Johannis de Rijke
Dutch engineer / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Johannis de Rijke (Japanese: ヨハニス・デ・レーケ, Hepburn: Yohanisu de Rēke, 5 December 1842 – 20 January 1913) was a Dutch civil engineer and a foreign advisor to the Japanese government in Meiji period Japan. He made significant contributions in the enhancement of Japan's river systems and the development of its port facilities, which were vital in the industrialisation and infrastructure advancement of the nation during the Meiji era.
Johannis de Rijke | |
---|---|
Born | (1842-12-05)5 December 1842 |
Died | 20 January 1913(1913-01-20) (aged 70) |
Nationality | Dutch |
Occupation | Civil Engineer |
Arriving in Japan in 1873, he was instrumental in the amelioration of the Yodo River in Osaka and the Kiso River in Nagoya. He played an integral role in the development of the Yokohama and Kobe ports, turning them into significant hubs of international trade.
De Rijke's efforts were instrumental in substantially mitigating flood risks, enhancing navigational capabilities, and boosting trade and transportation, thereby accelerating Japan's modernisation.[1]