Ōno’s 50-Year Journey to Protect Its Water Cycle

“Yui”　Episode 5 – From Ōno to the World (International Contribution)

We protect our groundwater—so that we may share water with the world.

The “Carrying Water Project” — Giving Back to Water

Thanks to sustained efforts over the years, the condition of Ōno’s groundwater has begun to show signs of recovery.
However, among local residents, there still remains a deeply rooted perception that groundwater is something that naturally exists and can be taken for granted.

In response, the city launched the Carrying Water Project (CWP), grounded in the philosophy of “giving back to water.”
The initiative aims to encourage citizens to rediscover their sense of gratitude and pride in water, and to communicate these values and actions to the world. In doing so, the project seeks to enhance Ōno’s brand identity while contributing to regional revitalization—by increasing exchange populations and addressing long-term population decline.

Through donations from citizens and businesses, CWP supports communities in regions that lack access to safe water, while also promoting place-based branding centered on Ōno’s abundant water resources.
By sharing the story of Ōno’s rich water environment not only within Japan but globally, the project provides an opportunity for local residents to reaffirm the blessings of water they enjoy daily. This, in turn, is expected to foster human capital, enhance the competitiveness of local products and industries, stimulate the regional economy, and ultimately contribute to countermeasures against population decline over the medium to long term.As part of its support for water-stressed regions, the City of Ōno formed a partnership with the Japan Committee for UNICEF.
From 2017 to 2019, the project supported initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, helping local children gain access to clean and safe water.

Based on the spirit of Yui—mutual cooperation—the project also seeks to raise awareness among Ōno’s citizens of global water challenges, particularly in Timor-Leste, one of the most water-stressed environments in Asia.
Through citizen-led donations and engagement, residents are encouraged to share an appreciation for water, thereby rediscovering the value of what they routinely use and strengthening their confidence and pride in their local community.

The City of Ōno’s direct involvement in the project concluded in 2020, and its philosophy has since been inherited by a General Incorporated Association.