Location confirmed for Japan’s latest Gundam manhole covers
Last Updated on April 5, 2025
The location of a new pair of Gundam manhole covers has been announced.
Two specially designed manhole covers featuring iconic mobile suits from the series “Mobile Suit Gundam” are due to go on display in Mito City, before being installed on the city’s streets.
The unveiling ceremony for the “Gundam Manholes” will take place on Sunday, April 6th in the multipurpose space located on the first floor of the Mito City Hall.
Following the unveiling, the manhole covers will be placed on public display within the City Hall from April 6th to April 11th, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to view these distinctive artworks up close.
According to information released by Mito City officials, the two manhole covers each measure approximately 60 centimeters in diameter and weigh around 100 kilograms.
The first design features the RX-78-2 Gundam, the iconic mobile suit piloted by the series’ protagonist, Amuro Ray.
The Gundam is set against a backdrop showcasing the Mito Art Museum at night.
The second manhole cover features the MS-07B Gouf, a recognizable enemy mobile suit from the Gundam universe, illustrated with the Otemon Gate of Mito Castle in the background.
The public exhibition of the “Gundam Manholes” at Mito City Hall will have fixed viewing hours.
On Sunday, April 6th, the display will be open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. From Monday, April 7th, to Friday, April 11th, the exhibition hours will be from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Following the exhibition period at the City Hall, the two “Gundam Manhole” covers are scheduled to be permanently installed on the grounds on the east side of the Mito Civic Hall.
This permanent placement will integrate the Gundam-themed artwork into the city’s infrastructure, offering a unique and potentially popular point of interest for residents and visitors exploring the area.
Jundai Uehara, the head of Mito City’s Cultural Exchange Division, expressed optimism about the project’s impact hoping that after seeing the manholes, visitors will go and see the real Mito Art Museum and Otemon Gate.
These new manhole covers were donated to Mito City by the Bandai Namco Group, the company behind the Gundam franchise.
The donation is part of a nationwide initiative by the group aimed at revitalizing regional areas across Japan.
Similar Gundam manhole covers were also installed in Odawara in August 2021.
They were donated to the city by Bandai Namco as Odawara is the hometown of Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino.
Bandai Namco is seeking submissions from municipalities interested in receiving “Gundam Manholes” which are designed to combine imagery of mobile suits from the Gundam series with depictions of local tourist attractions and landmarks.
The goal of this initiative is to leverage the enduring popularity of the Gundam franchise to attract tourism and stimulate local economies.
The installation of themed manhole covers has become a growing trend in Japan as a way for cities and towns to showcase their unique identities and attract tourism.
Often featuring local mascots, historical figures, or depictions of regional specialties, these artistic manhole covers can become unexpected points of interest for both residents and visitors.
Tokorozawa City in Saitama Prefecture features a large number of anime themed manholes based on series such as Mobile Suit Gundam THE ORIGIN, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Re:Zero, and Bungou Stray Dogs.
Mito City’s collaboration with Bandai Namco is part of a trend tapping into the strong cultural resonance of anime to attract visitors.
Similar projects have been implemented in Hamamatsu City, which is collaborating with the Evangelion franchise, and Kagawa Prefecture which has partnered with the Pokémon series.
Source: Ibaraki Shimbun
Images: © Sotsu, Sunrise, Bandai Namco, Odawara Municipal Government, KADOKAWA Corporation