Explore everyday life in Japan
These days, it is not much of a secret that Japan has a wide variety of decorative manhole covers all across the country. In fact, a rough estimate would put the number at around 1,655 distinct manhole covers that celebrate many of the trees, flowers, rivers, gardens, animals, foods, architecture, and symbols that are considered to be unique to and representative of most of Japan’s 1,780 municipalities.
What may be lesser known, however, is that there are now collectible Manhole Cards which can only be obtained in person (one card per person) and only at specific locations (It appears that each card has its own location.). These cards were first made in 2016 and have slowly been released, one card at a time, since their inception. At the moment, there are only 222 different Manhole Cards being issued from 191 different municipalities, but that number will continue to grow as new cards are steadily released.
Of course, when many people come to Japan, they don’t necessarily think to look down. Often, they are too busy looking upward and around them at the traffic, the pedestrians, the buildings and shrines, etc., but if you ever find yourself in Japan, be sure to keep your eyes on the street as well.
You will be sure to find some fantastic examples of Japanese art and craftsmanship even at your feet. And while it might be fun and plenty satisfying to just snap a few pictures of the different manhole covers you find during your travels here, why not go the extra step and get yourself some collectible Manhole Cards as well. Who knows, you might be able to sell them on Rakuten to someone with an insatiable manhole cover obsession.
For more information on where to pick up these cards while you are in Japan, please refer to this website. The information is in Japanese, but you can always translate it using a translation website or just contact me for help.
Sources: Manhole covers: The Japan Times
The Beauty of Japan’s Artistic Manhole Covers
This is an ongoing series that will explore various aspects of daily life in Japan. My hope is that this series will not only reveal to its followers, image by image, what Japan looks like, but that it will also inform its followers about unique Japanese items and various cultural and societal practices. If you are interested in getting regular updates about life in Japan, please consider following me at @boxcarblue. If you have any questions about life in Japan, please don’t hesitate to ask. I will do my best to answer all of your questions.
As a dogecoin fan...this is my favorite!
That's a great picture! Dogecoin could use that for an advertising campaign.
Great look at this. They really are something, eh? So much attention to something that most people never see. I first posted about these things over ten years ago. I think I beat the drain spotting book that really introduced the Japanese manhole covers to the world by a few years. If you or any of your readers are interested in seeing more, my buddy Dan of Japanese Castle Explorer once set about compiling photos of every unique manhole cover in Japan. You can find his manhole cover site here: http://jmc.japanese-castle-explorer.com
That's a great resource. Thank you for sharing it here.
In a lot of ways, I think these manhole covers say a lot about Japan and Japanese culture. Just like all the uniforms and the traditional dolls like hina dolls and kabuto helmets, and even like the land-o-sell backpacks that all elementary schools students buy and where to school, this is a way to create specialty jobs, employ artisans, and keep money flowing through the economy. In addition, they add to the uniqueness and character of each area, which is something that I think is really valued over here.
Ahhhh the true beauty of japan lies not only within the people, rich culture, food, transit, the everlasting hustle and bustle and cleaniness of the country, but also the extraordinary architecture of not only the buildings and the immense temples and shrines, but something as simple as manhole covers... here is a shot that I took while visiting Japan this past summer, brings back the vivid memories and oh how I can't wait to go back!
Awesome post here @boxcarblue Much respect from @conradsuperb
Very well written comment. You’ve nailed it. I believe that’s a Kyoto manhole cover, but I’m not sure. I have a similar picture, but mine doesn’t have those nice colors in the middle.
This was actually a manhole cover in Arakawa, very close to Minami-senju station... I wish I would have taken more photos of manhole covers while I was there, but now I guess I have something to look forward to for next time around.. ARITGATOO GOZAIMASU :-)
You’re welcome. Enjoy your next trip back.
Oh I loved these when I was in Japan. Talk about making the mundane beautiful. I can't wait to go back and take more pictures of them. Here's one I found when I was there.
That’s a good one. I’ve only been to Kurashiki once and I have a lot of memories from it, but I definitely didn’t notice these manhole covers. That’s great!
The art that takes its place everywhere .. even underfoot .... not only in galleries or museums or in luxurious spaces ... I think this is also one of the signs of a greatness.
Incorporating art and design into daily life and movement is very important to living a peaceful and happy life I think.
Awesome job, I particularly like the firefighting samurai! Followed and restemed
Thanks edouard. I like your gif.
That is great that you a re looking down. Very nice covers and photos!
Thanks. I’d actually like to travel and photograph as many as I can, but it’s already been done, and my kids keep me pretty close to home.
So Cool! I'll check out Saitama, Japan when i go every year!!!!!
Definitely do. I don’t think I have any pictures of the manholes in Saitama, though I’ve been many times.
Japan such a lovely place to be
#japan
I agree 100%
Wow, wish we did something cool like this in the states. Cards are cool too 🙂
A manhole cover for every State would be pretty cool. Maybe you can start the movement.
i would love to visit japan :)
Hodl your Steem and you’ll soon be able to.
sure bro :) would you follow me back?
You got it.
incredible post. I really enjoyed these. traveling to Japan changed my life, my perspective...you have captured their beauty right here. thank you
Thanks for the comment. How long were you in Japan and where did you go?
you're welcome, I spent 10 awesome days in Tokyo...just me & my camera!
There is a lot to photograph here. 10 days in Tokyo is barely enough time to scratch the surface, but I can imagine you had a great time. I once spent 10 days in Paris doing the same and it was just enough time to get accustomed to my surroundings and build my confidence. I would've liked to have stayed for longer and even considered it, but didn't.
How much does it cost to buy it? Thanks for sharing this information, it may helps travelers to Japan.
That's a good question. I'll have to check.
They are beautiful! Did the fourth one have some blue colour at the bottom? Or was it some sheen off some oil? The third one with the fireman is my favourite! :)
Yeah, the third one had color added to it. I'm not sure if they are painted or not. I'll have to take a closer look the next time I come across a colored one. The third one actually isn't a manhole cover in the traditional sense, at least I don't think it is, I think it covers a fire hydrant and is designated with that picture so that it is easy for firemen to find in times of emergency.
So cute😍
Thanks!
Manhole covers??? Really??
Unbelievable....
Wow.......
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.
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salam sukses dari saya
I'm going to have to look the meaning of this up and get back to you.
Seeing as the manhole covers have to be there anyway, may as well make them pretty :D
It's another way to beautify the landscape and also provide artisans with work, which I think happens a lot in Japan.