Thursday, May 7, 2026
- 1 Prayers Residing in Lake Toyoko — Edaibetsu Dam Water Initiation Ceremony, 2026
- 2 FY2026 Water Initiation Ceremony — Ceremony Flow
- 3 Greetings from Chairman Junichi Fukase
- 4 The memorial monument "Toyoko" tells the story of the souls of our ancestors.
- 5 Prayers to the Dragon God and Toyoko Lake
- 6 YouTube videos
- 7 Other photos
- 8 Related articles
Prayers Residing in Lake Toyoko — Edaibetsu Dam Water Initiation Ceremony, 2026
What is the Edaibetsu Dam?
On Friday, May 1st, under a clear spring sky, the 2026 Hokuryu Land Improvement District Edaibetsu Dam Water Initiation Ceremony (Chairman: Junichi Fukase) was solemnly held.
The Edaibetsu Dam stores snowmelt and rainwater, supplying agricultural water to approximately 2,300 hectares of farmland in the town during the farming season (May to October). It was constructed with the aim of supplying ample water necessary for rice cultivation and preventing damage to various facilities through flood control.
A grand project spanning 13 years, born from a pioneering spirit.
Its history dates back to 1893, when Shoichiro Yoshiue and 20 others began clearing the dense, dark forest to start the pioneering work. In 1911, the Edaibetsu Water Supply Association was established, and they acquired water rights with the goal of developing 1,000 hectares of rice paddies. In 1917, the Land Improvement Association was approved, and a rich granary region was formed throughout the river basin.
However, rice paddy development far exceeded initial expectations, and along with a decrease in headwater flow, the area continued to suffer from increasingly severe water shortages year after year. The only solution devised to overcome this impasse was the construction of the Edaibetsu Dam. Construction began in 1953, and after 13 years and the expenditure of enormous national funds, it was completed in 1967. It is the foundation of Hokuryu agriculture, a culmination of the enthusiasm and wisdom of our predecessors.
FY2026 Water Initiation Ceremony — Ceremony Flow
The morning the winter shrine is opened
During the water-releasing ceremony, the shrine, which had been sealed off by deep snow, is opened, and offerings of rice, salt, sake, fish, vegetables, fruits, and sweets are presented. It is a solemn moment to pray for a bountiful harvest and safety throughout the year.
The ceremony was emceed by Shota Kagawa, section chief of the General Affairs Division of the Hokuryu Land Improvement District, and proceeded quietly and respectfully.
Dedicatory flute performance and prayer by Chief Priest Kota Onishi of Fukagawa Daikoku Shrine
Chief Priest Kota Onishi of Fukagawa Daikoku Shrine (Ichikomachi, Fukagawa City) solemnly offered a flute tribute and recited a prayer. The pure sound of the flute filled the Edaibetsu Dam, where only the sounds of wind, mountains, and water could be heard.
The dam's water-releasing ceremony is a sacred ritual imbued with the ancient Japanese spirit of giving thanks for nature's blessings and entrusting safety and a bountiful harvest to the gods.
The Shinto priest's prayers are filled with gratitude and prayers to the water gods, for the water they send out to nourish the fields and produce abundant rice and other crops, for the happiness of the people of the region being able to live prosperous lives, and for the existence of dams that prevent waterlogging.
Offering of sacred branches
The offering of sacred branches was performed by Mr. Junichi Fukase, Chairman of the Hokuryu Land Improvement District, Mr. Yasuhiro Sasaki, Mayor, and other attendees.
- Mr. Junichi Fukase, Chairman of the Hokuryu Land Improvement District
- Mayor of Hokuryu Town, Mr. Yasuhiro Sasaki
- To Mr. Minoru Nagai, Representative Director, Hokuryu District, Kitasorachi Agricultural Cooperative
- Mr. Naoki Shiraoka, Deputy Chairman of the Hokuryu Land Improvement District
- To Mr. Yoshitaka Iwakura, Chief Auditor
- To: Ms. Kazumi Hirabayashi, Chairperson of the Management Committee
- Director Katsushi Saito
- Director Keiichi Watanabe
- Director Satoru Shibutani
- Auditor Tomoya Nishino
- Mr. Hidefumi Okabe, Chief Engineer of Etaibe Dam
- Manager: Hiroto Fujii
Greetings from Chairman Junichi Fukase
"Thank you very much for attending the 2026 Land Improvement District "Edaibetsu Dam Water Initiation Ceremony" today. We would also like to thank Chief Priest Onishi for smoothly concluding the ceremony. We would also like to thank Mayor Sasaki, Mr. Nagai, the district representative director from JA, and Mr. and Mrs. Terauchi, community support staff from the town, for attending despite their busy schedules."
