 2 of the same article "thepreceding paragraph", "dam" in Article 7 "weir with movable section", and "water level at the
upstream face of the non-overflow section of the dam" in Article 7 "design water level of dam".
2.

Design seismic coefficients to be used for structural calculation of gates in the movablesection of a weir shall be 0.12 or 0.10 respectively in accordance with the classification of strongearthquake region or weak-earthquake region stated in Paragraph 4 of Article 2.
3.

With regard to gates in the movable section of a weir, hydrodynamic pressure at flood or athigh tide and other loads which will act on the gates shall be calculated at need in addition to those
stipulated in Paragraph 1.
(Structure of gates in case movable section of weir is a shutter-type)
Article 21.
The structural standard of gates in case the movable section of a weir is a shutter-type(excluding gates of a weir to be built combined with the objective of stoppage of salt water) shallbe in conformity with the provisions in the following items besides those provided by thepreceding article.
(1) Height of the upper fringe of a shutter gate at closing shall be lower than an intermediate
elevation between the height of the low water bed related to the design cross-section and thedesign high water level. However, in case a measure deemed to be suitable for securing thefunction of flood control is taken, the height of the upper fringe of the gate at closing may betaken below either lower height between the land-side ground height and the design highwater level.
(2) Vertical height of gate shall be less than 3m.
(Revetment necessitated pursuant to building weir)
Article 22.
The provision of Article 16 and Article 16-2 shall apply mutatis mutandis to revetment andfishway necessitated pursuant to building weir. In this case, "ground sill" in the same articles shall
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THE RIVER LAW: Structural Ruleread "weir".
(Special rule for span of sluice)
Article 23.
The provisions of Article 17 and Article 19 shall apply mutatis mutandis to a sluice to be built
across a river. In this case, "movable section" in Article 17 and Article 19 and "the movable sectionof a weir" in Article 19 shall read "the portion of gates for spilling river water and gate-piers
supporting them in a sluice".
(Structure of sluice which doubles as an inspection passage)
Article 24.
The structure of a sluice which doubles as an inspection passage prescribed in Paragraph 2 ofArticle 52 shall be in conformity with the provisions of the following items. This shall not apply,
hwever, in case there is an appropriate passage which substitutable for the inspection passage.
(1) Width of inspection bridge shall take a proper value in consideration of the width ofinspection passage connected with the sluice.
(2) Motor-vehicle load for design of inspection bridge shall be 20ton. This shall not apply,
however, in case the width of inspection bridge is less than 3m.
(Revetment necessitated pursuant to building sluice or sluiceway)
Article 25.
Revetment to be necessitated pursuant to building sluice or sluiceway to be built across a riveror waterway shall be built as provided by the following items.

This shall not apply, however, incase there is no fear of scouring at river banks of levees in view of the condition of geology, etc. orin case it is deemed that there is no hindrance against flood control.
(1) All the provisions of the items of Article 16 shall apply mutatis mutandis to revetment to bebuilt in a river which a sluice will cross. In this case, "ground sill" in Item 1 and Item 3 of thesame article shall read "sluice", "upstream" in Item 1 of the same article "upstream of theriver which the sluice will cross", and "downstream" in the same item "downstream of theriver which the sluice will cross".
(2) Revetment to be built on river banks or levees which a sluice or a sluiceway will cross shallbe built over a section longer than that connecting the two points respectively 10m upstream
and downstream from both the ends of the sluice or the sluiceway, and the provisions ofParagraph 3 and Paragraph 4 of Article 16 shall apply mutatis mutandis to height of therevetment. In this case, "ground sill" in Item 3 of the same article shall read "sluice or
sluiceway".
II-17

THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule

(Revetment necessitated pursuant to building intake tower)
Article 26.
Revetment to be necessitated pursuant to building an intake tower shall be built, except in casethere is no fear of scouring at river banks or levees in view of geology, etc. or in case it is deemedthat there is no hindrance against flood control, over a section longer than that connecting two
points at a distance of 1/2 of the distance between the intake and the river bank or the levee (or 1/2of the standard span in case it works out at more than 1/2 of the standard span stipulated in
Paragraph 1, Article 63 of the Structural Ordinance; or 10m in case it works out at less than 10m)respectively upstream from the upper end and downstream from the lower end of the intake, andthe provisions of Item 3 and Item 4 of Article 16 shall apply mutatis mutandis to height of therevetment. In this case, "ground sill" in Item 3 of the same article shall read "tower intake".
Article 27.
(Canceled)(Bridge related to principal public facilities )Article 28.
In Paragraph 2, Article 63 of the Structural Ordinance, bridge related to the principal public
facilities shall be a bridge related to a facility stated in each of the following items.
(1) The Shinkansen Railway (the New Trunk Line) stipulated in Article 2 of the National
Shinkansen Railway Development Law (Law No.71 of 1970).
(2) The express highway stipulated in Item 1, Article 3 of the Road Law (Law No.180 of 1952).
(3) Road more than 30m in width excepting the road stipulated in the preceding paragraph.
(Special rule for neighboring bridge)
Article 29.
The span of a bridge, as stipulated in Paragraph 4, Article 63 of the Structural Ordinance, to bebuilt in close vicinity (hereinafter in this Article referred to as "neighboring bridge") to a bridge or aweir whose piers are built in a river channel or other facilities which are built across a river(hereinafter in this paragraph referred to as "existing bridge, etc.") shall be not only a span inconformity with the provisions of Paragraph 1 to Paragraph 3, Article 63 of the Structural
Ordinance but also a span in case the piers of the neighboring bridge will be built in conformity
with the provision of each of the following items in accordance with the corresponding case. This
shall not apply, however, in case the existing bridge, etc. is scheduled to be improved or removed
within 5 years.
(1) In case the distance between the existing bridge, etc. and a neighboring bridge (distance
II-18

THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule

between the piers of the existing bridge, etc. or weir piers, etc. (hereinafter in this paragraph,referred to as "existing piers, etc." and the piers of the neighboring bridge on the line of sightalong the thalweg at flood (hereinafter in this paragraph, referred to as "sight line")) is lessthan the standard span stipulated in Paragraph 1, Article 63 of the Structural Ordinance, thepiers of the neighboring bridge shall be built on the sight line of the existing piers, etc.
(2) In case the distance between the existing bridge, etc. and a neighboring bridge is more than
the standard span stipulated in Paragraph 1, Article 63 of the Structural Ordinance and lessthan the river width (or 200m in case it exceeds 200m), the piers of the neighboring bridge
shall be built on the sight line of the existing piers, etc. or on the sight line at the center of the
span of the existing bridge, etc.
2.

In case the span of a neighboring bridge will exceed 70m when planned in accordance withthe provision of the preceding paragraph, the span may, in disregard of the provision of the same
paragraph, take a value larger than that to be obtained by subtracting 10m from the standard span
stipulated in Paragraph 1, Article 63 of the Structural Ordinance.
3.

In case the span at thalweg of a neighboring bridge will exceed 70m when planned inaccordance with the provision of Paragraph 1, the average span may, in disregard of the provisionof the same paragraph, take a value larger than that to be obtained by subtracting 10m from thestandard span stipulated in Paragraph 1, Article 63 of the Structural Ordinance (or 30m in case it
works out at less than 30m).
(Bridge surface)
Article 30.
In Paragraph 2, Article 64 of the Structural Ordinance, bridge portion to be provided by the
Structural Rules shall be curb or other portion in which measures are taken so as to prevent riverwater or waves to spill outside the river channel through the bridge.
(Revetment necessitated pursuant to building bridge)
Article 31.
Revetment to be necessitated pursuant to building of a bridge shall be built in conformity withthe provision of each of the following items.

This shall not apply, however, in case there is nofear of scouring at river banks or levees in view of the condition of geology, etc. or other case thatno hindrance against flood control is deemed.
(1) In case bridge piers are built in a river channel, revetment shall be built over a section
longer than that connecting the two points at a distance of 1/2 of the standard span
stipulated in Paragraph 1, Article 63 of the Structural Ordinance respectively upstream fromthe upper end and downstream from the lower end of the pier nearest the river bank or the
II-19

THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rulelevee.
(2) In case an abutment is built in river bank or levee, revetment shall be built over a section
longer than that connecting the two points at a distance of 10m respectively upstream fromthe upper end and downstream from the lower end of the abutment.
(3) The provision of Item 3 and Item 4 of Article 16 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the heightof revetment. In this case, "ground sill" in Item 3 of the same article shall read "bridge".
(Structure of bridge for preservation of inspection passage)
Article 32.
Bridge stated in Article 66 which does not hinder the structure of inspection passage (including
the connection part) shall be a structure equipped with connecting passage of suitable structure orother necessary facilities in consideration of the structure of the inspection passage (or inspection
passage planned in case it is planned to build).

This shall not apply, however, in case there is asuitable passage substituting for the inspection passage.
(Area which is not the object of exception of application)
Article 33.
Area stated in Paragraph 1, Article 67 of the Structural Ordinance which comes under therequirements to be provided by the Structural Rules is an area in which it is deemed that there ishindrance against flood control in view of the slope of the design high water level, the river widthand other conditions of the river in a range of section which includes the spanning site of bridge.
(Bridge which has scare influence on flood control)
Article 34.
Bridge states in Paragraph 1, Article 67 of the Structural Ordinance to be provided by the
Structural Rules shall be a bridge mentioned in each of the following items.
(1) Small-scale bridge which will be built on high water bed.
(2) Bridge which will be built on minor bet and have a special measure such as movablesystem.
(Special rule in case temporary improvement work execution plan has been fixed)
Article 35.
With regard to the application of the provisions of the Structural Ordinance and this Structural
Rule in case the temporary improvement work execution plan stipulated in Article 75 of theStructural Ordinance has been fixed, the provision of each of the following times shall be applied.

