Yeah, apparently in the 1980's, when the sewer system was expanded, these were promoted as a way to create more support for an expensive public works program. Since then, most municipalities across Japan have designed their own to represent their region. One thing about Japan is that each of its areas takes pride in its own unique culture and that Japan as a whole also takes pride in the idiosyncrasies of each region.
Yeah, apparently in the 1980's, when the sewer system was expanded, these were promoted as a way to create more support for an expensive public works program. Since then, most municipalities across Japan have designed their own to represent their region. One thing about Japan is that each of its areas takes pride in its own unique culture and that Japan as a whole also takes pride in the idiosyncrasies of each region.