Japan's Obsession With Pretty Manhole Covers
Photo Credits: @ue707 (Instagram)
Photo Credits: @ue707 (Instagram)
If you've ever visited Japan, you would have probably noticed their unique, adorable manhole covers that come in various different designs and colours. It's impressive how a country would put so much work into adding an artistic flair to something that's just placed on the street, easily overlooked and stepped over.
Japan's artistic manhole covers are delightful gems scattered all over the country. They often include symbols and designs specific to a certain area or town, such as landmarks, mascots, flora and fauna, and more!
Pokéfuta - Pokémon Covers Have Come To Tokyo
Photo Credits: @yoko_lost_in_japan (Instagram)
For fans of Pokémon, get ready to keep your eyes on the ground the next time you're in Japan! In 2018, Japan started installing a series of Pokémon manholes (also known as Poké Lids or Pokéfuta) in the country - close to 100 of them have since been placed in eight different prefectures so far, including Kagoshima, Hokkaido, Fukushima, Kagawa, and Miyazaki.
Photo Credits: @japan_manholes
Photo Credits: @manhole_japan
Besides these regions, you can also find the newest additions now in Japan's capital, Tokyo! Time to do some Pokémon Go in real life - in search of these adorable manhole covers.
Photo Credits: https://local.pokemon.jp/en/manhole/
Photo Credits: https://local.pokemon.jp/en/manhole/
To celebrate the arrival of Poké Lids in Tokyo, The Pokémon Company even released an official guide detailing where these manhole covers can be found across the nation. The guide implies that dozens of new Poké Lids are scheduled to be installed all over the country, including other districts in the Kanto region near Tokyo including Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, and Tochigi.
Photo Credits: ©2020 Pokémon. ©1995-2020 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Photo Credits: ©2020 Pokémon. ©1995-2020 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
The 6 new Poké Lids have been installed at Tokyo's Machida, in Serigaya Park. They feature six Gen-1 Pokémon designs including the much-loved OG Pokémon Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle!
We also spot Caterpie, Rattata, Weedle, Oddish, Pidgey, and a pair of adorable Poliwags. To encounter these Pokémon, catch a one-hour train from Tokyo Station to the serene Serigaya Park, where you can take a scenic stroll away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Embark on your Pokémon hunt while being surrounded by nature and greenery - the park is filled with many winding paths, benches for you to rest on, mini waterfalls, pools, and lots of shade. It is especially pretty in spring and autumn when the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves come out to play!
Nani - Anime Manhole Covers?
Photo Credits: REUTERS/Hideto Sakai
Another manhole cover hype that surfaced earlier this month is the installation of Anime Manhole Covers in the city of Tokorozawa, located north of Tokyo! These covers are decorated with anime characters from popular animation series such as Gundam and Neon Genesis Evangelion, and even glow in the dark - illuminated by solar-powered LED lights.
Tokorozawa has become a new hotspot for anime fans, with the opening of a new anime and manga-focused complex - the Tokorozawa Sakura Town! The complex will house event spaces, museums, and even an Anime Hotel.
