市立友泉中学校

“Rainwater harvesting? At a school?” you might wonder. Here at Fukuoka City Yusen Junior High School, rainwater isn’t just something to avoid. It’s a valuable resource. Fukuoka City Yusen Junior High sits in the Hiik River’s path. In 2009, this area experienced significant flooding. This event spurred the school to take action. They began exploring innovative solutions to water management. Fukuoka City Yusen Junior High partnered with students living near Tokyo’s Zenpukuji River, another flood-prone area. Through a series of workshops, students brainstormed ways to collect and utilize rainwater. They focused on ideas that were both fun and effective in reducing rainwater runoff. These weren’t just theoretical exercises. The students’ plans were visualized and analyzed. Calculations revealed that their ideas, if implemented, could reduce runoff by a staggering 82% during a 100mm rainfall. In 2017, the students presented their findings to the entire school. That same year, they began implementing their plans. They started by planting grass in the frequently waterlogged middle garden. Later, they installed a rainwater tank. This further reduced runoff and provided a source of non-potable water. The project expanded in 2018 with the creation of a DIY rain garden in the middle garden. This project wasn’t just a student effort. Members of Mizbering Hiikawa, a local watershed organization, joined in. This fostered a strong connection between the students and the wider community. The initiative inspired further action within the school. The student council began discussing school design based on the rainwater society concept. In 2019, student enthusiasm led to the formation of “Amamizu,” a 43-member group dedicated to rainwater management. They conducted study sessions, measured infiltration capabilities, and learned from Mizbering Hiikawa members about their real-world implementations. The impact of this project extended beyond infrastructure. A student questionnaire revealed a significant increase in awareness and interest in rainwater and water circulation. By turning plans into action, Fukuoka City Yusen Junior High not only mitigated flood risk but also cultivated a generation of environmentally conscious students. They transformed a challenge into a learning opportunity, proving that even rainwater can be a source of inspiration.