Japan is a country full of amazing art. You can pretty much see art and designs everywhere including right underneath your feet: Japan’s Manhole Covers
Only in Japan!!
Many cities and even small towns have their own signature manhole covers. Some photographers, Japanese and tourists are obsessed by them. They may travel to different towns to take photos of them. There are even manhole cover exhibitions being held.
How did all these started?
In 1985, a high-ranking bureaucrat in the construction ministry came up with the idea of allowing municipalities to design their own manhole covers. His objective was to raise awareness for costly sewage projects and make them more palatable for taxpayers. A few design contests and publications were held. Since then, the manhole craze took off and towns have started to compete with each other to see who could come up with the best designs. Most of the covers are plain alloy but some are painted with beautiful colours.
How many designs are there?
Today there are about 12000 artistic manhole covers throughout 1700 cities and towns in Japan (coverage over 95%). You can find them even in some very small towns in the remote areas. According to the Japan Society of Manhole Covers (yes, there is a society for these covers), largest category are trees, followed by landscapes, floral designs and animals. Some featured people, buildings, castles and cartoon characters. Each one of them is a representation of the area, presenting the history, culture, custom and helps to brighten the streets of the towns. People take pride of the designs in the towns they live in.
Want to see and know more?
If you are interested in these covers, please see the below 15 mins video for more details and how they are made.
This is so creative and beautiful!!! I hope I can see them some day.
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Thank you!! 🤗
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I didn’t know manhole covers – of all things- could be awesome. I’d love to reblog this with my thoughts – if you don’t mind.
Love and light
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Sure. Please go ahead. Glad you liked it. 😊
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🙂 Thanks!
Here goes: http://elizareasonstolive.com/ninety-six-reblog-art-japanese-manhole-covers/
Have a super day!
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Thank you!! 😊
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Thanks Mr/Mrs for accepting and following my blog.
I’m available to read your post at my convenient time.
You have such an interesting topic I will love to read in
your blog.
I still remain the simple blogger…..
#PATRICKSTORIES
Peace ✌and Love ❤
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Such an awesome pictures like this as I view the pictures in your post.
You really make my day reading and viewing this one.
Thanks. Again. You can check me up on my blog also
Patrickrealstories.wordpress.com
#PATRICKSTORIES
Peace ✌and Love ❤
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Thank you very much for your kind encouragement 😊
I will sure check on your blog too.
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Just waiting. For that. Ok
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These are truly beautiful works of art.
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Thank you!! 😊
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These are amazingly beautiful!
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Thanks for sharing your Japanese adventure.
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😁😘😘
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They are so unique! What a great trip it would be to see all of them, but that would be a life time.
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Some Japanese do dedicate their life to see all. They publish books and hold photo exhibitions. I guess it’s like treasure hunt in the whole country. 😂
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The designs are unique and different. Japanese art c
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It went too fast
Japanese art covers a wide range of art styles. 😊
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Yes, in general, Japanese have big appreciation over art and music. Just amazing!
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