This year saw less snowfall than usual, and I think the water level was about 1 meter lower than it should have been. I think we have no choice but to use the water we have. Now, waiting for good weather is the challenge for this year.
Along the way, most of the plowing of the fields is complete, and some farmers are starting to fill their rice paddies with water today. This water is important because it will affect the harvest this autumn. Some farmers may be worried about the water, but staff from the land improvement district come to check on things every day, so please don't worry too much and just continue with your work as usual.
And above all, as the words "Heaven, Earth, and Water" suggest, I truly believe that the water in this dam is very important. Finally, I would like to conclude my remarks by wishing all participants good health and a year free from disasters. Thank you very much for today." This was Chairman Fukase's closing address.
The memorial monument "Toyoko" tells the story of the souls of our ancestors.
A monument stands on the shore of the dam. The characters "Toyoko" inscribed on the stone were written by Hirokazu Shinoda, former Minister of Home Affairs and Chairman of the National Public Safety Commission, and member of the House of Representatives. The base is made of white granite, and the monument itself is made of black granite.
Inscription (Land Improvement District Chairman Sakuzo Matsubara)
The development of the Hokuryu area began in 1893 (Meiji 26) when Shoichiro Yoshie and 20 others cleared the dense forest, which was dark even in the daytime, and engaged in farming. In 1911 (Meiji 44), after discussions, the Edaibetsu Water Supply Association was established, aiming to develop 1,000 hectares of rice paddies and acquiring water rights of 2,145 m³/sec, and began rice cultivation. In 1917 (Taisho 6), the Land Improvement Association was approved, and a rich granary area was created throughout the river basin. However, rice paddy development far exceeded initial expectations, and the development of the inland areas reduced the amount of water flowing from the source, leading to a severe water shortage year after year. The only way to overcome this impasse and further develop rice paddies was to plan the construction of this dam, which began in 1953 (Showa 28). After 13 years and the expenditure of a huge amount of national funds, it has now been completed. Of course, we must not forget that the completion of this great project was made possible by a combination of the enthusiasm of the local residents, the guidance and encouragement of pioneers, and the understanding of the authorities. We erect this monument to express our humble gratitude to these people and to all the technical personnel who were directly responsible for this difficult construction project.
September 8, 1967 Sakuzo Matsuhara, Chairman of the Land Improvement District
Praise (Shoichi Mori, Mayor of Hokuryu Town)
The long-awaited dam is finally complete. Behold its magnificent form, and soon we will know of its boundless benefits. It will regulate floods, irrigate the fertile fields, and provide abundant peace and relaxation to the townspeople—a symbol of eternal hope. We wish to praise it and call it "Toyo-ko" (Bountiful Lake). With heartfelt gratitude for the enthusiasm and efforts of all those involved over the years, we pledge to unite, cooperate, and work together in solidarity to contribute to the development of our town in response to the completion of this great achievement.
September 8, 1967, Shoichi Mori, Mayor of Hokuryu Town
water use sign
water use sign
River name: Edaibetsu River, part of the Ishikari River system (a first-class river)
Permit date/Permit number: August 22, 2017 Kita Kaikyo Kengyo No. 211
Permit expiration date: March 31, 2027
Name of licensing authority: Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Name of water user: Director of Hokkaido Development Bureau
Purpose of water use: IrrigationWater intake:
Rice planting period: May 1st to May 10th, 3.171 m³/s
Puddling period: May 11th to May 25th, 4.542 m³/s
Normal period: May 26th to June 30th, 3.399 m³/s
Deep water season: July 1st to July 10th, 4.847 m³/s
Normal period: July 11th to August 31st, 3.399 m³/sTotal water intake during the irrigation period: 21,390 thousand m³
Name of water intake facility manager: 11-1 Wa, Hokuryu-cho, Uryu-gun, Hokuryu-cho
Name of the relevant office: Hokkaido Development Bureau Sapporo Development and Construction Department (011-611-0328)
Prayers to the Dragon God and Toyoko Lake
We offer our heartfelt prayers to the great water god, "Dragon God," who watches over pure water and fertile land, for safety and abundance this year.
With boundless love, gratitude and prayers to the great Etaibetsu Dam, which fills the fields of the entire town with pure melting snowwater...
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