Pikachu Manhole Creates Buzz, Garnering Public's Attention

Pikachu, the iconic Pokémon mascot, is making a surprising appearance at the upcoming Nintendo Museum in Kyoto's Uji city – in the form of a charming Poké Lid! Discover the world of these delightful manhole covers found across Japan.

Nintendo Museum's Unique Poké Lid

Pikachu's Playful Poké Lid Debut

Prepare for a unique Pokémon hunt – beneath your feet! The new Nintendo Museum boasts a special Pokémon manhole cover starring Pikachu.

Poké Lids, or Pokéfuta, are beautifully designed manhole covers featuring various Pokémon. They've become a beloved sight in Japanese cities, often showcasing Pokémon associated with the local area. The Nintendo Museum's Poké Lid cleverly blends the museum's focus on Nintendo's history with the enduring appeal of Pokémon.

The design features Pikachu and a Poké Ball emerging from a classic Game Boy, surrounded by pixelated graphics, a nostalgic nod to early gaming.

The Poké Lids themselves have inspired intriguing stories. According to the Poké Lid website: "Poké Lids, artistic covers for utility holes, have recently started appearing in some cities. Are they Pokémonopolistic in nature? Rumor has it that Diglett might be responsible for digging some of these holes, and artists have 'marked' the covers to distinguish them from ordinary ones. Where will the next 'mark' appear?"

The Nintendo Museum's Poké Lid isn't the first of its kind. 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. These Poké Lids often serve as PokéStops in Pokémon GO, allowing players to collect and share postcards.

This initiative is part of Japan's Pokémon Local Acts campaign, using Pokémon as regional ambassadors to boost local economies and highlight regional geography. Poké Lids expand this by adding unique, Pokémon-themed utility covers. With over 250 installed, the campaign continues to grow.

The campaign started 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 opens October 2nd, celebrating Nintendo's history from its playing card origins. Visitors have a fun challenge: locate the Pikachu Poké Lid!

For more on the Nintendo Museum, see our related article!