Street Art

A colored manhole cover in Shizuoka

There’s a quirky new trend hitting the streets of Japan – literally. Designer manhole covers are making a splash around the country with their eye-catching motifs and colorful tints. According to the Japan Ground Manhole Association, over 1500 communities have invested in the expensive new street art, with larger cities such as Tokyo and Osaka boasting multiple designs. 

A historically-themed manhole cover in Shimoda

Themes for the covers range from simple sketches of flora and fauna to detailed scenes depicting local festivals and famous sites. Best of all, the utilitarian sewer lids are a nod to that unique blend of Japanese style and sensibility – the raised pictures also serve as traction aids on rain-slicked streets. So next time you’re wandering Japan’s city streets, keep your eyes to the ground so you don’t miss out on the country’s metal masterpieces …