Pikachu Manhole Was Not an Expected Combination of Words, But Here We Are
Pikachu, the beloved Pokémon mascot, is making a surprising appearance at the soon-to-open Nintendo Museum in Kyoto's Uji city. Discover the charming world of Poké Lids, Japan's unique Pokémon-themed manhole covers.
Nintendo Museum's Unique Poké Lid
Pikachu's Playful Poké Lid Debut
Get ready for a ground-level Pokémon adventure! The new Nintendo Museum boasts a special Poké Lid featuring Pikachu.
Poké Lids, or Pokéfuta, are beautifully designed manhole covers showcasing various Pokémon. These artistic street features often highlight Pokémon associated with a specific region. The Nintendo Museum's Poké Lid celebrates both Nintendo's history and Pokémon's enduring popularity.
The design cleverly incorporates Pikachu and a Pokéball emerging from a classic Game Boy, surrounded by pixelated graphics, evoking nostalgic memories of early gaming.
Even the Poké Lids themselves have a bit of a backstory. According to the Poké Lid website, the origin of some of these covers is shrouded in mystery, with playful speculation about Diglett's possible involvement!
The Nintendo Museum's Poké Lid isn't the first of its kind. Many Japanese cities use these colorful manhole covers to enhance their appeal to tourists and residents alike. Fukuoka, for example, features an Alolan Dugtrio Poké Lid, while Ojiya City showcases Magikarp, its shiny form, and its evolution, Gyarados. Many Poké Lids even serve as PokéStops in Pokémon GO, allowing players to collect and share digital postcards.
Poké Lids are part of Japan's Pokémon Local Acts campaign, using Pokémon to promote different regions and their unique features. The campaign has seen the installation of over 250 Poké Lids across the country.
The initiative started in December 2018 with an Eevee celebration in Kagoshima Prefecture. It expanded nationwide in July 2019, featuring a wider array of Pokémon.
Opening October 2nd, the Nintendo Museum celebrates Nintendo's rich history, from its origins as a playing card company to its current gaming empire. Visitors are challenged to find the Pikachu Poké Lid during their visit.
For more details on the Nintendo Museum, check out our related article!