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

Pikachu, the iconic Pokémon mascot, is making a surprising appearance at the soon-to-open Nintendo Museum in Kyoto's Uji city. This isn't your typical Pikachu sighting; it's part of Japan's charming Poké Lid phenomenon. Let's explore these delightful manhole covers.

Nintendo Museum's Unique Poké Lid

Pikachu Pops Up!

Prepare for a ground-level Pokémon adventure! The new Nintendo Museum boasts a one-of-a-kind Pokémon manhole cover featuring Pikachu.

Poké Lids, or Pokéfuta, are elaborately designed manhole covers showcasing various Pokémon characters. They've become a popular sight across Japan, often featuring Pokémon associated with the specific location. The Nintendo Museum's Poké Lid cleverly blends the museum's focus on Nintendo's history with the enduring appeal of Pokémon.

The design is a nostalgic trip back to the franchise's origins, depicting Pikachu and a Pokéball emerging from a classic Game Boy, surrounded by pixelated graphics.

Even the Poké Lids themselves have a bit of mystery surrounding them. As the Poké Lid website playfully suggests, the holes might not all be man-made, hinting at the possibility of Diglett's involvement!

The Nintendo Museum's Poké Lid is just one of many. Several Japanese cities use these colorful covers to enhance their appeal to tourists and locals alike. Fukuoka, for instance, showcases an Alolan Dugtrio Poké Lid, while Ojiya City features Magikarp, its shiny form, and its evolution, Gyarados. Adding to the fun, many Poké Lids also serve as PokéStops in Pokémon GO, allowing players to collect and share postcards.

Poké Lids are part of Japan's Pokémon Local Acts campaign, using Pokémon to promote different regions. The campaign aims to boost local economies and highlight regional landscapes. Poké Lids enhance this by providing uniquely designed manhole covers; over 250 have been installed to date.

The initiative began in December 2018 with an Eevee celebration in Kagoshima Prefecture. By July 2019, it had expanded nationwide, featuring a diverse range of Pokémon.

The Nintendo Museum, opening October 2nd, celebrates Nintendo's rich history, from its humble beginnings as a playing card company to its gaming empire. If you visit, be sure to seek out the special Pikachu Poké Lid! For more on the Nintendo Museum, check out our related article.