Overview
- Japan hosts numerous Pokémon-themed manhole covers, enriching tourism in lesser-known locales.
- The Pippu manhole cover in Hokkaido is uniquely protected, with snow removal tools readily available.
- With over 200 Pokélids across the nation, these artistic covers encourage tourists to explore beyond popular destinations.
In Japan, exploring the streets reveals a captivating feature: themed manhole covers. These artistic installations not only represent local folklore and culture but also cater to fans of pop culture, particularly the hugely popular Pokémon franchise, adding a whimsical charm to the towns they grace.
Spread across urban centers and quaint villages alike, Pokémon-themed manhole covers showcase various Pokémon, offering a visual feast for avid fans. Recently highlighted by SoraNews24, the Pippu town cover has earned the title of “Japan’s most overprotected manhole cover.”Journalist Seiji Nakazawa’s visit to this charming Hokkaido town showcased the lengths they go to preserve their local Pokélid.
What are Pokélids?
The Pokémon Manhole Cover Phenomenon
To comprehend the fascination surrounding “Japan’s most overprotected manhole cover, ”it is vital to understand the concept of Pokélids, known as “Pokéfuta”in Japanese. These manhole covers are strategically installed in public areas throughout the country, depicting various Pokémon tailored to their local environment. For instance, the islands of Okinawa feature water-type Pokémon, while snowy regions like Hokkaido showcase cold-climate Pokémon.
Currently, more than 200 Pokélids can be found across all of Japan’s regions. Travelers can easily locate them using the Pokélid database website, which allows users to search by prefecture. This website transforms the experience of both domestic and international tourists into a Poké-journey, encouraging them to seek out and “catch”unique designs as they explore.
Established in 2018, Pokélids have gained immense popularity, aiming to draw attention to less-visited areas and boost local economies through increased pedestrian traffic. Although metropolitan regions such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto boast their own Pokélids, true aficionados must venture to hidden gems like Pippu to discover rare designs.
The Most Overprotected Manhole in Japan
Keeping Pokémon Manhole Covers Accessible
Located near Pippu Station in Hokkaido, “Japan’s most overprotected manhole cover”is notably sheltered from the region’s heavy winter snowfall. As the snow blankets the town, locating this Pokélid can be a challenging task for devoted Pokémon fans seeking an exclusive photo opportunity.
Demonstrating exceptional Japanese hospitality, the local council has constructed a dedicated tent to protect Pippu’s Pokélid, which features the beloved Piplup and Alolan Vulpix enjoying a snowy day alongside a Vulpix-shaped snowman. This tent notably shields the cover from excessive snow accumulation, ensuring it remains visible to adventurous visitors.
Additionally, the site includes a broom and shovel marked “ポケふた用” (“for Pokéfuta”), enabling anyone who arrives to uncover the Pokélid if it is hidden beneath a snowdrift. This dedicated effort beautifully illustrates the town’s pride in its unique attraction, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the Pokémon charm after undertaking the fun journey to Pippu.
For more Pokémon content, enjoy watching the series now streaming on Netflix.
Source: SoraNews24
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