The Battle of Tokyo and Dhaka Against Floods

In Asia, two deltaic cities have to endure the constant threat of flooding: Tokyo, capital of Japan, and Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries of Asia and Japan is the wealthiest country of Asia. The question is how these cities handle the threat of flooding. Are there similarities between their approaches or do they follow different courses? This paper shows that both cities use similar flood protection structures, such as flood walls and embankments. This is remarkable because, in general, the type of structure depends on the available resources, the physical constraints and the degree of urgency. There are also differences in flood control. Aesthetics and an appealing waterfront are in Bangladesh of less importance than in the more developed Japan. In this paper it becomes clear that Japan and Bangladesh can learn from each other. Additionally, other deltaic countries, like in the European Rhine catchment, can also benefit from their knowledge. Exchange of knowledge between all deltaic and flood endangered countries all over the world remains important. It can induce innovative solutions which can lead to better protected cities and better protected hinterland.