Japan’s elaborate, colorful manhole covers

In Japan, many manhole covers are works of urban art—elaborate, curious, distinctive, even colorful. Japan’s decorated manhole covers—broadly encompassing storm drain, domestic water supply, electrical and other utility access covers—initially took shape as a public relations campaign for sewers. Like many places, Japan is full of people with unusual hobbies or obsessions, but love for the country’s manhole covers has gone mainstream: a “manhole festival” was held near a major train station in Tokyo last month, featuring trading cards, baked goods, and replica covers from around the country.

Source: www.atlasobscura.com