Manhole cover designs recognized as tourism assets in Japan

Japan Times

04-05-2025

Eye-catching manhole covers adorned with unique designs that showcase local tourist spots and specialties have become valuable tourism assets in Japan, drawing many visitors to municipalities.
Manholes are installed at over 16 million locations across the country as inspection hatches for sewer pipes. The initiative to create specially designed manhole covers began as a public relations campaign to improve the image of the sewage industry.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and other sources, the history of manhole cover designs dates back to the 1980s. At that time, an official from the then-Ministry of Construction proposed creating designs unique to each municipality in an effort to change the negative perception of sewage as foul-smelling and dirty.
Subsequently, a collection of drawings showcasing manhole cover designs from various locations was published, helping to increase their recognition among the public.
Since 2012, a manhole summit has been held regularly to celebrate the appeal of diverse manhole cover designs. The event has grown into a major attraction, drawing more than 10,000 fans.
Collectible cards displaying photographs of manhole covers have played a significant role in highlighting the appeal of intricate designs. In April 2016, GKP, an organization promoting sewage projects through a public-private partnership, started distributing manhole cards in collaboration with local governments. GKP stands for Gesuido Koho Platform, which translates to the sewage public relations platform.
As of the end of January this year, a total of 1,114 types of cards had been released, with more than 17.2 million cards issued.
The front of each card features a photo of a manhole cover design along with an indication of its installation location, while the back provides information on the origins of the design. The cards are available at tourist information centers and sewage treatment facilities.
"You can't get them unless you visit the areas. They serve to connect multiple sightseeing spots into cohesive tourism itineraries," Motoi Nasu from GKP's card production team said.
"The high level of artistry (in the designs) is part of Japanese culture, something we are proud of," said Hideto Yamada, a local specialty card producer and one of the creators of the manhole cards. "Safety is key, and the manhole covers are designed with various surface indents and rises to prevent people from slipping," he explained.
One of the most popular specially designed manhole cover series is "Pokefuta," which depicts Pokemon characters on the surfaces. Beginning in the city of Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture, in 2018, Pokefuta manhole covers have been installed in a variety of locations across the country.
"Manhole covers are something people walk on. The inclusion of Pokemon characters in the designs has improved the image (of manhole covers)," Yamada said.
Today, many manhole covers with designs inspired by anime and other characters, including "Gundam," "Godzilla" and "Sailor Moon," have been installed in locations tied to their creators and the original works.
Since a large sinkhole, believed to have been caused by a rupture in a deteriorating sewage pipe, engulfed a truck and its driver on a road in Yashio, Saitama Prefecture, in January, concerns have grown over aging infrastructure, including sewage pipes, in many parts of Japan.
"It's great if people enjoy collecting (manhole) cards," Nasu said. "But I hope they'll take a moment to consider the sewage system beneath the manhole covers."
Since a powerful earthquake caused heavy damage in the northern part of the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture on New Year's Day 2024, "manhole toilets," simple toilet seats and panels installed over manholes to ensure functioning toilets during disasters, have gained renewed attention.
"We want to design them in a way that leaves a lasting impression on people, making them aware that '(a manhole toilet) is located there,'" Yamada said.