ARAKAWA GAKKAI (The Society of Arakawa River)
The ARAKAWA GAKKAI was created in 1996 with its members consisting of 400
Arakawa River lovers. And it was reorganized as a registered non-profit organization in2003.
The non-profit organization, "ARAKAWA GAKKAI" was established in order toachieve the various aims of; encouraging respect for the Arakawa River; promoting
awareness of its historical and present-day roles; and considering the relationshipbetween the river and those who live in the Arakawa River basin, nature and culture ingeneral. Our desire is to receive participation from all those who are as enthusiastic as
we in our hope to promote the well-being of the Arakawa River.
1. General Areas of non-profit Activity(1) To protect nature(2) To promote culture, the arts and sports(3) To promote healthy children's education(4) To promote social education(5) To promote health and social welfare(6) To support organizations that promote the above (1)-(5)2. General Areas of Activity of ARAKAWA GAKKAI(1) To study the Arakawa River(2) To hold research meetings, study meetings and/or lectures(3) To hold meetings & events in order to draw positive attention to the Arakawa
River, including visits to historical sites and arts & photography exhibitions(4) To promote the creation and publishing of books and/or newsletters about theArakawa River(5) To communicate and cooperate in the sharing of information with otherdomestic and international organizations involved in work related to river
renewal(6) To participate in other activities in order to achieve our various purposes
3. Reasons and Purpose of Establishment
The Arakawa River is one of the largest rivers in Japan. Its source is in Otaki town,
Saitama Prefecture, and traditionally it has served, not only Saitama, but also urban
and suburban Tokyo, and before that, Edo. It has always played a major role in terms ofserving agriculture, providing transportation, and, of course, supplying water to Tokyo.

However, it has also caused great harm due to flooding over the years. Therefore, about
100 years ago, to prevent more damage, a 22 km floodway was started to create. The
Lower Reaches of the Arakawa River was diverted via floodway through the Kita andKoto wards of Tokyo. Henceforth, it has contributed greatly to flood control.
Nowadays, the Arakawa River is increasingly being recognized as an importantnatural space, which has also played a vital historical role within the city. We can call it
cultural landscape of modern Tokyo.
4. Primary Activity(1) ARAKAWA GAKKAI Annual Information Sharing Event
The annual information sharing event is a chance for those associated with theARAKAWA GAKKAI to come together and share ideas and information. For those whohave research projects, it is an opportunity to discuss results. By means of presenting,their research and thoughts to the group, members engage in conversation and sharing
of information.
Taking place every year, this is the most important annual event for theorganization, as it promotes communication and leaning about the Arakawa River. We
invite any person, whether a member or not, to participate and share with us yourfeelings, ideas or knowledge about the Arakawa river.
(2) Arakawa Explorer's Club Web Project (AECWP)The AECWP is project designed to educate children about nature, with theArakawa River as a starting point. Based on actual in-the-field projects, experiences arerelated via the internet, and to be used as a learning tool.
One example of a memorable field activity took place in 2003, when fishermantaught children about some traditional styles of fishing native to the Arakawa River.
Through this exiting experience, children learned about and enjoyed the Arakawa River.
In addition, details and things learned through this activity are related on the website
for anyone interested in learning the Arakawa River.
We plan to carry out them similar explorations in the future.
(3) Planning Arakawa River seminar and symposium
We are planning a seminar on citizen participation, nature, education and thehistory of the Arakawa River. We also aim to express our opinions and findings tocitizens and local and national governments.
(4) Publishing the News letter and Website
To share information on the Arakawa River the organization publishes theARAKAWA GAKKAI News Letters． Recently most of the information appears on thehomepage of the website of the ARAKAWA GAKKAI (http://www.arakawa-gakkai.jp).
(5) Each Committees Activity
Currently, 6 committees - history, nature, photography, painting, sports and think
for maintain and management - are registered and active in Arakawa Gakkai. Membersof Arakawa Gakkai can organize new committees, in accord with Arakawa Gakkai
committee regulations. Each committee is subsidized by Arakawa Gakkai.
(As of September, 2011)
by Motoko.Mitsui (vice-chairpaerson of The society of Arakawa River)1. Books and Proceedings published by Arakawa Gakkai.

2. An open air school on the Arakawa River bed for children.

3. Nature observation around amanmade biotope on the riverbed.

4. A canoeing school for learning
safety river recreation.

5. Investigations of life

6.Proposal for the next Arakawa.

7. Symposium and panel session

8．Support for Annoucement andExchange among

Organizations.