December 28, 2024

Manhole Covers that Celebrate Iconic Locations and Figures Attract Visitors and Enhance the Surrounding Area

Manhole covers featuring local landmarks, specialties, and characters are increasingly popular. With the growth of tourism initiatives such as stamp rallies, 40% of local governments have begun issuing "manhole cards" that showcase these designs nationwide.

Minato Ward has launched five newly designed manholes featuring characters from "Sailor Moon," a beloved global franchise closely associated with the area. This initiative seeks to transform local streets into a unique tourist attraction. In addition to the manholes, original maps that pinpoint the installation locations and nearby landmarks will be made available, creating an engaging experience for both "Sailor Moon" fans and manhole enthusiasts. The district aims to boost tourism by attracting visitors from Japan and overseas. Minato Ward is the first in Japan to display manholes inspired by this iconic series.

A representative from the Tokyo Tourism Department stated, "We feel that more people are becoming interested in manholes." Since 2020, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has been organizing digital stamp rallies that encourage visits to local manholes. Through initiatives such as providing subsidies to cities, wards, towns, and villages, approximately 160 types have been established since fiscal 2019.

The concept of local manhole covers reportedly began in Naha City in 1977 to promote sewerage awareness. In the 1980s, the former Ministry of Construction suggested this idea to manufacturers, leading to their adoption in various regions, resulting in over 10,000 types available today.

Nagaoka City, located in Niigata Prefecture, is marking its 100th anniversary of sewerage system construction, which started in 1924. To commemorate this milestone, three distinct manhole cover designs featuring characters from "Rurouni Kenshin," by local manga artist Nobuhiro Watsuki, are set to be manufactured and installed in spring 2025.

Anime and manga designs draw many visitors to Japan. Manhole covers can enhance the familiar cityscape and may successfully attract more tourists, serving as a powerful tool for promoting local culture, based on creative concepts.