Japan’s water infrastructure, much of which was built in the 1970s, is showing signs of age and now requires urgent maintenance and renewal.
Although Japan has abundant freshwater resources — approximately 430 billion cubic meters annually, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization — it is the country’s infrastructure and utilities that ensure a consistent and reliable supply for its population.
The challenges facing Japan’s water infrastructure are compounded by several factors, including an aging population, rapid urban growth, declining water revenues, a shortage of skilled workers, and widening regional disparities.
National, urban, and rural solutions to strengthen Japan’s water systems
Japan has introduced three major initiatives to address water infrastructure challenges at the national, city, and rural levels.
- The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) Water Supply Chart is a tool that visualizes the financial status and seismic resilience of Japan’s water utilities.
- Tokyo Metropolitan Waterworks Bureau’s Five-Year Environmental Plan, which outlines Tokyo’s environmental and operational goals.
- The MLIT Catalogue of Digital Technology in Water and Sewerage Systems, which showcases 119 advanced technologies for local governments and operators, particularly in rural areas.
MLIT water supply chart: Strengthening financial and seismic resilience
The MLIT Water Supply Chart classifies the business conditions and earthquake resistance levels of over 1,300 water utilities across Japan. Water utilities are assessed based on their revenue collection rates and whether these are sufficient to cover water supply costs.
According to 2022 data, fee collection rates remain below 100%, and 627 operators have at least one facility with an earthquake resistance rate below the national average of 46.5%. Smaller operators are especially vulnerable, often struggling with both low collection rates and limited seismic resilience.
Having a comprehensive view of financial and structural conditions helps utilities identify problem areas and implement effective corrective measures.
Tokyo’s five-year plan: Toward decarbonization and a circular economy
Since 2004, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Waterworks has developed its Environmental Plan every five years to guide sustainable water management.
The latest plan (2020–2025) is built on four pillars:
- Decarbonization
- Circular society
- Water and green conservation
- Multistakeholder collaboration
It sets 45 initiatives, including cutting GHG emissions by 50% by 2023 (compared to 2000 levels) and raising the share of renewable energy use to 60%.
Other goals include protecting upstream forests, expanding urban green spaces, and increasing environmental awareness through community partnerships.
Leveraging digital technology and public-private collaboration
The MLIT Catalog of Digital Technology in Water and Sewerage Systems presents 119 advanced solutions, ranging from predictive maintenance and inspection tools to data management platforms.
These technologies are designed for municipalities and water operators facing population decline and a shortage of skilled workers.
Public-private partnerships have become increasingly effective in deploying smart water meters, which enable automated readings, wireless data transmission, and real-time leak detection.
These innovations improve operational efficiency and help compensate for Japan’s aging workforce.
A path forward for Japan’s water security
Japan’s water infrastructure challenges are complex and multifaceted.
Despite its plentiful freshwater supplies, ensuring a safe and sustainable water supply depends on tackling issues related to infrastructure, operations, and workforce capacity.
By combining strong national oversight, urban decarbonization and conservation initiatives, and digital transformation in rural areas, Japan can build a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable water system, one capable of withstanding both environmental and demographic pressures.
Sources:
Reimagining water infrastructure for resilience and sustainability in Japan. (2025, July 8). World Economic Forum. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/07/japan-water-infrastructure-resilience-and-sustainability/
Environmental Initiatives (n.d.). Bureau of Waterworks. Retrieved from https://www.waterworks.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/suidojigyo/torikumi/kankyo?
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism publishes “Waterworks Chart” to visualize waterworks management and earthquake resistance. (2024, December 20). NHK. Retrieved from https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20241220/k10014674361000.html
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