Approximately 190,000 irrigation ponds are distributed locally in Japan. In Hyogo Prefecture, the number of irrigation ponds as of April 2015 was 38,234. Within this prefecture, the Higashi Harima region is one of the most prominent areas in terms of irrigation pond density. Therefore, we focus our present study on this region. More specifically, in this paper, we review the historical background of the irrigation ponds in the Higashi Harima region over the last several centuries. We also discuss the current situation of the irrigation ponds and new challenges, including the multi-functional benefits that promote public awareness and encourage local people to properly maintain and manage the irrigation ponds.

在日本本地分布着约190,000个灌溉池塘。兵库县截至2015年4月的灌溉池塘数量为38,234。在该县内，东播磨地区是灌溉池塘密度最突出的地区之一。因此，我们将当前的研究重点放在这一地区。更具体地说，在本文中，我们回顾了过去两个世纪中东播磨地区的灌溉池塘的历史背景。我们还将讨论灌溉池塘的现状和新挑战，包括提高公众意识并鼓励当地居民正确维护和管理灌溉池塘的多功能好处。