II-20

THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule

(1) With regard to levee and ground sill, the flood discharge, the cross-section and the highwater level or the high-tide level which have been fixed in the temporary improvement work
execution plan shall be regarded as respectively the design flood discharge, the design crosssection and the design high water level or the design high-tide level.
(2) With regard to administration facilities, etc. except levee and ground sill, in case it will
become severely difficult to maintain the function of the administration facilities, etc. when
the provisions of the Structural Ordinance and this Structural Rules are applied, or in case it
is deemed to be severely unsuitable under other particular circumstances, the flood discharge,
the cross-section and the high water level or the high-tide level fixed in the temporary
improvement work execution plan shall be regarded as respectively the design flood
discharge, the design cross-section and the design high water level or the design high tidelevel.
(Special rule for small rivers)
Article 36.
With regard to the river administration facilities, etc. to be built in small rivers stipulated in
Article 76 of the Structural Ordinance, except the case it is deemed that there is a hindrance againstriver administration, the provision given in the following items may be applied.
(1) Crown width of a levee shall, according to the design flood discharge, take a value
larger than those given in the third column of the following table in a section in which thedesign high water level is higher than the land-side ground height and the difference is lessthan 0.6m.
Item
1
2

Design flood discharge

Crown width

Less than 50m3/s

2.0m
3Over 50 and less than 100m /s

2.5m(2) Height of the levee, in a section in which the design high water level is higher than the landside ground height and the difference is less than 0.6m, shall take a value larger than that to
be obtained by adding 0.3m to the design high water level in case the design flood discharge
is less than 50m3/s and the crown width of the levee is larger than 2.5m.

II-21

THE RIVER LAW: Structural Rule(3) Inspection passage to be built on a levee, in asection in which the river width is less than 10m,
shall have a width of more than 2.5m and theconstruction gage shall be as shown in the following
2.5m

figure.
(4) The provision of Paragraph 2, Article 62 of theStructural Ordinance shall apply to bridges
by reading "20m" as "10m", "2m" as "1m" and "1m"as

"0.5m"

respectively

in

the

same

0.25m

Width

0.25m

paragraph.
(5) The provision of Article 72 of the Structural Ordinance shall apply to inverted siphons byreading "20m" as "10m" and "2m" as "1m".

II-22

THE RIVER LAW
WITH COMMENTARY BY ARTICLE

Appendix III
MASTER PLAN FOR MANAGEMENT OF RIVER ENVIRONMENT
1. Formulation of Master Plan for Management of River Environment
2. Formulation of Master Plan for Management of River Environment
3. Instructions for Formulation of Master Plan for Management of River
Environment
4. Current State of Master Planning for Management of River
Environment

THE RIVER LAW: River Environment

1. Formulation of Master Plan for Management of River Environment(Notification No. 52, River Planning Division, June 28, 1983)
TO: Director, Construction Departments, Hokkaido Development Bureau
Directors-General, Regional Construction Bureaus
Director, Development and Construction Departments, Okinawa General Bureau
FROM: Director-General, River Bureau
River basins in Japan are undergoing rapid changes primarily due to urbanization andexpansion of production activities, and the river environment is also undergoing a dramaticchange, increasing and diversifying public needs associated with local river environments. Under
these circumstances, appropriate management of the river environment is becoming all the more
important.
In March 1981, the Minister of Construction asked the River Council to make"recommendations on river environment management" and, in December 1981, received a reportfrom the council.
Since then, work had been under way to develop specific policies on the basis of the report,
and policies for formulation of a Master Plan for Management of River Environment have now
been drawn up as shown in the attached document. All administrators are requested to formulatea Master Plan for River Environment Management for all rivers in their respective jurisdictions
whose environment is playing a particularly important role in the formation of a living
environment, and to properly manage the river environment accordingly.
Policies for formulation of Master Plan for Management of River Environment
1. A Master Plan for River Environment Management (hereafter referred to as a "Master
Plan") sets forth basic considerations in implementing policies for management of the riverenvironment while securing the flood control and water utilization functions of a particular river.
A Master Plan must be formulated by the river administrator from the viewpoint of proper
management of the river environment in terms of the quantity and quality of river water, river
space, etc. The Master Plan must be designed to contribute to desirable improvement,
transformation, etc., of the river environment.
2. A Master Plan must be formulated for each river system and each of the major rivers. The
Master Plan must be based on other plans for flood control and water utilization, such as the
III-1

THE RIVER LAW: River Environment

Basic Plan for the Implementation of Construction Works, and be coordinated with plans basedon other laws and regulations closely connected to the Master Plan.
3. Because a Master Plan covers projects to be implemented primarily by local public bodies,etc., it is necessary, when formulating a Master Plan, to establish a council consisting of the riveradministrator, the local public bodies concerned, etc., and hear the opinion of the council.
All Master Plans, upon formulation, must be promptly reported to the Director-General of theRiver Bureau.
4. A Master Plan must set forth the following:(1) Basic considerations concerning management of water environment(a) Basic scheme for comprehensive management of the quantity and quality of water(b) Plan for monitoring the quantity and quality of water(c) Plan for management of river administration facilities(d) Plan for management of permitted structures(e) Plan for implementation of projects for improvement of water environment(f) Policy for coordination with other measures related to water environment(g) Other important matters concerning water environment management(2) Basic considerations concerning management of spatial environment of rivers(a) Basic scheme for appropriate conservation and utilization of river space(b) Plan for implementation of projects for river space improvement(c) Considerations in permitting river works, river uses, etc.
(d) Policy for coordination with other measures related to river space management(e) Other important matters concerning management of spatial environment of rivers
For the time being, however, a Master Plan may provide for only one of the two categories
shown above--that is, (1) basic considerations concerning water environment management and(2) basic considerations concerning management of the river's spatial environment--or only a partof the considerations listed in either category in consideration of all relevant factors including thepresent and future state of the water environment and spatial environment of the river, thepresent and future state of the river basin, and how measures concerning river environment
management are actually being implemented.

III-2

THE RIVER LAW: River Environment

2. Formulation of Master Plan for Management of River Environment(Notification No. 52-2, River Planning Division, June 28, 1983)
TO: Prefectural Governors
FROM: Director-General, River Bureau
Attached hereto is a copy for your information of a Director-General of River Bureau
notification to Directors of Regional Construction Bureaus and other functions concerned
regarding the formulation of a Master Plan for Management of River Environment based on theRiver Council's 18-December-1981 report to the Minister of Construction.
You are requested to formulate plans for your jurisdiction in accordance with the intent of theRiver Council report and the formulation policy attached hereto.
Attachment (Omitted)

3. Instructions for Formulation of Master Plan for Management ofRiver Environment(Notification No. 45, River Planning Division, June 13, 1984)
TO: Prefectural Governors
FROM: Director, River Planning Division, River Bureau
With respect to the formulation of a Master Plan for Management of River Environment(hereafter referred to as a "Master Plan"), of which you have been notified by the DirectorGeneral of the River Bureau (Notification No. 52, June 28, 1983), you are requested to follow
the instructions given below in formulating a Master Plan.
1. As a general rule, a Master Plan for river sections other than the designated sections ofclass A rivers must be formulated by the Director-General of a Regional Construction Bureau,and Master Plans for designated sections and class B rivers by a prefectural governor.
For rivers for which it is appropriate to place a nondesignated section and a designated section
under a single master plan, even when a designated section of a class A river is involved, theDirector-General of a Regional Construction Bureau may undertake master planning incooperation with the prefectural governor concerned.
III-3

THE RIVER LAW: River Environment

2. When formulating a Master Plan, coordination, reporting, etc., must be carried out
following the steps shown in the flowchart attached hereto. The Master Plan must be reviewed
and modified, as necessary, according to changing social conditions.
3. When formulating a Master Plan, the river environment management council (hereafterreferred to as the "council") must be consulted. Even after a Master Plan has been formulated,
the river administrator must consult the council on an as-needed basis concerning the following:(1) Matters regarding the water environment, such as standards regarding effluent
regulations and coordination with plans for sewerage system improvement(2) Matters regarding river space management, such as coordination with policies related
to plans for land uses such as conservation of the natural environment outside the riverzone which should be conserved and used as a unit with the river zone(3) Matters regarding the maintenance of riparian lands(4) Matters regarding dissemination of awareness of the need for beautification andprotection of rivers(5) Other important matters associated with river environment management
4. The council is to consist of the river administrator, heads of the prefectural bureaus anddepartments concerned, heads of the municipalities concerned, persons with experience or
academic background, etc. It is desirable that the council be chaired by a municipal head
concerned, a person with experience or academic background or other equally suitable person.
General affairs for the council are to be handled by the bureau or department responsible formaster planning.
5. If necessary, a steering committee is to be formed within the council.
ATTACHMENT
Flowchart for Formulation of a Master Plan for Management of River Environment
Studies on river environment-------------------------- Coordination with related policies
Drafting-------------------------- Consulting the council
Adoption
Report to Director-General of River Bureau
Report to River Council

III-4

THE RIVER LAW: River Environment

4. Current State of Master Planning for Management of River Environment(as of March 1996)
Since the first Master Plan for Management of River Environment was adopted for the TamaRiver, a Class A river, by the Director-General of the Kanto Regional Construction Bureau in
March 1980, master plans have been formulated for a total of 232 river systems, rivers, districts
and regions in the country by March 1996.

III-5

TH E RI VER LA W : Ja panese River

THE RIVER LAW
WITH COMMENTARY BY ARTICL

Appendix IV
PROFILE OF THE JAPANESE RIVER

1. Outline of the class A river systems
2. Outline of the class B and locally designated river systems

THE RIVER LAW : Japanese Rivers

LOCATION OF CLASS A RIVERS

River for flood forecast by M.O.C.
River, water resources development of whichis executed by W.R.D. Public Corporation

50

0

200km

IV-1

1. OUTLINE OF THE CLASS A RIVER SYSTEMS (I-1)
OUTLINE OF RIVER SYSTEMADMINISTRATIVE S.Q. No. Location
Name of
DIVISION
Index
River System
Hokkaido D. B.

1
2
3
4
5
6

Teshio R.
Shokotsu R.
Yubetsu R.
Tokoro R.
Abashiri R.
Rumoi R.

160
25
17
56
25
13

7

Ishikari R.

