press release

Yokohama Water is entrusted with the planning and operation of awareness seminars for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

2024.10.03 / Last updated: 2024.11.16

Yokohama Water Co., Ltd. starts a new project with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

Yokohama Water Co., Ltd. is commissioned to conduct a "water supply business awareness seminar" with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
- Start of project to think about the future of water supply with young people -

Aiming for a sustainable future for water utilities

Yokohama Water Co., Ltd. (location: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Representative Director: Tokuya Honma) has signed a contract with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism on October 2, 2024, under which it will conduct research and study and plan seminars to raise awareness of the water supply industry. has been officially selected as the trustee for the management operations Under this agreement, the project performance period will be from October 3, 2024 to March 14, 2025.

Background and challenges

Japan's water utilities are facing a variety of harsh conditions, including aging facilities, fewer employees, and a declining population. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to implement disaster prevention and mitigation efforts in preparation for the ``Noto Peninsula Earthquake'' that occurred in 2024 and the ``Nankai Trough Earthquake'' expected in the future. Water supply is an important infrastructure that is essential to the daily lives of local residents, and its sustainable maintenance and development is required as a common asset.

Against this background, this project aims to deepen understanding of the water supply industry, especially among young people.

Project overview

In this project, we will work with local governments that operate water utilities, mainly targeting university students and the younger generation, to discuss the future of water services while sharing the current situation and challenges. We provide an opportunity to learn about the history and current state of water supply, and to exchange opinions about the future direction and burden of management.

In particular, the seminar will utilize the latest technology, the Metaverse, to provide an efficient and interactive learning environment. Through this, we aim to acquire knowledge effectively in a short period of time. We will also incorporate business frameworks used for corporate diagnosis and discuss management issues faced by water utilities as public enterprises.

Furthermore, through future sessions aimed at resolving regional issues, we are also preparing a program that encourages young people to think and take action to solve issues on their own.

Future developments

From now on, the young people who will participate in the project and the local governments that will operate the water supply business will be selected through public recruitment. The results of the activities will be widely disseminated through the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and will also be used for public relations activities to the entire nation.

If you are an organization or individual interested in this project, please contact us using the contact information below.