Pokémon manhole covers, known as “Poké Lids,” have been donated and installed in 5 municipalities in Gunma Prefecture, with an unveiling event held at the Gunma Prefectural Government Office on 23 October. Pikachu also appeared at the event.
The Gunma Prefectural Government announced plans to donate and install Pokémon-themed manhole covers, known as “Poké Lids,” in 5 municipalities across the prefecture. Installation is being carried out in Numata, Tatebayashi, Shibukawa, Shimonita and Naganohara. The unveiling took place at the Gunma Prefectural Government Office on 23 October, with officials in attendance.
Gunma Governor Ichita Yamamoto and Pikachu appeared at the unveiling event and presented the 5 Poké Lids together. The prefecture expects the uniquely designed manhole covers to promote the appeal of the region and increase visitor numbers.
The covers are scheduled to be installed at the entrance to the Fukiware Falls promenade in Numata, in front of the Tsutsujigaoka Fureai Center in Tatebayashi, in front of Futo駅 on the Ikaho Ropeway in Shibukawa, at the coconita station-front exchange facility in Shimonita, and at the Yamba Furusato-kan roadside station in Naganohara. Installation dates will be announced by the respective municipalities.
Each Poké Lid is created with an original design that exists nowhere else in the world. More than 480 have been installed across 42 prefectures in Japan. The Gunma designs will be publicised along with a sightseeing map and promotional video, with the aim of creating opportunities for tourism.