Unexpected Pikachu Manhole Cover Unveiled

Pokémon's beloved mascot, Pikachu, is set to make an unexpected appearance at the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto’s Uji city, but not in the way you might expect. Dive in to discover more about the charming Poké Lids scattered throughout Japan.

Nintendo Museum Unveils Its Own Poké Lid

Pikachu’s Peeking Out the Poké Lid

Prepare to catch ‘em all—not just on your screens, but on the streets! The soon-to-open Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, Japan, has introduced a delightful addition to its exterior: a unique Pokémon manhole cover featuring Pikachu.

Poké Lids, also known as Pokéfuta, are intricately designed manhole covers that showcase Pokémon characters. These artistic street fixtures have become a cherished phenomenon across Japan, often featuring local Pokémon to represent specific regions. The Nintendo Museum’s contribution to this initiative is a Poké Lid that celebrates Nintendo’s rich legacy and the timeless appeal of Pokémon.

The design captures the essence of the franchise, with Pikachu and a Pokéball emerging from a classic Game Boy, framed by pixelated trails reminiscent of early gaming nostalgia.

These manhole covers have even inspired their own lore. As the Poké Lid website notes, "Poké Lids, artistic covers for utility holes, have recently started to be spotted in some cities. Who knows if they are of Pokémonopolistic nature? It seems that not all utility holes are man-made; rumor has it that Diglett may be responsible for digging large enough holes to be mistaken for utility holes and some artists took it upon themselves to ‘mark’ the covers to differentiate them from ordinary ones. Where will the next ‘mark’ be?"

The Nintendo Museum’s Poké Lid isn’t the first of its kind. Several Japanese cities have embraced these vibrant manhole covers to rejuvenate local areas and draw in tourists. For example, Fukuoka boasts a Poké Lid featuring Alolan Dugtrio, while Ojiya City showcases Magikarp alongside its evolved form, Gyarados. These Poké Lids also serve as special PokéStops in Pokémon GO, enabling players to collect and share postcards from around the world.

Poké Lids are part of Japan’s Pokémon Local Acts campaign, where Pokémon act as ambassadors for various regions. This initiative not only aims to boost local economies but also promotes the unique topography of each area.

With over 250 Poké Lids installed to date, the campaign continues to grow. It began in December 2018 with an Eevee Celebration in Kagoshima Prefecture and expanded nationwide in July 2019, incorporating a diverse range of Pokémon designs.

The Nintendo Museum is scheduled to open on October 2nd of this year. It will celebrate Nintendo's century-long history, from its origins as a playing card manufacturer to its status as a gaming giant. Visitors are encouraged to seek out the Pikachu Poké Lid as part of their museum experience.

For more details on the upcoming Nintendo Museum, explore our related article below!