In a Japan where heavy rain has become the 'new normal,' Takamiya has launched a new flood control initiative

Recently, linear precipitation zones and record-breaking short-term heavy rainfall are terms we hear more often on the news.
Until a few years ago, heavy rain was reported as a 'rare disaster.'
But now, many people are likely thinking, 'Is it happening again this year?'

In fact, Japan Meteorological Agency observations show that the frequency of short-term heavy rainfall of 50mm or more per hour has increased by approximately 1.5 times compared to the period between 1976 and 1985.
In other words, heavy rain disasters are no longer just a problem for certain regions; they have become something that can happen anywhere in Japan.

What if a hospital floods?
What if a school serving as an evacuation center becomes unusable?
What if a logistics center comes to a standstill?

It is not just buildings that suffer damage.
The very life of the community comes to a halt.

That is why what is needed now is not 'disaster prevention that responds after a disaster occurs,' but 'disaster prevention to ensure continuity.' In this context, Takamiya is advancing new initiatives for flood control.

'There is no one to stack sandbags'—the reality of disaster sites

What happens on the ground when a heavy rain disaster occurs?
Local governments and facility managers are overwhelmed with massive tasks, such as evacuation guidance, safety checks, and information sharing, all with limited personnel.
Implementing flood control measures under such conditions is by no means easy.

Traditional sandbags are heavy and must be transported in large quantities.
Stacking them requires both manpower and time, and experience is needed to place them without gaps.

Furthermore, after use, the mud-covered sandbags must be collected and disposed of.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with sandbags themselves.
They are a vital disaster prevention tool that has supported many sites to date.

However, now that heavy rains are becoming more severe and labor shortages are becoming more acute, the reality is that 'traditional methods alone are no longer enough.'
'We want to do our best for disaster prevention, but the front lines cannot keep up.'
Such challenges are now occurring in various places.

Stopping water with water. The concept of the Tiger Dam

This is where Takamiya is stepping in with the water-filled, easy-to-inflate dam system, the 'Tiger Dam.' The mechanism is very simple.

You fill a large tube-shaped body with water, and its weight prevents flooding. All you need is a hose and water.
There is no need to transport soil.
It can be set up by about two people without specialized knowledge, which significantly reduces the burden of initial response during a disaster.

Also, because it can be stored compactly when not in use, there is no need for space to store large quantities of sandbags.
'Transportable to where it is needed, when it is needed.'
This is a major advantage for local governments with dispersed bases and companies operating large facilities.

Furthermore, the Tiger Dam is used not only for flood control during heavy rain but also in various other settings, such as preventing flooding in underground facilities, protecting equipment in factories and logistics facilities, and for drainage and water diversion at construction sites.
It is being utilized as a mechanism to support social infrastructure from the perspective of 'controlling water.'

To dismantle, you simply drain the water.
Because it reduces the burden of dealing with mud and soil, post-disaster recovery work can also be made more efficient.
Takamiya's goal was not just 'high-performance disaster prevention.'
'Something anyone can use, immediately and reliably.'
We believe that is what is most important during a disaster.

To ensure disaster prevention does not rely on 'those who work hard'

Takamiya has long supported construction sites with scaffolding and temporary equipment.
Throughout this time, we have faced the challenge of how to reduce the burden on these sites.

Can we handle heavy objects more safely?
Can we work efficiently even with fewer people?
Can we reduce danger and protect the people working there?

This mindset also applies to disaster prevention.
What is needed during a disaster is not 'trying harder'.
It is about creating a system where anyone can act safely, even with limited personnel.
And it is about ensuring that social functions do not stop.

Ensuring hospitals keep running.
Ensuring schools can function as evacuation centers.
Ensuring logistics do not come to a halt.

Takamiya believes that protecting these “everyday norms” is also the role of a company that supports social infrastructure.
That is why we treat the Tiger Dam not just as a disaster prevention product, but as a 'system to support the front lines'.

Summary

In an era where disasters are becoming more severe.
What is needed for future disaster prevention is not just 'guts' or 'human-wave tactics'.
A system that can protect the community even when there is a labor shortage.
A system that keeps society running while reducing the burden on the front lines.
Such “sustainable disaster prevention” will become increasingly important from now on.

Takamiya is a company that has supported construction sites with 'scaffolding'.
However, today, our technology and ideas extend beyond just construction sites.

Ensuring that local life does not stop even during heavy rain.
Protecting people's safety.
Continuing to support social infrastructure.

A company that has supported construction sites is now trying to support people's lives themselves through a different approach.
“We want to be an indispensable presence for society.”
Driven by this desire, Takamiya will continue to work toward creating a society where people can live with peace of mind through disaster prevention and infrastructure support.