Debates over dam removal in Japan

Japan is facing a severe problem with the aging of its infrastructure, including dams. We studied eight controversial cases (the Ararse, Okusawa, Setoishi, Tamayodo, Minochi, Yasuoka, Tsuga and Nibutani Dam) involving dam removal in Japan and elucidated the triggers and suggested reasons for the debate. Renewal of water rights was a major trigger in three of the eight cases. Environmental reasons in five cases were not relevant to the demolition decision regarding dams conferring public benefit, even if restoration of the river environment was a recognized benefit. Compared with single‐purpose dams, the removal debate for a multi‐purpose dam, based on economic reasons regarding a single function, did not gain traction. Among the eight cases, there has been no case triggered by the renewal of water right by reason of economics, which should be highlighted options for stock management purposes.