manhole cover

Manhole cover

2022年7月17日 /
日本語

You have probably heard of manholes.
They are an essential thing in our lives, but not many people are interested in them.
In fact, I am not sure about manholes.
Not all manholes are the same. Each manhole has a different governing structure (local governments, electric power company, gas company ).
For example, water and sewerage are managed by the local government, while electricity and gas are managed by their respective companies.
A manhole is metaphrased as a hole for a person. It is an entrance for workers of each management organization to enter for maintenance and other purposes.

I am interested in this manhole cover.

There are many views as to why manhole covers are round, but it is probably for safety reasons. In Japan, there are many earthquakes and many manholes on the roadways, so cars pass over the manhole cover. Even with those impacts, a round cover will not fall into the hole.

Manhole covers come in a variety of designs. In particular, the designs are based on plants, animals, and historical matters that are characteristic of the area. Sometimes the manhole covers are very colorful.

I first got interested in manhole covers when I saw a manhole cover with a motif of Galaxy Express 999 at Kitakyushu Airport. I remember looking at the manhole cover under my feet for a while, because I like the manga by Reiji Matsumoto and Rumiko Takahashi, and especially I read Galaxy Express 999 when I was in elementary school.

This seems to have been made by Kitakyushu City Water and Sewer Bureau to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its sewerage work. Even though it was a commemorative event, I was impressed by the design of Reiji Matsumoto’s Galaxy Express 999 (Maetel) on the manhole cover. At this time, I took a picture of a manhole cover for the first time in my life.

Ever since I saw this manhole cover, I have been paying attention to manhole covers when I walk outside.

Although it will be irregular, I want to write about manhole covers of various areas.
We don’t usually pay attention to manhole covers, but there are many manhole covers with wonderful designs. When you have room to breathe, it is good to look at manhole covers.

Reference: Kitakyushu City Water and Sewer Bureau(2022/07/18)

https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/suidou/s01101070.html

Thanks.