the tributaries of the jōganji river were found to be very attractive for hydroelectric power in the early 20th century due to their high flow and mountainous geography. this caught the attention of the electric utility of the time, the etchu electric power company, and for the purpose of electricity built a dam on the wada river. at around the same time the toyama prefecture was considering a dam for purposes of flood control and irrigation. construction of a prefecture managed dam began before world war ii but the start of the war halted construction. later, the hokuriku electric power company inherited the unfinished dam due to restructuring of the power companies. the plans changed to make the primary purpose of the dam electricity production and was finished in the 50s. it now contributes to electric power as well as irrigation and flood control.