Kagoshima Prefecture is situated in the southwest part of Japan on the southern tip of Kyushu. Kagoshima is comprised of two peninsulas, Satsuma and Osumi, and of numerous islands, most notably Nagashima, Koshikijima, Kusagakijima, the Uji Archipelago, and further south, Tanegashima, Yakushima, Tokarajima, the Amami Archipelago and many others. Kagoshima has many treacherous mountains and is almost covered in Shirasu (soil impregnated with volcanic ash). Such harsh conditions can easily lead to debris and mud flows, landslides, precipice collapses, and so on, especially during typhoons and torrential rains. People have become increasingly more involved and interested in the erosion control works which protect their property and themselves from these kinds of disasters. With the combined assistance of the national government and the concerned authorities, great strides have been made in preserving land and in providing people with security. We, the Kagoshima Prefectural Government, promise to expedite erosion control projects actively, to create strong, disaster resistant lands, and to conserve our land resources. We hope this small booklet Sabo Works in Kagoshima will provide you with a clear understanding of our erosion control works, and we hope that you will favor us in the future with your kind cooperation and assistance