8

29

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19

Shiribetsu R.
Shiribeshitoshibetsu R.
Mu R.
Saru R.
Kushiro R.
Tokachi R.
Iwaki R.
Takase R.
Mabechi R.
Kitakami R.
Naruse R.
Natori R.

20
28
38
208
97
23
30
302
61
30

20

Abukuma R.

196

239

21

Yoneshiro R.

90

136

22
23
24
25

Omono R.
Koyoshi R.
Mogami R.
Aka R.

168
44
429
44

133
61
229
70

9

Tohoku R.C.B.

RIVER ADMINISTRATION

Length of Catchment
No. of main stream
area
rivers
2
(km)
(km )

Rerevant
prefectures

BASIC FLOOD AND DESIGN FLOOD FOR RIVER

Length of rivers(km)1)

Non-designated2)

DesignatedTotal

Reference
point

256
84
87
120
115
44

5590 Hokkaido
1240 Hokkaido
1480 Hokkaido
1930 Hokkaido
1380 Hokkaido
270 Hokkaido

311.5
24.5
31.5
99.8
65.7
44.4

456

268

14330 Hokkaido

988.2

37

126

1640 Hokkaido

24.2

1047.8 1359.3 Pompira
164.8 189.3 Kamishokotsu
192.2 223.7 Kaisei
320.7 420.5 Kitami
199.8 265.5 Bihoro
27.3
71.7 Ohwada
Ishikari2677.2 3665.4
oh-hashi317.3 341.5 Nakoma

80

720 Hokkaido

63.8

144.2

135
104
154
156
102
64
142
249
89
55

1270 Hokkaido
1350 Hokkaido
2510 Hokkaido
9010 Hokkaido
2542 Aomori
867 Aomori
2050 Aomori,Iwate
10150 Aomori,Iwate
1149 Miyagi
939 Miyagi
Miyagi,
5400
Fukushima
Iwate,Akita,
4100
Aomori
4711 Akita
1190 Akita
7040 Yamagata
857 Yamagata

42.9
46.3
102.8
289.1
105.0
40.1
10.0
425.0
90.0
29.4

205.1 248.0 Mukawa
216.6 262.9 Biratori
455.8 558.6 Shibecha
2097.2 2386.3 Moiwa
598.8 703.8 Goshogawara
152.3 192.4 Takase bashi
476.1 486.1 O hashi
2293.6 2718.6 Kozenji
397.6 487.6 Sanbongi
264.2 293.6 Natori bashi

236.6

1710.4 1947.0 Iwanuma

91.8

874.6

170.6
36.2
323.9
48.0

RIVER PLANNING

Catchment Basic flood Control Design floodarea
discharge3) by dams for river4)
2

(km )

3

(m /sec)3(m /sec)3(m /sec)

Desginwidth5)(m)

Desgin5)
gradient

Name ofstation

1/2418
1/357
1/756
1/318
1/19200
1/990

4,029
1,051
1,403
1,394
824
234

6,400
1,300
1,800
1,900
1,200
1,300

700
0
0
300
0
500

5,700
1,300
1,800
1,600
1,200
800

12,69718,0004,000

14,000910

1/7092

1,402

3,300

300

3,000

200

1/2160PompiraKamishokotsu
Kaisei
KitamiBihoroOhwadaIshikariOh-hashi
Nakoma

361

1,600

350

1,250

270

1/780

Imagane

1,228
1,253
895
8,208
1,740
805
2,028
7,060
551
456

3,600
5,400
1,200
15,200
5,500
1,400
3,500
13,000
4,100
4,700

0
1,500
0
1,500
1,700
0
800
4,500
1,000
1,300

3,600
3,900
1,200
13,700
3,800
1,400
2,700
8,500
3,100
3,400

400
350
205
960
364

1/11471/619
1/800
1/3741
1/4123

279
320
169
482

1/2375
1/1452
1/1460
1/621

MukawaBiratori
ShibechaMoiwa
Goshogawara
Uwano
KenyoshiTome
Sanbongi bashi
Yokata5,265

10,700

1,500

9,200

707

1/3325

Akutsu966.4 Futatsui

3,750

9,200

1,000

8,200

271

1/15021238.4 1409.0 Tsubakikawa
370.7 406.9 Todoroki bashi
2154.3 2478.2 Ryouba bashi
230.3 278.3 Kumaide

4,035
937
6,520
552

9,800
3,100
9,000
5,300

1,100
800
1,000
2,300

8,700
2,300
8,000
3,000

470
210
717
300

1/50001/30001/31631/550

208.0 Imagane

350
190
400
330
65
75

FLOW REGIME
Catchment Recorded
95days185days275days355daysMean
areamax. flow (25%)flow6) (50%)flow7) (75%)flow8) (97%)flow9) flow
2

(km )

3

(m /sec)3(m /s.)

3(m /s.)

3(m /s.)

3(m /s.)

3

Annualrun-off
3(m /s.) (Mm )

2,899
1,051
1,335
1,394
824
234

785.58329.99231.81112.7393.17
146.89145.09
27.76
31.00
22.66
13.65
9.85

89.41
16.94
15.18
13.78
8.54
3.16

55.90
10.04
11.38
11.17
7.40
1.60

36.68 128.48
7.22 28.23
9.00 31.46
7.46 20.49
6.53 13.62
0.71 10.15

4,063
866
995
648
431
321

3,379

945.13162.92112.2464.43

47.86 138.10

4,367

1,402

895.14

62.31

43.56

35.21

26.23

69.98

2,213

361

425.04

26.96

14.35

10.63

7.95

25.13

795

1,228
1,253
895
2,529
1,740
344
1,751
7,869
551
424

266.01
307.1789.43
459.66614.65141.57359.23
2,041.12315.24388.31

38.00
56.55
30.36
111.21
79.27
13.91
47.76
381.19
26.02
13.62

24.73
32.40
25.22
69.14
61.80
7.17
21.12
190.87
15.17
9.55

12.61
15.52
22.47
45.90
30.67
4.79
17.58
158.5310.32
5.78

7.37 35.22
8.57 45.54
20.76 27.44
38.47 85.04
16.60 68.16
3.37 11.62
13.55 38.82
83.39 288.98
3.83 22.65
2.09 12.64

1,114
1,440
868
2,689
2,155
367
1,228
9,138
716
400

1,865

882.04

31.27

23.39

17.43

12.35

29.46

932

Takanosu

2,109

1,716.45

117.77

63.85

41.34

25.39 101.08

3,196

Tsubakikawa
Todoroki bashi
Takaya
Kumaide

4,035
937
6,271
552

1,757.18
632.082,011.32

309.9169.38
505.88167.8844.27
276.09107.8433.84
171.7165.46 247.38 7,823
22.09 63.83 2,018
83.60 387.08 12,241

Note 1) "Non-designated section" is a river section managed by the Minister of Construction (ministrial management section), that is, a river section part of whose administration is not entrusted to the prefectural governor concerned under the provision of Article 9 of the River Law.
Note 2) "Designated section" is a river section part of whose administration is entrusted to the prefectural governor concerned under the provision of Article 9 of the River Law.
Note 3) "Basic flood discharge" is a flood discharge before flood control provided by dams and reservoirs. Basic flood discharge is the flood discharge used as the basis of flood control planning for the river basin.
Note 4) "Design flood for river" is a flood discharge after flood control provided by dams and reservoirs. Design flood discharge is used as the basis for channel improvement planning.
Note 5) The values of design river width and design bed gradient shown un the table are those at the lowest of the reference point designated under a flood control plan.
Note 6) "95-day flow" is the daily natural discharge that is likely to be equaled or exceeded on 95 days in any given year (i.e., a daily natural discharge with a probability of exceedance of about 25%).
Note 7) "185-day flow" is the daily natural discharge that is likely to be equaled or exceeded on 185 days in any given year (i.e., a daily natural discharge with a probability of exceedance of about 50%).
Note 8) "275-day flow" is the daily natural discharge that is likely to be equaled or exceeded on 275 days in any given year (i.e., a daily natural discharge with a probability of exceedance of about 75%).
Note 9) "355-day flow" is the daily natural discharge that is likely to be equaled or exceeded on 355 days in any given year (i.e., a daily natural discharge with a probability of exceedance of about 97%).

IV-2

1. OUTLINE OF THE CLASS A RIVER SYSTEMS (I-2)
RIVER ADMINISTRATIONOUTLINE OF RIVER SYSTEMADMINISTRATIVEDIVISION
Kanto R.C.B

Hokuriku R.C.B.

Chubu R.C.B.

Length of Catchment
Name ofNo. of main stream
area
S.Q. No. Location
Index River System rivers
2
(km)
(km )
26

Kuji R.

53

124

27

Naka R.

193

150

28

Tone R.

805

322

29

Ara R.

126

173

30

Tama R.

52

138

31
32

Tsurumi R.
Sagami R.

11
104

43
109

Rerevant
prefectures

Fukushima,Ibaraki,
Tochigi
Fukushima,Ibaraki,
3270
Tochigi
Tokyo,Saitama,Chiba,
16840
Ibaraki,Tochigi,Gunnma
2940 Tokyo,Saitama
Tokyo,Kanagawa,
1240
Yamanashi
235 Tokyo,Kanagawa
1680 Kanagawa,Yamanashi
Shizuoka,Nagano,
3990
Yamanashi
1150 Niigata,Yamagata
Niigata,Gunnma,
7710
Fukushima
Niigata,Gunnma,
11900
Nagano1140 Niigata,Nagano
722 Niigata,Nagano
682 Toyama
368 Toyama
2720 Toyama,Gifu
1180 Toyama,Gifu
667 Toyama,Ishikawa
809 Ishikawa
1490

Length of rivers(km)Non-designated1)

2)

DesignatedTotal

BASIC FLOOD AND DESIGN FLOOD FOR RIVER
Referencepoint

Catchment Basic flood Control Design flood
3)
4)
area
discharge by dams for river
2

(km )

3

3

(m /sec)(m /sec)3(m /sec)

RIVER PLANNING

FLOW REGIME

Desgin
5)
width
(m)

Desgin5)
gradient

Name ofstationCatchment Recorded
95days185days275days355daysMean
areamax. flow (25%)flow6) (50%)flow7) (75%)flow8) (97%)flow9) flow
2

(km )

3

(m /sec)3(m /s.)

