Arab News Japan

TOKYO: In a creative move to boost disaster awareness and public engagement, the Japanese government has released a detailed Minecraft map of one of the world’s most impressive infrastructure projects: Saitama’s Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel, also known as G-Cans.

Developed by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), the free map offers players the opportunity to explore the massive underground flood control facility, located in the outskirts of Tokyo.

The project, originally completed in 2006, is the largest of its kind in the world, designed to mitigate flooding from heavy rainfall and typhoons by redirecting excess water from rivers and waterways.

The Minecraft version of G-Cans features a highly accurate digital reconstruction of the facility’s key components — including its enormous concrete containment silos, a pressure-regulating water tank, and high-capacity drainage pump systems.

According to MLIT officials, the map was developed using actual blueprints to ensure realism and provide an educational experience for players.

“We have realistically reproduced the huge shaft, epic-scale pressure-regulating tank, drainage pump equipment, and other features,” the ministry said in an official statement. “In addition, the game also includes ways to enjoy Minecraft, such as checking out places and facilities that are normally off-limits.”

The real-life G-Cans spans 6.4 kilometers of tunnels situated 160 feet underground and includes five massive silos, each measuring around 32 meters in diameter and 65 meters deep. T

he complex’s central tank, often dubbed an “underground temple” for its grand appearance, stands 25 meters tall and is supported by 59 massive pillars. It can pump up to 200 metric tons of water into the Edo River every second.

The initiative aims to promote disaster preparedness among younger generations through gaming, blending entertainment with civil education.

The Minecraft map is available for free download, inviting players worldwide to dive deep into the marvels of Japanese engineering.