My recent trip to Tokyo once again reminded me why Japan remains one of the most admired countries in the world when it comes to infrastructure and urban management. The country's quiet efficiency doesn't compete for attention – it just works. Whether in the form of ultra-modern railways, centuries-old network logic preserved through order and discipline, or underground engineering marvels hidden from public view, Japan shows what long-term planning, consistency, and technological excellence can achieve.
Even in Shibuya – already one of the world's most photographed intersections – major redevelopment is underway. The district's iconic Scramble Crossing remains the centerpiece, but a closer look reveals the cranes, construction and newly built towers that arguably create Tokyo The most ambitious urban renewal program in decades. Instead of slowing down after “arriving,” Tokyo keeps rebuilding, reimagining, and preparing for the next 50 years. Infrastructure is not treated as a political trophy; This is a national habit.
One of Japan's most impressive achievements is one that tourists rarely see: its vast underground flood control system, particularly the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel – often referred to as the G-CANS project. This underground cathedral of engineering lies beneath Saitama and protects Tokyo from devastating floods by diverting overflowing river water into giant silos before pumping it safely into the Edo River. Standing over 25 meters high and spanning nearly 6 kilometres, it is one of the largest flood control facilities in the world.
Of course, the Philippines is not immune to floods. Metro Manila's perennial flooding during typhoon season, exacerbated by blocked waterways and unplanned urban development, makes one hard to appreciate. The foresight behind Tokyo's decision to invest in infrastructure that citizens never get to see firsthand. It's a reminder that the most critical infrastructure is sometimes invisible — and long-term risk mitigation requires an engineering mindset, not a short election-cycle horizon.
During this trip, our visit to TeamLab Planets – one of the city's most innovative attractions – also highlighted another piece of Tokyo's genius: the Yurikamome Line. This elevated, driverless monorail connects Shimbashi Sliding over Tokyo Bay with sweeping views of the Toyosu area, skyline and coast. Unlike JR East or Tokyo Metro, Yurikomo is independently managed by a third sector company, demonstrating how multiple operators can co-exist productively through integration and coordination.
The Yurikamom Line is a lesson in urban transport innovation: automation, punctuality and seamless connectivity with other systems. And because it's elevated, travelers and tourists get a glimpse of the continuing development around Tokyo Bay – a testament to how reclaimed land, when thoughtfully planned, can become a thriving economic and cultural hub.
in the philippines, Infrastructure remains the pivot of national competitiveness. Metro Manila's road networks are blocked, railways are limited, mass transit systems are either under construction or overloaded and entire districts are affected by flooding even after a few hours of rain. The country's infrastructure “nightmare” is rooted in three chronic issues: fragmented planning, inconsistent political commitment and a lack of a long-term blueprint untouched by administrative business.
To this must be added a fourth and perhaps the most painful disease: corruption. The budget that must be created must be spent properly, transparently, and free from the leakages that have long plagued Philippine public operations. When the previous administration began its ambitious “build, build, build” program, there was initial hope that the infrastructure gap could eventually be closed. Instead, many projects were mired in delays, questionable contracts and allegations that padded deals served to enrich well-connected operators. Infrastructure is expensive – but corruption makes it out of reach.
A vivid example of this is MRT-7. Launched with much fanfare and originally targeted for completion years ago, the MRT-7 was positioned as a transformational project that would eventually connect Quezon City to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Today, it stands as a symbol of long-term procrastination. The project continues to lag due to right-of-way issues, contractor disputes, changes in timelines and poor coordination among implementing agencies. For commuters who spend hours daily on Commonwealth Avenue, the endless construction has become a painful reminder that deadlines in the Philippines are often aspirational rather than binding commitments.
The plight of MRT-7 reflects a deeper malaise: we plan grandly but execute poorly. Japan builds rail lines in stages but follows clear engineering schedules and transparent progress reporting. In contrast, in the Philippines, project lapses have been normalized, and public frustration is met with missed deadlines rather than accountability. If the Philippines is serious about solving its infrastructure deficit, it needs to fix the pipeline from feasibility studies to route acquisition to implementation.
So then, what can we learn from Japan?
First, infrastructure must be apolitical and based on sustainability. Japan's projects span administration, sometimes lasting decades, yet they are completed with the original purpose intact.
Second, mass transit should be the backbone, not an afterthought. Tokyo's railways – JR, subway, Toei and private lines – form an integrated ecosystem. Manila must evolve toward a true multimodal, rail-centric model.
Third, invisible infrastructure matters. Investments in drainage, earthquake protection, underground utilities and risk management are inevitable.
Fourth, continued urban redevelopment is necessary. Shibuya's transformation shows that cities must evolve with the times, not remain static.
Finally, infrastructure integrity requires a culture of transparency and accountability. Clean governance is not optional; This is the foundation of credible public investment.
Tokyo shows what is possible. The question is whether we have the resolve and honesty to follow it.
The views expressed herein are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of his office or FINEX.
Benel dela Paz Lagua was previously EVP and Chief Development Officer at the Development Bank of the Philippines. He is an active FINEX member and a proponent of risk-based lending for SMEs. Today he is an independent director in progressive banks and some NGOs.