VOL.208 OCTOBER 2025
KAWAII CULTURE FROM JAPAN [Column] Kawaii Manhole Covers Across Japan: A Simple Guide in English

Manhole covers on streets have become popular with tourists from overseas. According to OISHI Naohide of the Japan Ground Manhole Association, uniquely designed manhole covers first appeared in the mid-1980s. “They started spreading because local governments began putting their own designs on manhole covers to improve the image of the sewer system and appeal to residents,” he says. Today, about 16 million manhole covers are installed across Japan, and including past designs, there are around 12,000 different types.

At first, most designs featured local symbols, such as flowers or famous sightseeing spots. In recent years, however, kawaii manhole covers created in collaboration with manga, anime, and video games have appeared and are getting a lot of attention.

Representative examples include Minato City in Tokyo, which features Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon; Katsushika City in Tokyo, with Monchhichi; Shizuoka City in Shizuoka Prefecture, with Chibi Maruko-chan; various areas of Japan, with Pokémon¹; and Okazaki City in Aichi Prefecture, with the pop and charming illustrations of NAITO Rune. Across Japan, projects are also underway that involve students, from elementary to high school, in designing manhole covers.

In addition, Manhole Cards, which introduce beautifully designed manhole covers from across Japan, are also very popular. By collecting the cards distributed locally while walking around, people can enjoy a journey discovering the small artworks under their feet.

Through manhole covers, we hope readers will once again take a moment to appreciate the value of Japan’s sewer systems, which support our daily lives and the economy.

Examples of a Manhole Card. It shows the location coordinates and the story behind the design.

Spot kawaii manhole covers!

Walk around different areas and try to spot manhole covers with adorable character designs, or collect Manhole Cards while you explore!

1. NAITO Rune manhole cover (Rune Futa)

NAITO Rune, an artist from Okazaki City in Aichi Prefecture, created the foundation of Japan’s kawaii culture with his unique sensibility and wide-ranging talents. Manhole covers featuring his iconic characters, Rune Girl and Rune Panda, have been installed in seven locations around the city.
Location: Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture

2. Monchhichi manhole cover

Monchhichi, a stuffed animal released in 1974 by a company in Nishi Shinkoiwa, Katsushika City, is a cute character that is still loved around the world nearly 50 years later. It now appears on manhole covers installed at 10 locations around JR Shinkoiwa Station.
Location: Katsushika City, Tokyo

3. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon manhole cover

The manga Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon is loved by fans around the world. Manhole covers featuring the main character, Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon), and her friends, who live in Minato City, Tokyo, have been installed at five locations in the city, including the entrance to Azabu Juban Shopping Street and around Tokyo Tower.
Location: Minato City, Tokyo

4. Chibi Maruko-chan manhole cover

The beloved manga and anime Chibi Maruko-chan has captured the hearts of people across Japan. In Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture—the hometown of the creator, SAKURA Momoko—four manhole covers have been installed in Aoi Ward, three in Suruga Ward, and four in Shimizu Ward, spreading the world of Chibi Maruko-chan throughout the streets.
Location: Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture

5. Pokémon utility hole cover (Poké Lid)

Pokémon utility hole covers, called Poké Lids have been installed across Japan. In Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, a cover at the promenade of Aizu General Sports Park features the “Fukushima Support Pokémon,” Chansey, and Blade Pokémon, Gallade, along with a background that evokes the city’s landmark, Tsuruga Castle (Aizuwakamatsu Castle).
Location: Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

• 1. A series of role-playing adventure games in which players can catch and train mysterious creatures called Pokémon and battle with them. First released in 1996, it has expanded into a wide range of media, including trading card games, TV anime, movies, and merchandise, gaining global popularity.

By MOROHASHI Kumiko
Photo: ©R.S.H/RUNE; ©Sekiguchi; ©Naoko Takeuchi; ©S.P; ©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.