Makoto MURASE

Biography

Makoto Murase, nicknamed Dr. Rainwater, was born in Japan on March 22, 1949. He obtained a doctorate from the Tokyo University of Pharmacy before being offered a job in the public health department in Sumida, one of Tokyo’s eastern wards. Shortly after he was hired, he had to deal with a major flood. The pharmacologist called on various experts, who suggested that the rainwater be stored underground.

Although the idea of collecting rain puzzled Makoto Murase at first, he soon became interested and began making plans. In the 1980s, he convinced Japan’s Sumo Wrestling Federation to install a rainwater recycling system in a new arena. This was just the start for Murase, who has never stopped taking on new projects since that first success. Today, he continues to work for the ward of Sumida and also teaches at Toho University.