STUDY ON ASSESSING THE VALUE OF THE TENGUIWA IRRIGATION CANAL

Abstract

In Japan, following changes in socioeconomic conditions, such as financial deterioration, an
increase in social capital, and a decrease in population, ideas about infrastructure improvement have greatly
changed. Recently, irrigation canals possessing historic value have attracted the attention of the public as
assets for community development. The present study focused on the Soja district, in which many historical
and cultural resources exist but where these resources have not been developed. A questionnaire was
administered to the local residents and revealed the value of the Tenguiwa Irrigation Canal as an
environmental asset. The present study also examined the relationship between the value of the Tenguiwa
Irrigation Canal as an environmental asset and the direction of community development in the Soja district.