The Art Of Manholes

Japan seems to have an obsession with attention to detail, cleanliness, and beauty. Take for example the traditions of bonsai, or ikebana for that matter. But today we’re talking manhole covers…Specifically the ones found here on the streets and sidewalks of Osaka Prefecture.

One might never suspect something so mundane to inspire works of art, but there they are, beautifully designed and colorfully painted right beneath our feet!

▲Osaka Minoh City Manhole

▲Osaka Minoh City Yuzuru’s manhole

▲Osaka Suita City Gamba Osaka emblem manhole

▲Osaka Suita City Gamba Osaka emblem manhole

▲The Osaka Dialect Manhole

The designs reflect their cities through images of regional history like the 100+ year old lighthouse in Sakai, renowned local beauty like Minoh’s waterfall and crimson maple leaves, or an upcoming international sporting event like in Higashi Osaka’s Rugby World Cup 2019 design.

▲Osaka City Chuo-ku Cherry blossoms, Osaka Castle, & waterways manhole

Osaka City’s sewer cover design has proved to be pretty popular. It’s decorated with cherry blossoms, (a common choice throughout Japan), an emblematic image of the castle (originally built by warlord Hideyoshi Toyotomi who famously helped unite Japan and less famously oversaw the construction of a sewage system, which is still partially in use to this day), and swirling water designs (because of the city’s significant waterway presence). Painted pale pink, green, and blue, the stylish manhole cover started a consumer trend that has seen replica t-shirts, magnets, drink coasters, and even sewer-lid earrings!

Cherry Blossoms And The Castle Keep

Many manhole covers in Osaka carry this Spring-themed design. But there’s only one with a white castle tower on it. See if you can find it!