3(m /s.)

3(m /s.)

3(m /s.)

3

Annualrun-off
3(m /s)

(Mm )

47.8

478.8

526.6 Yamagata

898

4,000

600

3,400

360

1/1810

Yamagata

898

1,192.91

12.87

10.43

6.13

3.18

13.30

421

99.5

1410.6 1510.1 Noguchi

2,181

8,500

1,900

6,600

320

1/770

Noguchi

2,181

1,039.45

44.78

34.57

25.86

12.88

42.71

1,351

965.7

5833.9 6799.6 Yattajima

5,114

22,0006,000

16,000

1036

1/900

Kurihashi

8,588

2,216.90

141.15

92.56

70.37

54.37 126.47

3,999

173.1

1051.4 1224.5 Iwabuchi

2,137

14,800

7,800

7,000

620

1/5600Yorii

927

2,031.97

12.71

6.87

3.87

2.56

15.66

495

78.9

402.3

481.2 Ishihara

1,040

8,700

2,200

6,500

400

1/420

Ishihara

1,040

892.19

13.04

9.10

7.08

3.07

15.55

492

22.7
26.0

72.5
566.7

95.2 Sueyoshi
592.7 Atugi

230
1,385

2,600
10,100

800
2,800

1,800
7,300

120
420

1/15001/520

Kamenoko134

597.78

5.06

4.17

3.81

3.36

6.70

211

122.1

1783.4 1905.5 Kitamatuno

3,540

16,600016,600160

1/247

Shimizubata

2,121

538.10

45.18

35.37

31.14

18.90

42.49

1,322

38.6

313.2

351.8 Hanadate

1,050

8,000

1,500

6,500

345

1/493

Tudurayama

1,127

1,039.39

179.58

89.37

45.95

16.66 130.99

4,143

93.1

2106.3 2199.4 Maoroshi

6,997

15,5002,500

13,000500

1/762

Maoroshi

6,997

2,919.68

504.52346.43169.84111.62 416.86 13,183329.4

4684.6 5014.0 Odiya

9,719

13,5002,500

11,000

424

1/520

Odiya

9,719

2,359.30

555.98379.00271.91

197.98 480.34 15,188

12.6
11.0
27.6
21.5
48.1
33.0
37.4
37.3

497.1
212.9
114.2
123.7
776.5
324.6
327.1
178.2

703
698
667
344
2,689
1,072
280
748

3,700
5,000
7,200
4,600
9,700
6,500
1,300
6,000

0
0
1,000
0
2,000
700
0
1,000

3,700
5,000
6,200
4,600
7,700
5,800
1,300
5,000

216
237
510
450
425
348
135
150

1/930
1/106
1/95
1/776
1/692
1/158
1/435
1/135

TakadaYamamoto
UnadukiKameiwa
Jizuoo B.
DaimonTuzawaNakajima

703
698
637
344
2,688
1,120
280
732

1,046.73
1,922.20
1,380.69
1,193.25
2,405.15
1,234.06
514.301,335.71

81.06

41.28

24.59

3.18

62.42

1,974

33.40

12.44

4.89

1.75

33.46

1,059

197.2736.81
31.45
112.34136.05
20.90
23.36
63.30

101.75
11.05
14.25
44.22

54.62 172.33
7.74 33.69
7.80 27.11
22.04 87.92

5,449
1,066
857
2,780

222

1,700

700

1,000

120

1/5680

Haneda167

404.42

20.45

14.04

7.10

2.29

17.39

550

322
537
1,160
149
4,880
545
1,356
705

4,000
5,500
11,5001,500
19,000
7,100
8,100
4,500

0
0
2,000
0
5,000
3,000
1,700
300

4,000
5,500
9,500
1,500
14,000
4,100
6,400
4,200

190
500
700
66
200
380
310
187

1/375
1/212
1/255
1/400
1/553
1/17581/11001/1313

Ohito
Tegoshi
Kanza
Kamo
KashimaIshidaIwazu
Biwajima

322
537
1,160
34
4,880
545
1,356
705

757.41400.57
1,442.38
98.37
1,851.56
1,060.54
806.24598.68

14.36

10.80

7.66

6.11

13.92

440

26.14
1.26
203.35
13.34
20.27
17.88

16.14
0.79
116.48
8.00
9.98
11.48

13.38
0.42
77.10
5.44
5.86
8.03

8.44 38.40
0.14
1.28
47.74 163.71
3.38 15.22
2..02 17.07
4.98 17.49

1,214
40
5,177
481
540
553

46

Fuji R.

555

128

33

Ara R.

61

73

34

Agano R.

242

210

35

Shinano R.

880

367

36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43

Seki R.
Hime R.
Kurobe R.
Joganji R.
Jinzu R.
Shou R.
Oyabe R.
Tedori R.

78
47
25
49
105
48
64
35

64
60
85
56
120
115
68
72

44

Kakehashi R.

13

42

271 Ishikawa

11.2

90.0

45
47
48
49
50
51
52
53

Kano R.
Abe R.
Oi R.
Kiku R.
Tenryu R.
Toyo R.
Yahagi R.
Shonai R.

76
36
39
25
332
27
94
76

46
51
168
28
213
77
117
96

852 Shizuoka
567 Shizuoka
1280 Shizuoka
158 Shizuoka
5090 Sizuoka,Aichi,Nagano
724 Aiti
1830 Gifu,Aichi,Nagano
1010 Gifu,Aichi

36.8
31.6
41.6
37.3
264.4
45.9
62.1
79.0

333.3
169.1
277.7
85.2
1811.3
191.4
719.6
456.9

509.7 Takada
223.9 Yamamoto
141.8 Aimoto
145.2 Kameiwa
824.6 Jizuoo B.
357.6 Ogami
364.5 Tuzawa
215.5 Turuki
Komatsu
101.2
Oohashi
370.1 Ohito
200.7 Tegoshi
319.3 Kanza
122.5 Kuniyasu
2075.7 Kashima
237.3 Ishida
781.7 Iwazu
535.9 Biwajima

IV-3

1. OUTLINE OF THE CLASS A RIVER SYSTEMS (I-3)
OUTLINE OF RIVER SYSTEMADMINISTRATIVEDIVISION
Chubu R.C.B.

Kinki R.C.B.

Chugoku R.C.B.

RIVER ADMINISTRATION

Length of Catchment
Name ofNo. of main stream
area
S.Q. No. Location
Index River System rivers
2
(km)
(km )

Rerevant
prefectures

54

Kiso R.

391

227

55
56
57
58

Suzuka R.
Kumozu R.
Kushida R.
Miya R.

46
40
68
55

38
55
85
91

Aichi,Nagano,Gifu,Shiga,Mie
323 Mie
550 Mie,Nara
461 Mie
920 Mie

59

Yura R.

138

146

1880 Kyoto,Hyogo

60

Yodo R.

962

75

61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81

Yamato R.
Maruyama R.
Kako R.
Ibo R.
Kino R.
Shingu R.
Kuzuryu R.
Kita R.
Sendai R.
Tenjin R.
Hino R.
Hii R.
Gono R.
Takatsu R.
Yoshii R.
Asahi R.
Takahashi R.
Ashida R.
Ota R.
Oze R.
Saba R.

178
97
130
47
181
103
147
12
86
32
56
227
293
92
215
147
121
81
73
23
32

68
68
96
70
136
183
116
30
52
32
77
153
194
81
133
142
111
86
103
59
56

9100

Osaka,Kyoto, Shiga,
Hyogo,Nara,Mie
1070 Osaka,Nara
1300 Hyogo
1730 Hyogo
810 Hyogo
1660 Wakayama,Nara
2360 wakayama,Nara,Mie
2930 Fukui,Gihu
211 Fukui,Shiga
1190 Tottori
500 Tottori
860 Tottori
2070 Tottori,Shimane
3870 Shimane,Hiroshima
1080 Shimane
2060 Okayama
1800 Okayama
2670 Okayama,Hiroshima
870 Okayama,Hiroshima
1700 Hiroshima
342 Hiroshima,Yamaguti
446 Yamaguti
8240BASIC FLOOD AND DESIGN FLOOD FOR RIVER

Length of rivers(km)Non-designated1)

2)

DesignatedTotal

Reference
point

RIVER PLANNING

Catchment Basic flood Control Design flood
3)
4)
area
discharge by dams for river
2

(km )

3

3

(m /sec)(m /sec)3(m /sec)

Desgin
5)
width
(m)

Desgin5)
gradient

FLOW REGIME
Name ofstationCatchment Recorded
95days185days275days355daysMean
areamax. flow (25%)flow6) (50%)flow7) (75%)flow8) (97%)flow9) flow
2

(km )

3

(m /sec)3(m /s.)

3(m /s.)

3(m /s.)

3(m /s.)

