42. A polluted urban river
During the past fifty years, Japan was strongly committed to the achievement of economic development and prosperity. As a consequence, we cannot help but feel that water is now retaliating with a vengeance.
43.Block Title
Food and Water-The Crisis of Agricultural Water
44. Rice field scene
Water continues to bestow incalculable blessings on us. It quenches our thirst and assures the production of food.
That assurance, however, will not necessarily continue on forever.
45. An agricultural waterway
Rice production in Japan requires the support of an abundance of water and, even today, we are able to secure a 100% supply of rice, our staple food.
Irrigation systems have been completely developed in rice-growing areas and water has always been supplied, in just the amounts needed, by the canals that crisscross throughout these areas.
