Shikoku gets its first Gundam manhole covers

Last Updated on April 10, 2025

A new pair of Gundam manhole covers have been installed on the streets of Japan.

Matsuyama City has installed the Gundam-themed manhole covers in an effort to boost tourism.

The city is the capital of Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku and this marks the first appearance of Gundam manhole covers on the island.

The new manhole covers were donated to Matsuyama City by the Bandai Namco Group, the entertainment conglomerate behind the “Mobile Suit Gundam” franchise.

Matsuyama City in Summer, View from Matuyama Castle — New Gundam-themed manhole covers have been installed in Matsuyama City

The two uniquely designed manhole covers feature iconic mobile suits from the popular anime series “Mobile Suit Gundam” alongside local Matsuyama tourist attractions.

Bandai Namco have been donating Gundam manhole covers to cities as part of a project to help local tourism through cooperation between Bandai Namco and Japanese local governments.

Odawara City previously received Gundam themed manhole covers

The “Gundam Manhole” project by Bandai Namco has gained momentum across Japan, with various municipalities embracing the concept of integrating the series giant robots with local attractions attract visitors.

Mito City in Ibaraki Prefecture recently received a pair of Gundam manhole covers and they are due to be installed in a designated area shortly.

Two new manhole covers were also recently donated to Mito City

The Matsuyama City installations mark the 22nd set of Gundam manhole covers to be installed in Japan and they will be the first within the Shikoku region.

The manhole covers were officially presented to the city in March 2025, paving the way for their recent installation.

The two locations chosen for the “Gundam Manhole” installations strategically pair elements of the anime with prominent landmarks of Matsuyama City.

The first has been installed on the Dogo Shopping Street, situated in Dogo Yunomachi, and features the Dogo Onsen Main Building in front of the RX-78-2 Gundam, the iconic original mobile suit from the original 1979 anime series.

Dogo Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring resorts, with a history spanning over a millennium and its current Meiji-era wooden main building serving as a symbol of the city and inspiring the bathhouse in Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film “Spirited Away”.

The second “Gundam Manhole” has been installed in the Okaido 3 area of the city’s Ropeway Shopping Street.

This cover showcases Matsuyama Castle, a well-preserved feudal castle perched atop Mount Katsuyama in the city center, alongside a Zaku II, one of the most recognizable antagonists from the original Gundam series.

Matsuyama Castle is one of only twelve original castles remaining in Japan and offers panoramic views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea.

A representative from Matsuyama City’s Public Enterprise Bureau expressed optimism about the initiative’s dual purpose, stating: “We hope that the manholes will encourage people from outside the city to visit Matsuyama”.

The city hopes to see an increase in tourism as Gundam enthusiasts are drawn to the city to see the new manhole covers.

Source: Mainichi Shimbun