Manhole covers, considered artistic pieces, are a symbol of regional pride in Japan.
In the Kyoto region, these metal plaques are decorated with “thousands of colorful illustrations,” native motifs and designs depicting local landmarks.
Even popular culture has used these covers to depict “pop” characters and famous creatures such as Pikachu and Pokéman, Geo magazine reported on Wednesday, citing British newspaper The Guardian.
Given the popularity of these steel discs, the city of Kyoto offers the sale of obsolete discs, priced at around $25 each, a price that can skyrocket when it comes to a better disc. Decorated.
The history of these steel covers dates back to the 1980s, when a Japanese employee, in order to increase social acceptance of public works to connect the sewage system, came up with the idea of encouraging residents to create the design of these discs themselves.
For example, Yasutake Kameda created some artistic versions in 1985, and today these steel discs have become a cultural phenomenon in Japan, where, according to Japan Today, 95% of the 17,000 communities have their own manhole covers.