Pikachu Manhole Was Not an Expected Combination of Words, But Here We Are

Pokémon's Pikachu is set to appear at the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto’s Uji city, but not in the way you might think! Read on to learn more about these adorable Poké Lids found throughout Japan.

Nintendo Museum Gets Its Own Poké LidPikachu’s Peeking Out the Poké Lid

Get ready to catch ‘em all on the ground—or rather, under it! The upcoming Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, Japan, has unveiled a unique addition to its exterior: a one-of-a-kind Pokémon manhole featuring the franchise’s adorable mascot, Pikachu.

Poké Lids or Pokéfuta, as they’re affectionately called, are ornately designed manhole covers featuring Pokémon characters that have become a beloved phenomenon, adorning sidewalks in cities across the country. These artistic street fixtures often depict local Pokémon associated with a particular area. Now, the Nintendo Museum joins this initiative with a Poké Lid that pays homage to both the museum’s focus on Nintendo’s rich history and the enduring popularity of Pokémon.

The design lovingly references the franchise’s roots, featuring Pikachu and a Pokéball emerging from a classic Game Boy, surrounded by pixelated trails that evoke the nostalgic charm of early gaming.

These manhole covers have even sparked their own lore. As the Poké Lid website explains, "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 not the first of its kind. Several other cities throughout Japan have embraced these colorful manhole covers as a way to revitalize local areas and attract tourists. Fukuoka, for instance, features a unique Poké Lid depicting Alolan Dugtrio, a regional variant of the classic Pokémon. In Ojiya City, Magikarp takes center stage on a series of manhole covers, alongside its shiny form and evolved form, Gyarados. To further boost tourism, these Poké Lids also function as special PokéStops in Pokémon GO, allowing players to collect postcards to share with friends worldwide.

Poké Lids are a unique initiative within Japan’s Pokémon Local Acts campaign, where Pokémon serve as ambassadors for various regions in Japan. Not only do these aim to boost local economies, it also serves to promote a region’s topography.

Poké Lids extend this concept by offering special utility covers, with each one featuring a unique Pokémon design. With over 250 Poké Lids installed to date, the campaign continues to expand.

The initiative began in December of 2018 as a special Eevee Celebration in Kagoshima Prefecture, where Eevee-themed Poké Lids were introduced. In July 2019, the campaign expanded nationwide, incorporating a wider variety of Pokémon designs.

The Nintendo Museum is slated to open its doors on October 2nd of this year. Not only does it pay homage to the gaming giant’s century-long history, dating back to its humble beginnings as a playing card manufacturer, but it also hits the right nostalgic notes for players. If you’re planning a visit, Nintendo has a challenge for you: try to find the Pikachu Poké Lid.

For more information on the upcoming Nintendo Museum, check out our article below!