Japanese Government Releases Free Minecraft Map of Iconic Underground Tokyo

The Japanese government has unveiled a fascinating Minecraft map of the world's largest underground flood prevention facility, known as the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel, or G-Cans. This remarkable creation is available for free download, allowing players to virtually explore one of Tokyo's most intriguing and lesser-known landmarks from the comfort of their own homes.

G-Cans is a real-life marvel of engineering, primarily recognized for its awe-inspiring "pressure adjustment water tank." This vast cavernous space, supported by 59 massive pillars, evokes the atmosphere of an epic boss battle arena and has earned the nickname "underground temple" (chika shinden) in Japan. The dramatic setting has also been utilized as a backdrop for music videos, Japanese TV dramas such as "Kamen Rider," and various movies, adding to its iconic status.

In dry seasons, visitors can tour G-Cans in person, but the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has now made it possible to explore this atmospheric facility within Minecraft. The ministry has released a video on their official YouTube channel that not only summarizes the purpose of G-Cans but also showcases its representation in the blocky world of Minecraft.

The Minecraft G-Cans map goes beyond just the underground facility; it includes an above-ground area complete with rivers, homes, and neighborhoods. This addition provides players with a vivid understanding of how G-Cans functions to protect communities in real life. Players can even step into the control room and simulate the process of draining floodwater into the shafts, experiencing firsthand how the system operates.

MLIT's Minecraft rendition of G-Cans serves as an educational tool, illustrating the facility's role in disaster prevention. By exploring it in Minecraft, players can grasp the sheer scale of G-Cans. In reality, the concrete tunnels extend over 6 kilometers beneath Saitama Prefecture, part of the Greater Tokyo Area. During Japan's rainy season in June and typhoon season around September, G-Cans captures water from flood-prone rivers through its five shafts, then gradually releases it into the larger Edogawa River and Tokyo Bay. Since its completion in 2006 after more than a decade of construction, G-Cans has been instrumental in mitigating flood risks in the region.

The G-Cans Minecraft map can be freely downloaded from the official website of the Edogawa River Office, which oversees the facility. To fully experience the map, players need at least Version 1.21.1 of Minecraft Bedrock Edition or Version 1.21.0 of Minecraft Education Edition.