> There have been a number of times the LDP was not in power The LDP has been in power since 1955, except for two periods (1993-94 and 2009-12). That's roughly

> There have been a number of times the LDP was not in power The LDP has been in power since 1955, except for two periods (1993-94 and 2009-12). That's roughly 61/67 years. > rivers flood uncontrolled during the rainy seasons Not all rivers flood, but almost all have been lined with concrete. OP's article definitely reminds me of some of Alex Kerr's writing (a good interview at https://www.kyotojournal.org/kyoto-interview/concretizing-the-japanese-dream-alex-kerr-on-state-sponsored-vandals-true-romance-and-contemporary-genii https://www.kyotojournal.org/kyoto-interview/concretizing-th...). He defined some of the issues facing Japan, including the concretization of coasts and waterways.