Manhole covers-
The name alone makes you think of storm drains or worse yet, the underground highway of toilet waste blech, but certainly not something that would grab your interest. In the US, they're pretty basic designs. In Japan, most of the designs reflect the prefecture, icons of a city (castles, animals, flowers, etc.), or special event (like anime characters or festivals). Sure this sounds like a quirky thing, just another "lol, Japan, of course you do cause everything is fun here," but do you know where it started?
OKINAWA!! That's right! Almost 10 years before mainland Japan jumped on board the cool kid wagon.
In 1976, the first decorative manhole was created in Naha, Okinawa, as the city was starting to attract more tourism. It's a ring of happy fish circling the plate. This was a big deal as it broke the norms of Japan's "one Japan" tradition of unity. The design is still in use today.
Naha (The first cover design)
Mainland Japan did not start producing unique manhole covers until 1985. Here is an article for reference https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2014/03/the-beauty-of-japans-artistic-manhole-covers/
Colored manhole covers make up less than 1%. These are usually around tourist attractions like Tsuboya Pottery District in Naha.
Ufushisa Tsuboya, Naha
With such unique designs, one would think that theft would be a concern (if for no other reason than from drunk shenanigans). In Japan manhole covers are designed with a lock and lever system under the lid that allows pressure to escape in the event of gas or water line breaks. The added bonus is they can't be stolen by the average citizen. It's rumored you can purchase a cover if you really must have one. Personally, I don't know were the heck I'd put it so I'll just stick with pictures & t-shirts.
It's said collectible cards of the manholes can be bought at the Naha City Water Department. In the future, I will check it out & update the post. In the meantime, while you're out & about, don't forget to look down & take pics. This is a fun & cheap way to make memories with the kids. Often manholes can be found on sidewalks or near the curb, but if you must enter the street, don't forget to look for cars first. Happy Hunting
Akajima (Keramas)
Chatan (in American Village)
Chinen, Nanjo
City Butterfly, Naha
Fire Hydrant, No Parking!
Kadena
The name alone makes you think of storm drains or worse yet, the underground highway of toilet waste blech, but certainly not something that would grab your interest. In the US, they're pretty basic designs. In Japan, most of the designs reflect the prefecture, icons of a city (castles, animals, flowers, etc.), or special event (like anime characters or festivals). Sure this sounds like a quirky thing, just another "lol, Japan, of course you do cause everything is fun here," but do you know where it started?
OKINAWA!! That's right! Almost 10 years before mainland Japan jumped on board the cool kid wagon.
In 1976, the first decorative manhole was created in Naha, Okinawa, as the city was starting to attract more tourism. It's a ring of happy fish circling the plate. This was a big deal as it broke the norms of Japan's "one Japan" tradition of unity. The design is still in use today.
Naha (The first cover design)
Mainland Japan did not start producing unique manhole covers until 1985. Here is an article for reference https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2014/03/the-beauty-of-japans-artistic-manhole-covers/
Colored manhole covers make up less than 1%. These are usually around tourist attractions like Tsuboya Pottery District in Naha.
Ufushisa Tsuboya, Naha
With such unique designs, one would think that theft would be a concern (if for no other reason than from drunk shenanigans). In Japan manhole covers are designed with a lock and lever system under the lid that allows pressure to escape in the event of gas or water line breaks. The added bonus is they can't be stolen by the average citizen. It's rumored you can purchase a cover if you really must have one. Personally, I don't know were the heck I'd put it so I'll just stick with pictures & t-shirts.
It's said collectible cards of the manholes can be bought at the Naha City Water Department. In the future, I will check it out & update the post. In the meantime, while you're out & about, don't forget to look down & take pics. This is a fun & cheap way to make memories with the kids. Often manholes can be found on sidewalks or near the curb, but if you must enter the street, don't forget to look for cars first. Happy Hunting
Akajima (Keramas)
Chatan (in American Village)
Chinen, Nanjo
City Butterfly, Naha
Fire Hydrant, No Parking!
Kadena
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