The incredible Sewage Covers of Japan
It all started as part of a public relations campaign in the 1980s. During the time, only 60% of Japanese homes were connected to the sewage system – modernising would be costly. To raise public support for the project, local governments were encouraged to design manhole covers with a local twist
Not only are they easy on the eyes, manhole covers have helped fuel domestic tourism, especially to historically sleepy, rural areas. Manholers (maintenance hole fans) travel far and wide to see the artistic designs and pick up special trading cards.
Today, about 95% of Japan’s 1,780 municipalities have their own unique manhole designs.
I have captured some of these unique designs and stories behind them.
