Gundam Manhole Cover Project to Expand in Toyota City, Bridging Generations of Fans

Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture is expected to receive a distinctive streetscape renovation as part of the "Gundam Manhole Project," which is led by the Bandai Namco Group in partnership with several local governments across Japan. This project is part of a larger attempt to revitalize local communities and honor the legacy of the Gundam series and its multigenerational fan base. Toyota City will unveil two unique "Gundam Manholes" on April 11, 2024, boosting its urban beauty while also commemorating fans' deep links to the Gundam franchise.

The designs of these manholes are inspired by the legendary mobile suits from the "Mobile Suit Gundam" series, with features of Toyota City landmarks including the Toyota Stadium and Korankei, a well-known scenic site. This combination of pop culture and local pride is intended to attract both Gundam fans and tourists, adding a fascinating layer to Toyota City's attractions.

Design of Mobile Suit Gundam MS and Toyota Stadium

Installation location: Near GAZA Building South Square

(2-144 Kitamachi, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture)

Mobile Suit Gundam Gundam and Korankei design

Installation location: South Pot Shizuoka north sidewalk

(27-3 Miyanogou, Asuke-cho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture)

To mark this momentous occasion, a "Picture Prediction Campaign" will begin on March 8, encouraging fans to engage in a guessing game based on the manhole designs. Entrants can win expensive prizes such as an original mobile suit illustration by Kazuhisa Kondo, a well-known mechanical designer for "Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam" and project backer, as well as stainless steel cups. The promotion encourages fans to participate creatively in the initiative, with prizes decided by a lottery.

The excitement builds for the unveiling event on April 3 at the Toyoda General Museum in Aichi, where attendees will get an early look at the "Gundam Manhole." This exhibition, which will run until April 10, provides a unique opportunity to see the intersection of anime culture and public infrastructure before the manholes are installed in their permanent locations.

The organization has unveiled a comprehensive plan to build Gundam-themed manholes around Japan, demonstrating the project's ambitious scope. The project plans to complete installations in a variety of municipalities, ranging from Mutsu City in Aomori Prefecture to Kofu City in Yamanashi Prefecture, by the end of 2024. The enthusiastic response from local governments has been overwhelming, demonstrating a national embrace of this unique combination of cultural promotion and urban enhancement.

This strategic collaboration between the Bandai Namco Group and municipal authorities exemplifies how popular culture can be used to improve public areas, create community participation, and promote tourism. As the "Gundam Manhole Project" grows, it promises to provide a new dimension to urban landscapes across Japan, commemorating the continuing appeal of the Gundam saga while also contributing to the liveliness of local communities.

The Gundam Manhole Project began in Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, the hometown of Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino. Bandai Namco Filmworks began working with municipalities across Japan as part of this effort in August 2021, with the goal of installing Gundam-themed manhole covers displaying characters and Mobile Suits from the series in various sites throughout the country. The project aims to revive local governments and commemorate the link between Gundam enthusiasts across generations.

SOURCE: GUNDAM INFO | GUNDAM MANHOLE PROJECT