#Japan #Tenchijin #Miyakonojo #DX Solution #Space Water Bureau

Transforming Water Management with Technology

In a groundbreaking approach to water management, the Tokyo-based venture company Tenchijin, recognized by JAXA, has launched their 'Space Water Bureau' solution. This innovative service harnesses satellite data to enhance the sustainability of water supply systems. Recently, Tenchijin showcased a case study from the Miyakonojo City Waterworks Bureau in Miyazaki Prefecture, marking a significant milestone in their journey to modernize water management practices. This follows their initial case study released in October 2025 from Saga City.

Overview of Miyakonojo City's Water Infrastructure

Miyakonojo City is known for its vast water supply network, covering approximately 1900 km of pipelines, catering to 156,800 residents and around 75,700 households. This extensive infrastructure is comparable to the direct distance spanning from Sapporo, Hokkaido, to Amami Oshima in Kagoshima Prefecture. In the fiscal year 2024, the city documented 550 leaks, with 160 of these occurring in distribution pipes. Limited manpower can only inspect about 1000 km of pipelines each year, often leaving them to revisit the same locations only after a year. Yuta Yamazaki, the Deputy Chief of the Water Supply Department, describes the leak detection process as akin to a treasure hunt without clues, necessitating extensive effort over large areas.

Implementation of the 'Space Water Bureau'

After careful consideration among various service providers, the Miyakonojo City Waterworks Bureau decided to integrate the 'Space Water Bureau.' This REVOLUTIONARY platform not only identifies areas at high risk for leaks but also informs future pipeline renewal plans. Yamazaki recalls the ease with which staff members adapted to the new technology, saying, "Many of my supervisors were intrigued by the term 'space,' making the transition smoother than expected."

Now, in its second year of implementation, Yamazaki rates the 'Space Water Bureau' a solid 7.5 out of 10, expressing a strong desire to utilize the service for at least the next five years. This shift in operational efficiency is reflected in the revised morning instructions for leak inspections. Where teams once received broad directives to check entire neighborhoods, they now receive specific tasks focused on 100-meter squares, inspired by the risk-mapped data that guides them to prioritize areas of concern. Yamazaki states, "It has evolved from a treasure hunt to one with hints, allowing us to focus our efforts with greater accuracy."

Achievements and Future Plans

The implementation has already yielded noticeable results, as the team began priority inspections of 474 high-risk areas, completing two rounds within just 1.5 years. By increasing inspection frequency, the likelihood of detecting leaks has risen dramatically. Moreover, based on requests from the Miyakonojo Bureau, additional layers, such as geological maps and specific pipeline types, have been systematically integrated into the system.

Yamazaki, whose background as a former police officer informs his current focus on water management, articulates the vision for his department: "Like traffic violations, leaks should ideally be non-existent. Rather than celebrating the number of leaks found, the goal should be to approach zero. Moving forward, we plan to align our risk assessment results with pipeline renewal strategies, shifting from merely detecting issues to preventing them."

Further insights into the Miyakonojo City Waterworks Bureau's initiatives, reasons behind the adoption of the 'Space Water Bureau', and expected advancements in water management can be found on their dedicated case study webpage.
Case Study Page

About 'Space Water Bureau'

Launched in April 2023, the 'Space Water Bureau' aims to revolutionize water management by utilizing satellite data. To date, it has partnered with over 60 municipalities, reflecting its growing acceptance within the field. The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism included it in the updated 'DX Technology Catalog for Water Supply and Sewerage' published on March 27, 2026, recognizing it as a practical technological solution.

Advanced Features of the 'Space Water Bureau'

1. Leak Risk Diagnosis Support
Utilizing satellite data, the system helps identify leak-prone pipeline sections with incredible detail, allowing efficient maintenance by prioritizing areas at risk of leaks.

2. Pipeline Renewal Planning Support
By assessing pipeline conditions and considering the impacts on both residential and important facilities, the system generates multiple prioritization scenarios for renewal, accommodating various community needs or disaster impact considerations.

In essence, the 'Space Water Bureau' merges extensive municipal data with cutting-edge satellite technology, yielding a fresh perspective on managing leak risk—thus evolving traditional techniques and planning methodologies. With the intention to bridge past expertise with future innovations, this service is poised to create a more effective and sustainable water management landscape moving forward.