3

Annualrun-off
3(m /s.) (Mm )372.9

2632.2 3005.1 Inuyama

4,684

16,0003,500

12,500590

1/460Inuyama

4,684

3,840.35

211.05141.61111.63

41.2
28.5
35.6
22.6

205.3
228.2
202.0
282.7

246.5 Takaoka
256.7 Kumozubashi
237.6 Ryogunbashi
305.3 Iwade

269
541
389
780

3,900
8,000
4,800
8,400

0
1,900
500
800

3,900
6,100
4,300
7,600

290
401
270
240

1/682
1/11901/770
1/1140

Takaoka
Onogi
Ryogun
Iwade

269
304
389
780

166.94131.7473.90
466.51

6.55
5.64
7.90
19.42

4.25
3.70
5.67
11.09

1.09
2.18
3.89
5.39

0.07
0.41
1.66
2.18

6.26
5.50
7.03
18.02

198
174
222
570

56.4

747.0

803.4 Fukutiyama

1,344

6,500

900

5,600

580

1/1100

Fukutiyama

1,344

1,247.33

62.04

39.65

26.62

14.48

53.76

1,700

382.7

4059.7 4442.4 Hirakata

7,281

17,0005,000

12,000700

1/4000

Hirakata

7,281

1,626.89

48.3
40.5
41.4
66.7
97.9
24.4
110.0
16.5
45.3
41.9
34.7
127.7
192.7
20.0
46.1
30.4
35.4
61.2
129.4
36.8
34.5

703.0
460.1
736.8
224.2
706.9
707.4
924.0
66.6
432.5
143.6
310.9
913.4
1472.7480.4
1012.1
795.5
854.0
347.0
466.6
93.9
138.1

965
1,090
1,656
607
1,558
2,251
1,262
202
1,054
464
857
911
1,981
1,077
1,717
1,588
2,606
817
1,505
322
418

5,200
6,400
9,000
3,900
16,00019,000
8,600
1,900
6,300
3,500
6,100
5,100
10,200
4,200
11,0008,000
13,7003,500
12,000
3,400
3,500

0
1,000
1,600
600
4,000
0
3,100
0
800
0
1,500
600
2,600
0
3,500
2,000
1,500
700
4,500
2,400
600

5,200
5,400
7,400
3,300
12,00019,000
5,500
1,900
5,500
3,500
4,600
4,500
7,600
4,200
7,500
6,000
12,200
2,800
7,500
1,000
2,900

200
300
322
218
620
406
260
117
340
283
389
268
245
326
448
520
1331
140
306
91
156

1/10001/8330
1/780
1/327
1/755
1/10001/1130
1/500
1/900
1/818
1/318
1/770
1/467
1/864
1/24001/59401/1870
1/395
1/620
1/930
1/610

Kashiwara
Fuichiba
Kunikane
TatunoFunatoOuga
Nakatuno
Takatuka
Gyotoku
Koda
KuzumoOtsu
Ozekiyama
Takatsuno
Tsuse
Makiyama
Hiwa
Fuchu
Yaguchidaiichi
Ryogokubashi
Shinbashi

962
837
1,656
622
1,558
2,251
1,240
202
1.053.7
464
850
911
1,981
1,076
1,675
1,587
1,986
489
1,527
330
423

887.81704.31
1,803.48
685.21357.04
1,575.12
1,124.01
191.42522.52352.19305.73
1,078.60
643.44649.44781.62509.96675.0890.82
689.99258.77358.50

19.79
38.59
36.58
33.93
32.82
75.26
116.38
12.26
61.59
22.05
24.86

12.04
23.66
17.64
20.09
18.43
44.32
82.88
8.15
39.55
15.51
15.52

8.12
16.09
11.75
10.43
10.47
26.33
42.54
4.02
28.80
12.09
9.58

4.00
5.06
7.48
2.81
2.41
15.27
14.89
0.24
16.24
2.92
1.19

19.14
38.85
41.44
32.56
26.44
68.18
92.23
9.72
59.04
19.15
20.91

605
1,229
1,310
1,030
836
2,156
2,917
307
1,867
606
661

48.83
42.72
62.99
49.00
44.57
8.44
63.00
9.12
9.24

33.57
28.67
37.79
34.05
31.13
5.99
43.75
5.52
5.11

23.39
18.25
27.05
24.50
25.73
4.17
25.79
4.60
3.01

12.93
9.92
19.52
18.78
19.57
2.42
13.12
4.17
1.00

54.46
42.17
58.47
44.75
44.96
7.65
59.31
9.48
14.23

1,526
1,333
1,849
1,415
1,422
242
1,876
300
450

751.3 Kashiwara
500.6 Tachino
778.2 Kunikane
290.9 Tatuno
804.8 Funato
731.8 Ouga
1034.0 Nakatuno
83.1 Takatuka
477.8 Gyotoku
185.5 Koda
345.6 Kuzumo
1041.1 Kamishima
1665.4 Ozekiyama
500.4 Takatsu
1058.2 Iwato
825.9 Shimomaki
889.4 Funao
408.2 Kashima
596.0 Kumura
130.7 Ryogokubashi
172.6 Shinbashi

65.96 213.17

6,741

IV-4

1. OUTLINE OF THE CLASS A RIVER SYSTEMS (I-4)
RIVER ADMINISTRATIONOUTLINE OF RIVER SYSTEMADMINISTRATIVEDIVISION
Shikoku R.C.B.

Kyushu R.C.B.

Length of Catchment
Location
Name ofNo. of main stream
area
S.Q. No.
Index River System rivers
(km)
(km2)
82

Yoshino R.

356

194

83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91

Naka R.
Doki R.
Shigenobu R.
Hiji R.
Monobe R.
Niyodo R.
Watari R.
Onga R.
Yamakuni R.

75
11
75
475
35
166
319
74
39

125
33
36
103
71
124
196
61
56

92

Chikugo R.

233

143

93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102

Yabe R.
Matsuura R.
Rokkaku R.
Kase R.
Honmyo R.
Kikuchi R.
Shira R.
Midori R.
Kuma R.
Ooita R.

23
80
79
51
18
67
16
59
82
48

61
47
47
57
21
71
74
76
115
55

103

Oono R.

138

107

104

Banjo R.

52

38

105

Gokase R.

102

106

106

Omaru R.

14

75

107

Ooyodo R.

134

107

108
109

Sendai R.
Kimotsuki R.

129
35

137
34

Rerevant
prefectures

Tokushima,Kagawa,
Ehime,Kochi
874 Tokushima
140 Kagawa
445 Ehime
1210 Ehime
508 Kochi
1560 Kochi,Ehime
2270 Kochi,Ehime
1026 Fukuoka
540 Fukuoka,Oita
Fukuoka,Saga,Oita,
2863
Kumamoto
647 Fukuoka
446 Saga
341 Saga
368 Saga
87 Nagasaki
996 Kumamoto
480 Kumamoto
1100 Kumamoto
1880 Kumamoto
650 Oita
Oita,Miyazaki,
1465
Kumamoto
464 Oita
Oita,Miyazaki,
1820
Kumamoto
474 Miyazaki
Kagoshima,Miyazaki,
2230
Kumamoto
1600 Miyazaki,Kagoshima
485 Kagoshima
3750

Length of rivers(km)Non-designated1) Designated2)

Total

BASIC FLOOD AND DESIGN FLOOD FOR RIVER
Reference
point

RIVER PLANNING

Catchment Basic flood Control Design flood Desginareadischarge3) by dams for river4)
width5)(km2)(m3/sec)(m3/sec)(m3/sec)(m)

Desgin5)
gradient

FLOW REGIME
Name ofstationCatchment Recorded
95daysarea
max. flow (25%)flow6)(km2)(m3/sec)(m3/s.)

185days(50%)flow7)275days(75%)flow8)355days(97%)flow9)

Mean
flow

Annualrun-off(m3/s.)(m3/s.)(m3/s.)(m3/s)

(Mm3)

186.5

1416.4 1602.9 Iwazu

2,740

24,0006,000

18,000

160

Ikeda

2,074

4,509.04

43.97

29.78

19.33

17.39

50.94

1,611

52.5
21.4
26.1
42.1
10.5
36.5
52.3
133.8
36.5

308.1 360.6 Furusyo
47.6
69.0 Haraikawabashi
239.7 265.8 Deai
939.1 981.2 Ozu
200.2 210.7 Fukabuchi
665.0 701.5 Ino
1230.0 1282.3 Gudo
360.6 494.4 hinodebashi
173.1 209.6 Shimotoubaru

765
107
445
984
468
1,463
1,808
695
483

11,200
1,700
3,300
6,300
5,400
17,00017,000
4,800
4,800

2,200
350
300
1,600
660
3,000
3,000
0
500

9,000
1,350
3,000
4,700
4,740
14,00014,000
4,800
4,300

340
220
340
290
330
756
510
379
190

1/700
1/105
1/407
1/930
1/290
1/22001/13001/2600
1/380

FurusyoTsunekanebashi
Yamanouchi
Ozu
FukabuchiIno
Gudo
hinodebashi
Shimotoubaru

765
90
55
984
468
1,463
1,808
695
483

1,975.38
77.72
115.791,871.79
919.003,103.17
3,880.59
1,053.70
1,348.16

21.94
0.97
1.19
22.62
12.57
53.18
57.15
15.76
9.84

11.28
0.54
0.85
12.78
4.77
30.87
36.01
9.68
4.63

6.74
0.22
0.64
8.98
2.13
16.93
26.26
7.00
2.86

3.90
0.03
0.00
4.47
0.76
11.50
19.18
4.45
1.18

25.04
0.83
1.60
30.36
14.86
58.54
78.30
20.99
19.49

792
26
50
960
470
1,851
2,476
664
616

220.5

1187.2 1407.7 Arase

1,440

10,000

4,000

6,000

390

1/2400Senosita

2,315

3,596.55

75.05

49.15

42.43

32.62

99.21

3,137

23.2
63.3
57.2
33.4
15.0
85.9
21.7
70.5
118.3
32.6

193.1
234.1
179.3
169.9
53.2
302.2
124.4
368.4
431.0
223.5

216.3 Hunagoya
297.4 Matsuurabashi
236.5 Suminoebashi
203.3 Kanjinbashi
68.2 Urayama
388.1 Tamana
146.1 Yotsugibashi
438.9 Jyonan
549.3 Hagiwara
256.1 Hunaioohashi

460
434
334
226
36
906
477
681
1,875
601

3,500
3,800
2,200
3,400
1,070
4,500
3,400
5,300
9,000
5,700

500
400
200
900
260
700
400
1,100
2,000
700

3,000
3,400
2,000
2,500
810
3,800
3,000
4,200
7,000
5,000

200
480
221
70
60
267
110
470
740
278

1/600
1/3100
level
1/670
1/160
1/2300
1/870
1/910
level
1/825

Hunagoya
MutabeMyokenbashi
Kawakami
UrayamaTamanaYotsugibashi
JyonanYokoishi
Akegawarabashi

