Why Aren’t Electrical Cables Underground in Japan?

One of the first things that catches your eye when you turn your gaze anywhere in Japan electric poles and there may be countless cables on them. Whether you’re on the crowded streets of Tokyo or the historical neighborhoods of Kyoto, this is an unchanging fact.

Even though we are in the age of technology, why does Japan still have so many has an aboveground power line Let’s take a closer look at it.

One of the biggest factors behind the prevalence of above-ground power lines in Japan is cost.

Laying underground cables, compared to aboveground lines It is a very expensive procedure. But beyond cost, above-ground lines can be easier to maintain and repair. Especially natural disasters after that Detection and repair of damaged lines can be done more quickly above ground.

However, these lines like earthquake and typhoon It should also be noted that it is more vulnerable to natural disasters. In fact, many Japanese people are under serious stress regarding security.

We wouldn’t be wrong if we said that Japan is slowly (quite slowly…) switching to an underground cable system.

The underground system, which does not spoil the city view, is also resistant to natural disasters. like japan frequent earthquakes It provides a great advantage in a country.

Underground systems are less likely to be damaged, allowing emergency services to continue uninterrupted, but not many people think about it. It is not without its disadvantages.

For example such as flood or landslide As you can imagine, isolating and repairing damaged areas in such cases can be quite a difficult process.

Despite all its disadvantages, the government in 2019 in Chiba, Japan Due to the natural disaster it experienced, the work of laying cables underground has accelerated considerably.

Management of the power grid in Japan is divided between the public and private sectors.

such as Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) large private companies, While defending the advantages of above ground lines; The government is taking steps to expand underground cables.

There is no consensus on this issue among the Japanese people. Some no matter what While advocating undergrounding power lines; some of the power lines in rural areas rustic charm He thinks he adds.

The two opposing ideas argue that Japan’s decisions on its power grid are not just technical and financial, but also cultural and aesthetic factors It shows that it holds up.

All these problems aside, the background of the matter is that World War II. There is also a World War II influence.

Aerial view of Tokyo after it was destroyed by American bombing, March 10, 1945

Japan’s priority, World War II. country after World War as soon as possible was to rebuild. As a result, according to the National Institute of Land and Infrastructure Management faster and cheaper Because they were above ground power poles were used for electrical cables.

It is not known how far they have progressed in the underground cable system, but this problem poses a problem for Japan. It will hurt for a long time definite. Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments.

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