A large sinkhole has developed in Yashio, Japan, believed to have been caused by the corrosion of sewage pipes due to hydrogen sulfide. The incident is raising concerns about the state of the country's aging infrastructure and the challenges of maintaining urban facilities. No injuries have been reported, and local authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage and the measures needed for repair.

This incident is now fuelling discussions in Japan about the need to upgrade the country's outdated infrastructure, particularly in older cities. In densely-populated Japan, maintaining reliable urban facilities is crucial, and preventable incidents such as this underscore the urgency of such issues. It also raises environmental concerns regarding the waste management process.

In the US and EU, the situation is similar in regard to aging infrastructure. However, much focus has been placed on roads and bridges, with less emphasis on sewer systems. This incident in Japan might serve as a wake-up call for a thorough assessment of not just visible, but also hidden infrastructure components.