460
275
95
226
36
906
477
681
1,856
494

1,037.24
604.48407.98502.3877.62
1,026.00
509.34
1,276.85
4,955.80
356.95

10.17
6.12
1.66
12.73
1.33
22.47
18.26
24.24
74.22
13.11

6.09
3.70
0.88
5.70
1.05
15.28
14.87
14.59
33.32
10.09

4.47
2.38
0.64
3.78
0.91
10.82
12.64
10.80
19.92
8.43

2.14 18.35
1.68
8.14
0.44
3.45
2.74
9.72
0.63
1.87
3.18 30.83
3.66 22.18
7.63 34.78
13.76 114.21
6.19 14.73

580
257
109
308
59
975
702
1,100
3,612
466

51.4

812.0

863.4 Siratakibashi

1,381

11,000

1,500

9,500

298

1/1400Inukai

1,239

1,183.93

41.17

29.41

20.73

13.33

51.03

1,614

33.8

227.5

261.3 Banjobashi

278

3,000

0

3,000

240

1/880

Banjobashi

278

483.98

3.92

1.74

0.83

0.13

6.99

211

28.5

582.3

610.8 Miwa

1,044

6,000

0

6,000

259

1/700

Miwa

1,044

1,704.44

42.04

24.74

15.91

9.93

49.44

1,564

12.7

127.5

140.2 Takajou

396

3,600

600

3,000

170

1/600

Takajou

396

2,231.98

27.85

8.93

4.70

2.67

32.73

1,035

86.1

844.6

930.7 Miyazaki

2,175

7,500

500

7,000

390

1/2900

Takaoka

1,564

2,466.81

80.62

52.13

33.13

23.11

89.86

2,842

131.6
51.1

571.6
128.0

703.2 Sendai
179.1 Matase

1,425
450

9,000
2,500

2,000
200

7,000
2,300

315
230

1/50001/2000OnobutiMatase1,348
450

1,674.13
1,065.22

51.79
23.57

35.40
17.86

27.50
15.52

21.11
13.60

72.00
26.44

2,277
836

IV-5

1. OUTLINE OF THE CLASS A RIVER SYSTEMS (II-1)
PRESENT SITUATION OF WATER USE
ADMINISTRATIVEDIVISION

Name ofRiver System

Domestic Water Supply

Hydro Power(Quantity m3/s)
Case(Normal)10) (Max.)11)
3
5.990
50.130
7
2
4.390
4.900
1
3
14.56035.270
3
8
2
3.600
4.730

Case
Hokkaido D. B.

Tohoku R.C.B.

1 Teshio R.
2 Shokotsu R.
3 Yubetsu R.
4 Tokoro R.
5 Abashiri R.
6 Rumoi R.

Industrial water

Quantity Population
Case(person)(m3/s)
0.341
64.0
6
0.247
31.0
3
0.182
31.0
1
0.938
167.0
3
3

WATER QUALITY

WATER RESURCES DEVELOPMENT FACILITIES
Irrigation12)

QuantityCase(m3/s)
1.141
91
0.034
6
0.018
7
0.428
46
0.428
32
4

OthersQuantityCase(m3/s)
82.643
17
2.851
3
1.441
5
20.332
4
11.4825
1.843
17 Ishikari R.

36

247.461 1060.296

58

17.5843665.02129.850506643.81943

8 Shiribetsu R.
9 Shiribeshi-toshibetsu R.
10 Mu R.
11 Saru R.
12 Kushiro R.
13 Tokachi R.
14 Iwaki R.
15 Takase R.
16 Mabechi R.

6
1
1
4

97.4203.290
1.120
17.450212.090
12.60015.00089.600

2
2

0.089
0.023

20.0
6.0

6

0.338

157.090
20.407548.71054.44725.64553.546

15.0
241.0
525.0
599.2
12.0
383.6

34.731111.550
25.17911.662

14
2
2
7
5
28
7

4

0.071
1.381
1.619
1.968
0.031
1.107

16.86522.14419.00913.243

17
5

3
4
12
10
1
5

49
71
26
7

17 Kitakami R.

30

133.953437.548

54

7.871

18 Naruse R.
19 Natori R.
20 Abukuma R.
21 Yoneshiro R.

3
7
20
23

2.310
16.470131.47165.9697.750
47.320239.812152.250

10
11
31
13

22 Omono R.

17

104.799379.170

23 Koyoshi R.
24 Mogami R.
25 Aka R.

724
10

17.79196.81140.21043.548353.297
180.690

Quantity No. ofName ofDams
Dams(m3/s)
1.586
2 Iwaonai 96.3
0.031
0.206
0.509
1 Kanoko 35.8
0.204
0.001
1
Ashibetsu 0.206,Kanayama 130.42,
Hoheikyo 37.1,Taisetsu 54.7,
7.106
11
Izarigawa 14.1, Katsurazawa81.8,
Jozankei 78.6
3.697
0.508
1 Pirika 14.5
0.029
0.220
2 Nibutani 26
0.071
1.699
2 Tokachi 88
0.149
3 Meya 33,Aseishigawa 43.1
1
0.234
Ishibuti 11.96,Tase 101.8, Naruko
0.933
7 33.0,Shijushida35.5,Gosho 45,
Yuda 93.71

1
6
3
12

0.017
0.274
2.582
2.391

4

4.352

37
23
44
63

1449.0

33

7.645

792

354.492

29

1.374
5.118
9.459
0.951

967.0
2721.03688.7
163.7

1
6
34
6

0.433
2.540
6.688
0.362

18
9
714
231

5.817
18.544152.73644.490

2
28
9

0.357
1.414
1.633

16

2.908

461.3

10

68.444257

159.743

31

2.216

4
21
2

0.255
6.213
1.143

522.0
1302.8
171.1

7
2
1

0.04
11.448
0.006

120
334
32

16.100208.905
55.163

1
35

0.018
2.563

5

Facilities under construction

Completed Facilities

Total effective
Name ofDams
capacity(Mm3)
96,300 Sanru

35,800
Rumoi
Takisato,Chubetsu,
396,926 Shin-katsurazawa,
Mikasa-Ponbetsu

Name ofstationTotal effective
capacity(Mm3)
66,000 Nakagawa
Uttsu B.
Nakayubetsu B.
Chushi B.
Chisui B.
21,800 Rumoi B.

BODDO
75% value13) 75% value13)
1996
1996
(ppm)
(ppm)
0.8
11.3
0.6
12.2
1.1
12.3
2.9
10.9
1.7
11.5
1.7
11.5

243,700 Ishikari-Oh-hashi

1.3

11.3

NakomaImagane B.
Mukawa B.
33,900 Sarugawa B.
Semonbira B.
42,000 Moiwa B.
128,600 Inui bashi
153,800 Ogawara L.
Shiriuchi bashi

0.6
0.7
0.6
0.6
0.9
1.5
2.6
1.1
1.6

12.1
12.2
11.8
12.3
11.7
11.5
10.3
10.2
10.9

320,970 Isawa

132,000 Kozenji

1.3

10.9

2 Okura25,Kamafusa39.3
3 Shichigashuku 99.5,Miharu 36.0
1
Yoroibata 3.0,Minase26.3,
3
Tamagawa229

64,300135,500 Surikamigawa
Moriyoshizan

Ono
Mitsu hashi
148,000 Iwanuma
68,600 Futatsui

1.4
2.0
2.7
1.1

10.6
11.7
10.5
11.2

Tsubakigawa

1.5

10.5

3 41Shirakawa,98Sagae
1

139,000 Nagai
GassanHonjo ohashi
48,000 Sunakoshi
58,000 Hamanaka

1.1
1.0
1.0

10.5
11.0
11.3

14,50026,000 Biratori
88,000 Satsunaigawa
76,100 Tsugaru
Ogawara L.

298,300

Note 10) "Dscharge for firm power" is a discharge that is almost in continuous use for hydropower generaton throughout the year and is calculated as the 355-day flow minus the discharge used for other purposes.
Note 11) "Maximum discharge for hydropower generaton " is discharge for maximum output at a hydropower plant.
Note 12) Exiatance of "customary water rights" which account for most of irrigation water is affirmed in in Article 87 of the River Law. Realities of customary water rights, however, are unknown. The numbers and intakes shown in the above table do not include those customary water rights.
Note 13) "75% value of BOD" is a value that 75% of all observation is gerater than this value. "75% value of DO" is a value that 75% of all observation is smaller than this value.

IV-6

1. OUTLINE OF THE CLASS A RIVER SYSTEMS (II-2)
PRESENT SITUATION OF WATER USE
ADMINISTRATIVEDIVISION

Name ofRiver System

Hydro Power

Domestic Water Supply

Hokuriku R.C.B.

Chubu R.C.B.

