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July 25, 2024 On July 25, 2024, our research group conducted a field trip to Yamato Town in central Kumamoto Prefecture, with the cooperation of the Kami-mashiki Regional Promotion Bureau and local farmers. Under the guidance of the Civil Engineering Division of the Regional Promotion Bureau, we first visited the disaster site of the Kaneuchi Bridge on National Route 445, which had been damaged in July 2023. Afterward, we moved to the Irisa Community Center, where staff members from the Bureau introduced various disasters that had occurred in 2023 and the recovery efforts within Yamato Town. Local farmers then shared their experiences related to water, rivers, and agriculture, which sparked lively discussions among the attendees.
During the lunch break, a lively BBQ party was organized featuring local seasonal vegetables, organic rice balls, and savory meat of wild boars, and our research group members had an enjoyable time interacting with the other participants. In the afternoon, we engaged in hands-on learning activities, such as organic duck farming and working in a cucumber field, fully experiencing the blessings of water. We also visited the circular tank diversion works and the Tsujun Bridge, where local farmers and museum staff explained the historical significance of these water-related structures.
被災された金内橋周辺 入佐公民館での交流会
Disaster site around the Kaneuchi Bridge Exchanges in the Irisa Community Center
有機合鴨農法の現場学習 きゅうり畑での現場学習
Rice duck farming Cucumber farming
円形分水見学 通潤橋見学
Circular tank diversion works Tsujun Bridge
Through this field trip, we were able to reaffirm the importance of water research that considers flood control, water utilization, and the environment. We also deepened our understanding of the real water situation and the history and culture of water in the local Kumamoto area, which was a valuable learning experience. Furthermore, by utilizing the common theme of water, the interaction between university students, local farmers, and administrative and technical personnel from the region has strengthened the connection between Kumamoto University and the local community. We hope to leverage this strengthened relationship to contribute to the revitalization of this rural region in the future.
Additionally, 4 interns from Chienkuo Technology University (Taiwan) who are currently staying at our laboratory also participated in this trip. While Kumamoto and Taiwan are becoming increasingly close due to the investment of TSMC, they actually share various water-related issues, including water disasters. This time, the interns gained insights into the experiences and technologies related to water in Kumamoto, which we hope they can apply to address water-related challenges in the civil engineering and agricultural fields in Taiwan.
