Introducing Tokyo's leading ideas regarding sewers:
Training held in Tokyo aimed at advancing Asia's sewer engineering
Trainee presentation
At the Asian Network of Major Cities 21 (ANMC21), various training programs for specialists and administrative officers from member cities are established. We introduce the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) Bureau of Sewerage's Training of Sewerage Maintenance and Management Engineers held from October 22 to the 26.
This training provides the participating cities' sewer engineers with advanced ways to handle Tokyo's sewers. It started in 2002 with the goal of contributing to the advancement of Asia's state-of-the-art sewer technology. This year, 4 trainees from Singapore and Bangkok participated in the 5 day program that started on October 22nd.
In the morning of the first day of the training, the trainees from each city gave a presentation about their sewers' status, so they were able to deepen their mutual understanding regarding the issues each city faces. There was a lecture in the afternoon about Tokyo's sewer history, efforts to PR, and the main policies they are dealing with now. Meanwhile, the lecture about PR efforts was included in the curriculum based on the trainee's requests. Prior to arriving in Japan, the Singaporean trainees looked at the Bureau of Sewerage's website and commented on its diet recipe, saying that the cooking methods that use less oil are good for both the environment and the body. They told us that it is "overflowing with brilliant ideas"
Column: Asking the supervisor Part 1
Mr. Ishigaki, Staff of General Affairs Section, lectures on "History of Tokyo Sewers"
- How did you feel attending the training this time?
It's only been 3 years working as a staff member in Tokyo, and it was the first time giving training lectures for trainees from different Asian cities. I was very nervous, but the trainees were very enthusiastic to listen to my lecture. It was a valuable experience to understand the operation methods of Singapore and Bangkok for myself as well.
- Were there any striking moments with the trainees?
We ate sushi for lunch together. At first, I thought the trainee from Singapore did not like ikura because he didn't touch it. On the contrary, it was his favorite. He was saving the best for last! Everyone laughed at how we all think alike.
- What have you gained most from participating in the training?
Being able to laterally communicate between Asian cities. Even though the training has finished, we keep in touch with each other via email.
I look forward to continuing this kind of connection from here on out.
Looking at a lecture
On the 2nd training day, we had a lecture about sewer pipe maintenance control, Sewer Economic Management Information System (SEMIS), and Tokyo Amesh[2]. In this lecture about sewer pipe maintenance control, we discussed the basics, such as daily round inspection and examination duties.
On the 3rd training day, under a theme of sewer pipe maintenance control, we conducted on-site observations. At each observation, we answered to questions about the methods of construction and the materials used, and there were many special questions distinctive to the engineers who participated at those fields.
On the 4th training day, we observed the Kuramae Pump Station and the Mikawashima Water Reclamation Center. Beside the water treatment facility at the Mikawashima Water Reclamation Center, we also took a look at the influx of cyan through the cyan monitors. Because they are currently constructing a system to monitor the influx of hazardous materials in Singapore now, the Singaporean trainees wished to study how it is treated in Tokyo. Many enthusiastic questions came one after another from the trainees about the structure of the measuring instruments and operation procedures.
The maintenance of installation pipes at the construction site
Cyan monitor
Column: Asking the Supervisor Part 2
Mr. Yabuki, Team leader, Operation information management team, lectures on "Tokyo Amesh"
- What was your point for this lecture?
Some trainees wished to learn about the publicity for Tokyo, so I had them access the Amesh homepage to let them experience Tokyo's PR firsthand through the perspective of an internet browser.
- Were there any striking moments interacting with the trainees?
On the last day of the training, I offered the trainees a set of "Hanafuda" (*1) as a commemorative gift. The four seasons of Japan are depicted on the floral playing cards. To the trainees from countries without much yearly climate change, the cards seemed to have left a very special and fresh impression.
- How do you wish to build the relationship between Tokyo and other large Asian cities hereafter?
Similar to other local governments in Japan, we aim to form a relationship with overseas cities whom we can frequently exchange information with. However, this will be very difficult due to language barriers. Nevertheless, the participants were satisfied after the training we had this time. If they can take the knowledge and information obtained in Japan back to their own cities, we can mutually deepen our relationship even if only slightly.
(*1) Hanafuda, literally meaning "floral card," is a traditional Japanese card game. There are plants and animals illustrated on each card, and each design has a specific number of points.
On the last of training, we had a meeting to wrap-up the entire training and exchange ideas. They asked questions on a wide range of themes, and further deepened their understanding of the operation of Tokyo's sewers. Finally, the Director General of the Bureau of Sewerage ended by awarding diplomas and telling trainees "let's strengthen our personal relationship hereafter."
After the completion of training, the trainees said they felt that "we were extremely satisfied with learning techniques we could also use in our own countries." The training proved to be a highly satisfying program for the participants. Also, during the 5 days of training, not only in Tokyo, but fellow trainees from two cities, could tighten their friendship, and it proved greatly useful for building a personal network as well.
We would be happy if this training was not limited to the exchange of sewer technologies between each city, but also included assisting the resolution of each city's issues. We eagerly await many participants for next year.
Column: Asking the supervisor Part 3
Mr. Hagiyama, Supervisor for Technical Investigation, leads the inspection on the 3rd day
- What did you consider to prepare the training?
The circumstances in each of the participating cities. Since the trainees are from cities where countermeasures against severe downpour as well as floods are an issue, I strategically planned the site of inspection to meet their needs.
- How did the trainees respond?
They reacted with great enthusiasm and diligence. We set out to resolve any questions right there on the spot. As a supervisor, I was happy to be able to face these questions head on. This type of exchange with the trainees was very fun.
- Frankly speaking, what was the best part of training people from overseas?
Actually, there are issues in each of the cities that very much resemble ones in Tokyo. In the presentation on Singapore and Bangkok, I was able to hear about techniques and approaches that we don't have in Tokyo. Even for the city that held the training, there were things we could learn. Perhaps this was the real pleasure of the training.
A memorial photo after awarding the diplomas (trainees, bureau chief, training lecturers)
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