In Japan, manhole covers don’t simply exist to prevent people or things from falling into utility vaults.
Many towns and municipalities have their own unique cover designs linked to local sights – from deer in Nara to Osaka's famous castle.
Little, mundane works of arts, they are ignored and stepped upon on a daily basis.
But the often colorfully painted manholes are known to have drawn crowds of “drainspotters”, obsessed with collecting pictures of the estimated 6,000 different manhole cover designs in Japan.
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Khoirunnisa Wirdaningrum
8 years ago
I gotta admit that I'm a little obsessed with these manholes all over Japan!
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Anne Lauenroth
Photographer
8 years ago
It also turned into a real hobby and habit of mine to spot and take pictures of them. Thank you for your comment, Khoirunnisa.
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Elena Lisina
8 years ago
I also always notice them! )))
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Anne Lauenroth
Photographer
8 years ago
After a while, I feel it's hard not to notice them anymore. I've been turned into a drainspotter myself. Thank you for your comment, Shiroi.
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Justin Velgus
8 years ago
We have seen these online before BUT it is wonderful you gave us such a large and interesting selection. Arigatoo!
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Anne Lauenroth
Photographer
8 years ago
Thank you, Justin.
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Olga
8 years ago
It's a wonderful and cute (especially #1 and # 22) selection! Two thumbs up!
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Anne Lauenroth
Photographer
8 years ago
Thank you, Olga.
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Reynald Ventura
8 years ago
Well spotted, Anne.
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Anne Lauenroth
Photographer
8 years ago
Thank you, Reynald.
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