Japanese manhole covers have become collector’s items. Some covers are now worth thousands of dollars, due to their intricate designs and rarity. Today, there are over 20,000 different manhole cover designs in Japan, and each one is a unique work of art.
In Japan, something unexpected has become highly sought after – Japanese manhole covers! Some of these covers are now worth thousands of dollars because they have intricate designs and are very rare.
This unusual trend started in the 1980s. Back then, small towns and villages in the countryside began making special designs for their drain covers. They did this to get people excited about expensive sewer projects. This way, the people who paid taxes got something special in return for their hard-earned money.
Each of these covers, made in 1978, 1981, and 1990, costs ¥3,000, which is a great deal for collectors who want a piece of the city’s history. These heavy covers weigh 90 kilograms and are like works of art from industry. News sources say that brand-new covers cost about ¥60,000 each.
Now, there are over 20,000 different designs of drain covers in Japan, and each one is like a piece of art. Some of the most liked designs show famous local places like Mount Fuji, the Tokyo Tower, and the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Others have pictures of animals, flowers, and even characters from Japanese cartoons.
People who collect these covers are called “manpo keibitai,” which means “manhole cover hunter squad.” They travel all around Japan to find covers that are rare and special. Some collectors have hundreds or even thousands of manhole covers in their collections.
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The popularity of collecting manhole covers has led to a bunch of businesses and groups offering things related to them. Now, some companies sell copies of manhole covers, coasters with manhole cover designs, and even clothes with manhole cover patterns.
If you ever find yourself in Japan, take a moment to look at the manhole covers under your feet. You might just start your collection!