Himeji City to install new Mobile Suit Gundam themed manhole covers
Two new manhole covers featuring designs based on the classic anime series Mobile Suit Gundam are set to be installed in the city of Himeji.
The new lids were donated by the Bandai Namco Group as part of its ongoing “Gundam Manhole Project.”
This nationwide initiative, run in cooperation with local municipalities, aims to install unique, Gundam-themed manhole covers to boost local tourism and serve as a lasting bond with fans across the country.
These decorated manhole covers have become popular attractions, drawing tourists who seek them out for photos.
So far this year, Gundam manhole covers have been installed in Nagano Prefecture’s Komoro City, Ehime Prefecture’s Matsuyama City and Ibaraki Prefecture’s Mito City.
The two new designs for Himeji feature the most iconic mobile suits from the original 1979 series.
One cover depicts the Earth Federation’s prototype mobile suit, the RX-78-2 Gundam.
The second cover features the Principality of Zeon’s mass-produced mobile suit, the MS-06 Zaku II.
Before their permanent installation, the two physical manhole covers will be put on public display in a two-part exhibition.
The first exhibition is currently underway at the Himeji Kanko Navi Port, the city’s main tourist information center.
This display period began on Tuesday, the 15th of July, 2025, and will continue until Wednesday, the 30th of July, 2025.
Following that, a second exhibition will be held at the Himeji City Museum of Art.
That display will run from Friday, the 1st of August, 2025, until Sunday, the 31st of August, 2025.
After the exhibition period concludes, the two manhole covers will be permanently installed in the city.
The Gundam and Zaku II lids will be placed on the sidewalk of Otemae-dori, one of the city’s main thoroughfares.
The installation is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, the 10th of September, 2025.
It was also stated by the city that collectible “manhole cards” for these new designs are currently under consideration, with a decision on distribution to be announced at a later date.
Source: Himeji City
© Himeji City, Sotsu, Sunrise, Bandai Namco
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