Irrigation

OthersNo. ofDams

Completed Facilities

Facilities under construction

26 Kuji R.
27 Naka R.

Quantity m3/s
Case
Normal10) Max.11)
7
8.495
14.13015
1212.205 527.746
26

28 Tone R.

95

680.278 2991.477

127

77.9926734.010558.914 3190

806.609

181

8.885

Ikari 46, Fujiwara 35.89,Yagisawa 175.8,Shimokubo 120,Kusaki
23 50.5,Sonohara 14.14,Tonekakouzeki 5,Aimata 20,Kawamata 73.1,
Kawaji 76,Wataraseyusyuchi II 26.4,Sudagai 22,Sinagi 1.273,Naramata 85

Yanba,Yunishi,Kawako,Kuribaragawa,
751,103 Wataraseyusuichi II,
Tokura,Hirakawa,Nanma,Namekawa

29 Ara R.
30 Tama R.
31 Tsurumi R.
32 Sagami R.
46 Fuji R.

103

16.76518.43077.15058.70030
743.11027.53819224.0

5 Futase 21.8, Arakawa chosetuchi 10.6
132,400 Sinrokuzeki,Takizawa,Urayama
Shiromaru

677.997669.55721112

44.675
6.490

58.0
970.4

6.167
3.092
0.093
5.016
72.597

0.185
0.479

172.340
250.447

4.576
4.462
1.110
6.647
12.108

14
22

17
70

22
4
2
3
9

28
48

2.077
4.885

1

6

55.960Case
Kanto R.C.B

Industrial water

WATER QUALITY

WATER RESURCES DEVELOPMENT FACILITIES

33 Ara R.

Quantity Population
Case(person)(m3/s)
1.762
370.4
11
4.090
1736.05QuantityCase(m3/s)
1.234
74
1.519 129

61
4
2
32
243

Quantity Case(m3/s)
14.798458.424
16

Quantity(m3/s)
0.287
0.772

Name of
Dams

Total effective
capacity(Mm3)

Name of
Dams

Sakakibashi
Shimokunii

Miyagase

328.350

4

0.408

53.1

2

0.202

77

25.14712

2.721

2 Oishi 17.8

17,800 Yokokawa

34 Agano R.
35 Shinano R.
36 Seki R.
37 Hime R.
38 Kurobe R.
39 Joganji R.
40 Jinzu R.
41 Shou R.
42 Oyabe R.

62 1748.076 7616.160
120 1234.941 5030.065
1649.422 117.612
19
74.138 252.680
18 190.330 686.560
27 106.590 584.080
59 438.760 1434.500
26 457.038 1692.620
43.470
30.500

26
63
3
2
1
6
3
3
3

6.938
15.253
0.582
0.201
0.043
1.303
0.576
1.720
0.790

2654.72592.0
281.0
10.9
7.0
365.9
87.0
312.0
218.7

12
28
8
1

4.336
18.797
3.464
0.897

34
90
27
1
8
2
23
4
14

0.813
25.139
3.757
0.002
0.156
0.023
5.468
2.634
2.727

44,50048,7001.403
29.0994.433
1.642

245.068
578.171
29.62612.25578.31062.21038.50586.22539.318

1 Okawa 44.5
2 Omachi 28.9,Sagurigawa 19.8

3
7
4
4

412
958
154
29
2
1
39
4
47

43 Tedori R.

23

1

4.830

995.0

4

0.090

8

74.4008

1.473

1 Tedorigawa 190

2.835
6.021
0.894
40.531
0.181

2
10
4
18

0.080
1.736
0.050
0.340

1

190.212611.1501

Unaduki1

Toga

44 Kakehashi R.
45 Kano R.
47 Abe R.
48 Ooi R.
49 Kiku R.

7
2
14

8.026
1.696
210.500

16.661
2.615
727.510

5
3
4

2.338
0.647
2.915

453.1
451.0
820.0

1
1
1

1.250
1.110
2.000

20
17
7
20
4

50 Tenryu R.

50

802.412 2622.480

19

5.643

1905.1

15

4.317

287

126.57444

4.450

6 Miwa 20.745,Koshibu 37.1,Shintoyone 40.4

51 Toyo R.
52 Yahagi R.
53 Shonai R.

3
25
2

10.56979.850
7.400

15
14
3

4.961
5.880
0.032

1208.51358.7
0.2

6
29
31

3.497
9.490
4.898

95
266
79

28.65578.54125.079

3
1
12

0.030
0.007
0.584

1
2 Yahagi 65
114.817829.478
7.400

Total effective
capacity(Mm3)

Name ofstation

190,000

Nagashima
Mibu River Comprehensive
Development Project,Tokusa,Miwa
Toyo River Flow Improvement Project
65,000 Yahagi Estuary Barrage
Origawa,Kiso River Channel Project
98,245BOD
DO
75% value13)
75% value13)
1996
1996
(ppm)
(ppm)
2.3
10.0
1.6
9.6

507,000 Kurihahsi

1.7

10.4

124,600 Sasamebashi- Denenchofuzeki
Otunabashi
183,000 Banyubashi
Fujigawabashi
Arakawa 19,100
syusuizeki
Ouun B.
Heiseioo B.
Naoetsu B.
Yamamoto
12,700 Shimokurobe B.
Joganji B.
Jiinzuoo B.
26,400 Daimonoo B.
Jokoji B.
Hakusangoguchi entei
Tsurugashima B.
Kurose B.
Abekawa B.
68,000 Kanza B.
Kuniyasu B.

8.8
5.0
13.4
2.4
1.1

6.8
8.4
7.5
6.9
10.5

1.0

11.6

0.8
1.4
2.4
0.5
0.7
1.6
1.3
0.6
1.7

11.0
10.0
10.0
9.5
10.8
10.3
10.6
10.6
8.5

0.5

10.7

1.2
2.6
1.2
0.2
2.7

9.3
8.3
10.7
10.3
8.4

45,355 Kashima B.

0.6

10.7

100 Ejima B.
2,000 Yonezu B.
12,900 Biwajima B.

0.6
2.4
5.9

11.4
10.2
8.1

IV-7

1. OUTLINE OF THE CLASS A RIVER SYSTEMS (II-3)
WATER RESURCES DEVELOPMENT FACILITIESPRESENT SITUATION OF WATER USE
ADMINISTRATIVEDIVISION

Name ofRiver System

Hydro Power

Domestic Water Supply
3

Case

Quantity (m /s)
10)
11)
Max.
NormalCase

Quantity3(m /s)

54 Kiso R.

76

843.078 5065.317

52

31.9529289.455 Suzuka R.
56 Kumozu R.
57 Kushida R.
58 Miya R.
59 Yura R.

1
5
6
6

0.550
5.510
18.64014.357

1
6
4
5
28

0.003
1.191
1.024
0.131
1.302

1.5
279.1
562.3
52.1
154.3

Industrial water

Population
Case(person)

12)

OthersIrrigation

Completed Facilities

Quantity3(m /s)

Case

Quantity3(m /s)

Case

Quantity3(m /s)

41

17.422215

185.691

31

1.258

3
6
2
6
5

0.443
0.828
0.353
0.101
1.015

64
66
23
22
195

18.68221.70112.65510.181
9.701

2
3
2
6
7

0.034
0.088
0.008
0.125
0.610

Chubu R.C.B.

Kinki R.C.B.

60 Yodo R.

Chugoku R.C.B.

61 Yamato R.
62 Maruyama R.
63 Kako R.
64 Ibo R.
65 Kino R.
66 Shingu R.
67 Kuzuryu R.
68 Kita R.
69 Sendai R.
70 Tenjin R.
71 Hino R.
72 Hii R.
73 Gono R.
74 Takatsu R.
75 Yoshii R.
76 Asahi R.
77 Takahashi R.
78 Ashida R.
79 Ota R.
80 Oze R.
81 Saba R.

1.110
22.746100.000
102.86734

141.795

688.18550.457

606.616

6
4
18
25
1
18
8
14
14
24
5
18
8
19
3
23
7
1

10.53230.95413.75856.707133.277 1052.108
152.086 771.036
0.278
0.278
18.40266.9284.803
10.32322.483 419.834
15.52576.29581.482 312.806
10.92336.57725.24066.63248.941 194.738
66.568 573.849
1.935
9.145
103.885 522.116
8.400
27.000
2.350
8.000

110

104.97021775.7

71

53.078524

265.314

179

9.278

12
6
22
1
23
11
6
1
7
2
5
19
32
1
19
24
19
11
8
3
2

0.939
0.267
2.993
0.021
5.820
0.427
1.911
0.021
1.419
0.112
0.289
1.241
0.613
0.001
1.861
2.755
4.018
1.996
9.391
0.898
0.288

1107.641.0
2857.04.0
2400.0
52.3
610.2
7.0
192.0
61.0
193.0
379.0
132.0
0.1
1086.0721.0
1058.8477.0
1939.0
170.0
135.0

5
4
30
3
7
4
8
1
2

0.450
0.050
17.829
5.212
6.482
3.279
12.840
0.025
0.131

2
4
3

3.111
0.561
2.342

15
8
27
6
6
8
5

1.157
3.341
58.805
4.067
3.781
6.108
4.033

24
162
365
193
11
4
146
38
222
49
57
28
278
19
41
38
50
46
66
8
54

2.773
10.45737.47722.53852.9460.336
121.636
12.24415.5856.800
22.381
3.225
14.4381.065
35.23720.33133.816
11.791
2.394
0.124
17.279

1
5
10
1
8
28
17
1
2
1
3
9
21
3
6
15
9
1
8

0.008
0.085
0.288
0.029
0.131
0.407
1.284
0.032
0.005
0.044
0.357
0.090
0.503
0.005
0.435
0.352
0.057
0.002
0.045

1

0.022

No. ofDams

Name of
Dams

Maruyama38.39,Yokoyama33,
10 Iwaya150,Agigawa44,Nagara Estuary
Barrage,Misogawa55

Facilities under construction
Total effective
3
capacity(Mm )29,400

1 Oono21.32

21,320

1 Kakogawa1.64
2
1
4 Kuzuryu190,Managawa95

Name of
Dams

Sinmaruyama,Yokoyama,Tokuyama,
320,390 Kiso River Environment Improvement
Project

1 hachisu29.4

Amagase20,Takayama49.2,
14 Syourengi23.8,Muroo14.3,
Hitokura0.93,Biwako1900,Nunome15.4

2,023,630

Total effective
3
capacity(Mm )Name ofstation418,730 Noubi B.

Yonogawa,Daidogawa,Amagase,
Hinachi,Hiyoshi,Niu,Kawakami

Ootaki,Kinokawa
17,300285,000 Naruka,Asuwa
Tono

1 Sugesawa17.2
1
2 Haji41.1

17,2002 Sakanezeki1.6

1,600 Tomata

Obara41,100 Haizuka

Yanaibarazeki
61,9601,780 Nukui
106,000
19,600

BOD
DO
13)
13)
75% value
75% value
1996
1996
(ppm)
(ppm)
0.9

10.4

1.2
2.0
1.1
0.4
0.8

11.4
10.6
9.7
10.1
10.3

295,200 Hirakata

2.6

9.4

Asaka
TachinoKunikane
Tatuno79,800 Funato
Kumano59,932 Nakatuno
Takatuka
11,200 Gyotoku
Koda
Kuzumo54,200 Otsu
47,700 Mikunibashi
Takatsuohashi
79,000 Eianbashi
Sakurabashi
3,400 Kasumibashi
Yamatebashi
79,000 Kumura
Yamatobashi
Shinbashi

13.1
0.7
2.5
1.0
2.4
1.3
1.1
0.7
1.5
1.3
1.2
1.0
1.0
1.2
1.8
0.9
1.8
5.4
1.5
3.2
0.9

8.0
10.4
10.9
11.0
9.7
10.2
11.6
10.6
10.0
10.5
10.8
10.0
10.1
10.0
8.8
9.1
11.3
6.7
11.3
9.1
10.4

Takaoka B.
Kumozu B.
Kushida B.
Watarai B.
Habi

1,640

1

1
2 Ashidagawa Barrage4.96,Hattabara57
2 Takasezeki1.78
1 Yasaka106
1 Shimajigawa19.6

WATER QUALITY

IV-8

1. OUTLINE OF THE CLASS A RIVER SYSTEMS (II-4)
PRESENT SITUATION OF WATER USE
ADMINISTRATIVE
Name of
DIVISION
River System

Shikoku R.C.B.

