**3. A Case Study of 50 kW Ohito SHP Installed in Miyazki Prefecture, Japan**

This section discusses with the case study of the development of 50 kW Ohito small hydropower plant. This SHP has been installed in Ohito agricultural cooperatives owned by residents. Figure 3 shows the location map of Ohito SHP, which comes under Hinokage town in Miyazaki Prefecture. As per 1 October 2019 data, the estimated population of Ohito community is 3656 people (men and women). The total field area is 277.67 km2. It is located next to the historically significant town of Takachiho. Hinokage town is known primarily for its three large modern bridges, traditional Kagura dances, and the work of Kazuo Hiroshima, a traditional weaver of bamboo baskets.

Like many districts in rural Japan, the area has been struggling with an aging population and an exodus of young people to Tokyo and other major cities in Japan. The Hinokage town's population peaked in the 1950s at 16,199 people, but has steadily declined since the closure of the Mitate mine in March 1970. Between 2000 and 2005, four area elementary and middle schools were closed, and more closures are planned very soon.

**Figure 3.** Location map (Source: Google map).
