If you’re like me (and I sincerely hope you’re not), you use Windows and must log in every morning, staring at whatever photo the algorithm has determined will most calm you while your machine grinds itself to life. This morning, I was startled to see that photo as being Enkei Bunsui (円形分水【えんけいぶんすい】), a little-known remnant of 19th century irrigation technology located in Yabe.
Called in English “circular tank diversion works,” the device solves a problem of how to combine and divert rapid, large-volume water flow from irrigation canals. The answer our clever ancestors came up with was to force the water up through pipes and allowing the now-tamed flow to spill gently over the lip of the circular tank. Good idea, guys!
They’re rare, and this one in Yabe is particularly famous. It splits the flow of one powerful channel into two at a ratio of 7:3 - the larger of the two eventually crosses Tsujyun Bridge. If you’re ever out in that neck of the woods, it’s worth a look - or maybe you’ll see it on your Windows login page. The link is to an informative and entertaining explanation. - William
http://www.ajkj.jp/ajkj/kumamoto/yabe/kanko/enkeibunsui/enkeibunsui.html