My home state of California does not get much rain. Heavy precipitation there is like an average rainy day in Kumamoto. A difference is that we’re prepared for it, while they’re like, “What?! Water falling from the sky?!”
This year, though, has seen very needed precipitation. A friend sent me a photo of the unconventional spillway at Lake Berryessa, in northern California’s Napa County - it’s an eight-foot diameter pipe similar to a bathtub drain located in the center of the reservoir that saw its last inflow two years ago (now is probably not the best time to swim there). The photo reminded me of Yabe Cho’s Enkeibunsui (円形分水）, except that the water flow directions are opposite.
In 1854, some thought directing the flow of Yabe’s Sasawaragawa river in two directions would be useful for agriculture, but the problem of dividing a rushing, highlands river was problematic. They settled on a circular diversion fountain in which the incoming water is slowed by forcing it up a pipe and then divided into two sections (an examination of the photo will clarify this). The majority of water which passes through the Tsujyunkyo aqueduct originates via this ingenious work.
If in Yabe, Enkeibunsui is worth a visit. Also, pay attention to other multiple waterworks, most built long ago. - William