Manhole cover
You’ve probably heard the term “manhole” before.
They’re essential to people’s lives, but most people may not be particularly interested in them.
Honestly, I also don’t know much about manholes.
Not all manholes are the same. different organization (local government, electric power, or gas companies).
For example, Water Supply and Sewerage Systems are managed by local governments, while electric power and gas systems are managed by their respective companies.
“Manhole” means just “hole for people.” It’s the entrance for workers from each managing organization to enter for maintenance and other purposes.
What I’m interested in is this manhole cover.
There are various views about why manhole covers are round, but it’s probably for safety. Earthquakes are common in Japan, and there are many manholes on roads, so it’s normal for cars to drive over them. Even with such impacts, a round cover prevents falling into the hole.
This is just manhole covers, but it has a wide variety of designs. In particular, these designs often feature local characteristics like plants, animals, or history. Sometimes, you’ll also find covers that are incredibly colorful.
I first became interested in manhole covers after seeing one designed with motifs from Galaxy Express 999 at Kitakyushu Airport. I remember taking a while to look at the manhole cover under my feet, since I’ve always liked the manga by Reiji Matsumoto and Rumiko Takahashi.
This cover seems to have been made by Kitakyushu City to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its sewerage project.
Even though it was a commemorative event, I was deeply impressed by the design featuring the Galaxy Express 999 (Maetel) by Reiji Matsumoto on the cover. This was the first time in my life I took a photo of a manhole cover.
Ever since I saw that manhole cover, I’ve been paying attention to them whenever I walk outside.
Going forward, I may post irregularly, but I plan to share about manhole covers in various regions.
Even local manhole covers we usually overlook have wonderfully designed covers.
I hope you’ll notice manhole covers just a little bit as well.
Reference: Kitakyushu City Water and Sewer Bureau(2022/07/18)
https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/suidou/s01101070.html
Thanks.