The term 'watermannen' describes a group of Dutch hydraulic engineers who were active in Japan during the Meiji era. From 1872 to 1903, these experts were instrumental in the country's development of water infrastructure, particularly in domains like flood control, irrigation and river management. Their involvement helped the country to overcome challenges posed by its geography and climate, while paving the groundwork for modern infrastructure that supported Japan's economic growth.
Anthonie Rouwenhorst Mulder
Life: 1848 - 1901
Anthonie Rouwenhorst Mulder was involved in a large amount of water improvement projects that helped modernise Japan's infrastructure. He worked in Japan between 1879 and 1890. Being one of the most productive engineers of his time, Rouwenhorst Mulder's efforts were initially directed to the improvement of rivers across the country. Yet, his most recognised work involved the improvement of various ports — with the Misumi West port being Rouwenhorst Mulder's most accomplished project.
Cornelis Johannes van Doorn
Life: 1837 - 1906
Cornelis van Doorn arrived to Japan in 1872, where he would spend the next eight years. As a pioneer in his field of expertise, Van Doorn's work was integral in ensuring that Japan's waterways were navigable, safe from flooding and conducive to economic activity. Van Doorn's key achievement was the realisation of the Kōriyama canal to irrigate the dry flats in surrounding areas — thereby realising fertile ground for agriculture. This effort provided Van Doorn with an almost mythical status. Nowadays, a statue of Van Doorn is to be found in the region, while children still learn about his work in nearby schools.
George Arnold Escher
Life: 1843 - 1939
George Escher specialised in the development of irrigation and drainage systems to support agriculture in fertile regions of Japan. Escher arrived together with Johannis de Rijke in Japan in 1873 — where he would spend five years. Aside from his contribution to various water improvement projects across the country, Escher was instrumental in bringing many countrymen over to Japan to provide engineering solutions. He was also the father of the celebrated Dutch artist M.C. Escher.
Isaac Anne Lindo
Life: 1848 - 1941
Isaac Lindo was one of the first — as well as the youngest — expert to work in Japan. Following an invitation by Cornelis van Doorn, Lindo became employed by the Japanese government between 1872 and 1875. As part of his work, he established the Tokyo Peil — which later became the standard for height measurements across the country. During his stay in Japan, Lindo sent many letters to his family in the Netherlands. He described in detail his work and daily life in Japan — which the young Lindo experienced as rather negative.
Johannis de Rijke
Life: 1842 - 1913
Johannis de Rijke played a critical role in shaping Japan's river and harbour systems during the Meiji period. De Rijke spent 30 years in Japan — from 1973 until 1903, during which he developed a reputation for realising solid water management solutions at a relatively low cost. His most influential project was the separation of the Kiso, Nagara and Ibi rivers in the Kiso delta — an enormous undertaking that would play a pivotal role in preventing flooding in the Nagoya region. From 1897 onwards, De Rijke mostly worked on a large-scale canal project in Shanghai, China.
Others
Alongside the aforementioned engineers, various other Dutch specialists travelled to Japan to realise water improvement projects over time — including Arie van Mastrigt, Dick Arnst, Johannes Westerwiel and Josinus Kalis ('werkbazen', or foremen), H. Hollmann (architect), Alphonse Thissen, Johan van Gendt and – later on – Adriaan Volker and Pieter Jansen (engineers).