The Gundam Factory in Yokohama may be closed, but fans still have a reason to visit Japan as Gundam manhole covers will be installed in a Japanese town in Niigata Prefecture.
Manhole covers aren’t exactly memorable in many places around the world, but Japan is no doubt one of the exceptions. That’s because most Japanese prefectures have eye-catching manhole covers, with designs based on iconic sights of the city/region, or sometimes collaborations with the likes of Pokemon.
Now, the latest unique manhole covers that will be placed in Japan are these two Gundam designs that will be installed soon in Minamiuonuma, a city in Niigata Prefecture.
To be exact, these manhole covers feature the RX-78-2 Gundam and the YMS-15 Gyan. Both covers also include designs that depict the city’s alpine attractions and their signature produce of Koshihikari rice.
先日、新潟県南魚沼市役所で展示されているガンダムのマンホールを見に行ってきた#ガンダムマンホール#南魚沼市 pic.twitter.com/zGZMPwD3sa
— よしゆき (@DD51745_KANUZA) April 26, 2024
Currently, these two manhole cover designs are displayed at Minamiuonuma city hall where they can be found until May 31, though they will be installed in unspecified areas at some point in the future.
These aren’t the first of their kind though as Gundam manhole covers were also revealed for Odawara city in Kanagawa prefecture back in 2021.
As with many Gundam collabs, this one is part of a drive to attract tourists to Minamiuonuma. While it may not be as big as the moving Gundam in Yokohama, these are still cool ways of getting Gundam fans to the city and enjoy its sights and products along the way.
Source: PR Times via SoraNews24