Pikachu Manhole: A Surprising Mashup Captures Hearts

Pikachu, the iconic Pokémon, is making a unique appearance at the soon-to-open Nintendo Museum in Kyoto's Uji City. Discover the charming world of Poké Lids, Japan's delightful Pokémon-themed manhole covers.

Nintendo Museum's Unique Poké Lid

Pikachu's Playful Peek-a-Boo

Prepare for a ground-level Pokémon adventure! The Nintendo Museum's exterior boasts a special Pokémon manhole cover featuring Pikachu, the beloved mascot.

Poké Lids, or Pokéfuta, are beautifully designed manhole covers showcasing various Pokémon. These artistic additions grace sidewalks across Japan, often depicting Pokémon associated with a specific region. The Nintendo Museum's Poké Lid celebrates Nintendo's history and Pokémon's enduring appeal.

The design cleverly incorporates Pikachu and a Pokéball emerging from a classic Game Boy, surrounded by pixelated graphics, evoking nostalgic memories of early gaming.

The Poké Lids even have their own intriguing backstory. According to the Poké Lid website, "Poké Lids, artistic covers for utility holes, have recently started to be spotted in some cities. Who knows if they are of Pokémonopolistic nature? It seems that not all utility holes are man-made; rumor has it that Diglett may be responsible for digging large enough holes to be mistaken for utility holes and some artists took it upon themselves to ‘mark’ the covers to differentiate them from ordinary ones. Where will the next ‘mark’ be?"

The Nintendo Museum's Poké Lid is part of a growing trend. Many Japanese cities use these colorful covers to enhance their appeal to tourists. Fukuoka, for example, features an Alolan Dugtrio Poké Lid, while Ojiya City showcases Magikarp, its shiny form, and its evolution, Gyarados. Adding to the fun, these Poké Lids often serve as PokéStops in Pokémon GO, allowing players to collect and share postcards.

Poké Lids are part of Japan's Pokémon Local Acts campaign, which uses Pokémon to promote regional tourism and highlight local geography. This initiative extends to these unique manhole covers, each featuring a distinct Pokémon design. With over 250 installed, the campaign continues to grow.

The campaign began in December 2018 with an Eevee celebration in Kagoshima Prefecture. It expanded nationwide in July 2019, featuring a wider range of Pokémon.

The Nintendo Museum, opening October 2nd, celebrates Nintendo's rich history, from its humble beginnings as a playing card company. Visitors are challenged to find the Pikachu Poké Lid during their visit.

Learn more about the Nintendo Museum in our related article!