As climate change fuels increasingly severe weather events, communities around the world face mounting pressure to reduce the impact of environmental disasters such as floods and typhoons. In Japan, a country long accustomed to nature’s extremes, public policy is shifting decisively toward prevention and resilience. A prime example is Tokyo’s vast Metropolitan Outer Area Underground Discharge Channel, one of the largest flood control systems in the world. This engineering feat has already prevented an estimated $1 billion (150 billion yen) in economic damage, while helping to protect the lives of many in the world’s biggest metropolis.
“Our goal is to ensure that we can deliver top-quality products to the Asian market” – Makoto Ishigaki
The Flood Buster’s distinctive design offers clear advantages over conventional water pump systems.
The private sector is also experiencing a surge in innovation, as city planners seek out the most effective, no-compromise solutions. Founded in 1958 on the island of Shikoku, Ishigaki Company has built a reputation as a trusted developer of industrial water machinery and engineering life-saving solutions for flood control. Its technologies also support the critical mission of delivering clean drinking water to millions. Ishigaki’s aptly named Flood Buster pump plays a crucial role in protecting towns and cities across Japan, especially in areas with many historically significant buildings. “Our equipment plays a crucial role in removing water from city water canals, vital for disaster prevention. Over the past six years, we have sold several hundred of these machines for public civil engineering projects,” said Makoto Ishigaki, president of the company.
The pump’s distinctive form factor allows it to operate at all water levels, reducing the frequency of start-stop cycles, which are a common cause of breakdown for conventional pumps. Looking ahead, the company hopes it can contribute to safer societies not only in Japan, but around the world. Currently, about 25% of Ishigaki’s sales come from overseas, with plans to grow that share further in the future. “With Southeast Asia’s growing economy and a more attractive yen, the market now has growing potential,” Ishigaki said. “Clients from the Philippines have reached out to us, placing orders for flood-prevention equipment. This is a huge opportunity, especially considering the impact of global warming, which is causing more unpredictable heavy rain and extreme weather in regions that have never experienced such conditions before,” he added.
Beyond flood control, Ishigaki is also active in several other sectors. Sewage sludge treatment has long been a core focus, with the company’s latest screw press systems offering a more sustainable alternative. “In the past, centrifugal dehydrators were the main equipment used, but our screw press offers significant benefits,” noted Ishigaki. “It helps reduce CO2 emissions substantially, operating with low electricity consumption.” In more specialized areas, Ishigaki highlights growing demand from the semiconductor industry. “Our flagship product, the filter press, is especially valuable in managing wastewater from semiconductor production. The manufacturing process generates many small parts and significant waste, which needs to be separated from wastewater. We have seen growing potential in this sector, particularly as semiconductor production expands in Japan and the wider region,” Ishigaki said.