Kyushu R.C.B.

Hydro Power

Domestic Water Supply

Industrial water

Irrigation

OthersNo. ofQuantity Population
Quantity Case Quantity Case Quantity Dams
Case
Case
(person)(m3/s)(m3/s)(m3/s)(m3/s)

Completed Facilities

Facilities under construction

Case

Quantity m3/s
Normal10) Max.11)

Yoshino R.

32

95.904 490.224

42

6.575

1493.01018.2644449.22218

6.432

Naka R.
Doki R.
Shigenobu R.
Hiji R.
Monobe R.
Niyodo R.

5

49.110 210.600

0.3
82.0
440.0
201.0
2.0
325.0

5.969
0.557
0.117
0.070
1.398

20.876
8.000
6.871
6.836
16.32610.833

0.020

1
7
4
9

12
1
24
114
5
36

3

0.780
2.500
11.424 36.740
42.140 125.000
64.925 281.190

0.001
0.087
1.390
0.663
0.013
0.808

4

1
4
6
18

1
2
3
27
1
10

Name of
Total effective
Name ofDams
Dams
capacity(Mm3)
Ikeda4.4,Shingu11.7,Kakozeki,
7334,700 Daijuzeki, Tomisato
Sameura289,Yanase29.6
2 Nagayasuguchi43.5
43,500 Hosogochi

2
2
6

0.028
0.040
0.019

1 Ishitegawa10.6
3 Kanogawa29.8,Nomura12.7
1 Nagase41.47
1 Oodo52

Watari R.

6

21.80067.840

19

0.259

52.0

14

0.103

50

2.466

11

0.061

2

Onga R.
Yamakuni R.

1
1

0.040
0.000

0.300
5.000

37
4

9.055
1.111

3130.41365.0

16
1

7.891
0.150

110
34

31.59613.987

5
13

0.239
1.188

1 Ongagawa kakouzeki8.84
2 Yabakei 21,Heiseioozeki0.052

8,840
21,052

Chikugo R.

22

139.846 450.740

11

7.644

4917.4

10

2.875

127

98.36439

5.357

Shimouke52.3,Terauchi16,
5 Matsubara47.1,Matsubarashimouke

115,400 Ooyama

Yabe R.
Matsuura R.
Rokkaku R.
Kase R.
Honmyo R.
Kikuchi R.
Shira R.
Midori R.
Kuma R.
Ooita R.
Oono R.
Banjo R.
Gokase R.
Omaru R.
Ooyodo R.
Sendai R.
Kimotsuki R.

43

6.230 21.170
129.220 146.540

10
1
1
2

0.154
0.078
0.029
0.588

8
4
10
20
14
11

9.882 29.300
27.350 58.830
44.540 131.730
93.875 552.850
31.350 86.770
42.470 104.880

5.0
286.1
47.9
218.4
82.6
207.5

3

1.557

11
33
7
2
1
10

58.3456.351
1.359
22.7601.227
20.342

0.041
2.253
0.014

16.502

0.010
1.375
0.201
1.100
0.058
0.281

2
2
3

8

1
13
3
2
1
3

22
4
11
5
2

85.03911.35096.69083.540
1.950

1
5
10
2
4
1
2
4

0.001
2.078
0.966
0.005
0.261
0.057
2.910
0.166

0.4
576.0
435.9
1.7
38.9
18.7
335.4
68.1

1
3
3
8
1
6
2
1
5
3

0.417
3.040
0.238
21.748
1.113
7.738
0.087
0.011
1.498
0.018

13
12
30
197
16
16
5
52
51
9

8.575
44.0435.918
48.204
1.880
9.150
9.335
32.265
11.6047.647

71.348237.499142.000
439.620366.200
5.010

WATER QUALITY

WATER RESURCES DEVELOPMENT FACILITIES

1
1
5
2
20
37
5
2

0.205
0.012
0.703
0.124
0.665
3.018
0.041
0.607

2
10
2

0.034
0.083
0.169

10,60042,50041,47052,000Nakasuzigawa, Yokozegawa

1 Kyuragi11.8
1 Rokkakugawa kakouzeki17.3
1
1
1
1
2 Midorikawa35.2
2 Ichifusa35.1
111,80017,300Kasegawa
Honmyogawa
RyumonTateno35,200 Midorikawa
35,100 Kawabegawa
Ooitagawa

1 Tsuruta77.5

77,500Total effective
capacity(Mm3)

Name ofstationBOD
DO
75% value13) 75% value13)
1996
1996
(ppm)
(ppm)

49,500 Takasebashi

1.8

8.8

52,600 Nakagawabashi
Marugamebashi
Deai39,100 Hijikawabashi
Yamadazeki
Hatazeki

1.0
8.0
7.2
1.1
1.0
0.9

9.7
7.4
8.4
9.9
10.4
9.6

19,200 Gudo

0.6

10.2

3.4
0.9

9.9
9.8

18,000 Senosita

1.8

10.0

Hunagoyakuribashi
Suminoebashi
68,000 Kanjinbashi
8,300 Asahimachi
41,500 Yamaga
7,800 Oshimabashi- Uesugiseki
106,000 Yokoishi
25,900 Hunaioohashi
Siratakibashi
Banjobashi
Gokasebashi
Takajobashi
Aioibashi
Chugo
Kawaharadabashi

1.2
2.2
1.2
1.2
5.0
2.0
3.5
1.7
2.1
1.4
1.0
0.5
0.8
0.4
1.0
1.2
3.8

10.2
11.1
7.2
10.8
10.1
9.4
9.4
10.4
10.2
10.7
10.3
8.8
8.3
10.2
9.7
9.4
7.2

hinodebashi
Shimotoubaru

IV-9

2. OUTLINE OF THE CLASS B AND LOCALLY DESIGNATED RIVER SYSTEMSClass B River Systems

Prefectures
No. ofRiver Systems

Hokkaido
Aomori
Iwate
Miyagi
Akita
Yamagata
Fukushima
IbarakiTochigi
GunnmaSaitama
Chiba
Tokyo
Knagawa
Niigata
Tamanashi
NaganoToyamaIshikawa
Gifu
Shizuoka
Aichi
Mie
Fukui
Shiga
Kyoto
Osaka
Hyogo
Nara
Wakayama
Tottori
Shimane
Okayama
Hiroshima
Yamaguchi
Tokushima
KagawaEhime
Kochi
Fukuoka
Saga
Nagasaki
Kumamoto
Ooita
MiyazakiKagoshima
Okinawa
TOTAL

219
77
45
30
21
18
36
17
0
0
0
59
12
23
143
3
0
30
60
0
83
55
74
21
0
36
17
93
0
85
42
72
22
47
105
39
79
182
97
52
60
218
80
93
53
160
49
2,707

No. ofRivers

428
152
104
70
51
60
159
28
0
0
0
134
15
84
394
9
0
99
163
0
263
147
193
39
0
89
40
345
0
317
112
157
64
135
428
129
275
406
263
146
174
352
144
211
234
310
73
6,996

Total Lengthof Rivers(km)4,214.6
998.0
966.0
347.2
451.1
273.1
1,388.5
175.7
0.0
0.0
0.0
1,077.7
95.7
510.6
1,537.5
20.2
0.0
470.7
893.5
0.0
1,220.4
720.0
805.1
248.0
0.0
409.7
185.4
1,685.0
0.0
1,424.1
398.4
848.0
269.5
624.0
2,197.2
430.5
1,009.2
1,238.2
1,243.7896.6
504.9
1,068.8
630.0
987.1
1,236.0
1,760.5350.9
35,811.3

Locally Designated River Systems
Catchment
area (km2)

27,436
5,342
5,226
1,276
1,489
746
3,408
696
0
0
0
3,818
120
1,225
3,710
114
0
1,100
2,504
0
2,797
2,312
1,721
1,235
0
1,278
538
3,514
0
2,997
740
1,943
655
1,550
4,724
762
1,350
2,065
2,483
1,981
741
2,297
1,991
1,892
3,604
6,950
901
111,231

No. of River
River Systems

146
24
78
20
29
4
18
16
2
1
2
43
13
36
53
5
7
39
58
4
98
112
112
18
1
19
12
39
6
21
33
33
16
38
123
35
40
37
34
69
29
195
127
94
20
491
14
2,464

No. ofRivers

388
46
540
40
137
124
255
97
41
42
198
122
18
106
193
211
1,358
128
144
74
824
695
868
63
81
512
61
284
283
79
67
124
146
193
582
700
120
96
173
318
209
296
908
567
104
1,238
22
13,875

Total Lengthof Rivers(km)

889.9
129.3
1,342.0
77.0
363.5
165.0
605.7
241.8
110.0
69.9
371.1
218.8
30.2
187.9
205.3
209.1
1,974.3
211.9
247.1
113.0
1,280.8
834.9
1,038.1
126.0
87.3
505.1
94.5
312.6
414.1
87.4
70.9
139.4
180.4
183.5
596.3
812.7
85.6
100.3
234.8
487.7
196.7
323.3
1,242.3
673.9
169.7
1,636.8
39.5
19,717.4
IV-10

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