Creative Communities: the Colourful, Unusual Manhole Covers of Japan

Japanese photographer S. Morita has taken it upon himself to capture all 6,000 painted manhole covers in Japan. These colourful, unusual takes on street art aim to brighten up a canvas that is usually grey and, well, a drain.

Designs range from elaborate, decorative patterns, to scenes including animals, birds, and people. Not all are simply painted, either; there are etchings and sculptures made using the materials available.

The art form began in the 1980s when Japanese locals resisted the standardisation of their manholes to look like manholes in every other country in the world. As a peace-keeping tactic, people were allowed to submit designs to a foundry, where they were then brought into realisation by casters and in-house designers. The result has become a bit of a sensation of late, with hundreds of photos, articles, and information circulating about the vibrant manhole covers.

I personally think all countries should allow their residents to creatively redesign their cities. It brings a sense of community and, well let’s face it, they look a whole lot better than manhole covers from elsewhere in the world. You don’t see thousands of news stories about those, do you?

See S. Morita’s collection of photographs here.