Top 4 Brilliantly Novel Uses of Concrete, Concrete, and More Concrete (Notes from Under the Tatami Mats–16 … My Adventures in Japan)

“Hmm, maybe there's a connection between the ownership of the companies and the tons and tons of concrete.”

All in the family

It’s a known fact that more than a few major (and very successful) concrete companies throughout Japan are owned by brothers, cousins, uncles, or other relatives of powerful politicians and bureaucrats.

Of course, I aint saying that there’s any connection between the ownership of those lucrative companies and the tons and tons of concrete throughout the nation. I’m just stating that fact; you connect the dots. 

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A losing battle

Several years ago, I was told by a friend of mine (who had spent his entire career working with fishery cooperatives) that the Japanese development agency would line long stretches of riverbanks with concrete and would build huge dams – for no clear reason, and over the vehement opposition of the fisherman.

The fishermen always lost the battles. So did the fish.

Another seaside view

Of course, it's not all concrete, and there are plenty of beautiful waterside scenes. Here's one to add a bit of color to this post.    _{(Image source)}

   Introduction to – “Notes from Under the Tatami Mats”  _{(right-click on title)}

Top 3 Ineffective Anti-Terrorism Measures

Top 3 Dirty Politicians and Bureaucrats

Top 11 Stars I’ve Been Told that I Look Like

... and more

Links to my Other Series …

      Introduction – "Intro to Vocab-ability"   _{(right-click on title)}
      Guide – "Guide to Entries"   _{(right-click on title)}
      Index– "Index" to all Chapters and Sections   _{(right-click on title)}

      Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 1"   _{(right-click on title)}
      Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 2"   _{(right-click on title)}

_{Images sourced from Google Images, unless otherwise indicated or unless my own.}