Gundam Manhole Project Expands with New Cities Receiving Custom Covers in Ongoing Cultural Initiative

The Gundam Manhole Project exemplifies the unique convergence of pop culture and local tradition, as it recently offered to donate bespoke Gundam-themed manhole covers to many neighborhoods in Japan. This effort commemorates the popular Gundam series while simultaneously promoting local tradition, resulting in a mix that appeals to both anime fans and cultural tourists.

Each manhole cover is intended to portray a symbolic Gundam character combined with a major local aspect, resulting in a distinct cultural icon for each location. For example, Kyotango City in Kyoto Prefecture will have covers like "Gundam and Tango Chirimen and Sunset View of Yuhigaura Coast" and "Z'Gok and Tateiwa (Standing) Rock," which combine mech designs with attractive local landmarks. Similarly, other cities, such as Kashiwara in Osaka, Ibara in Okayama, and Izumi in Kagoshima, have distinct designs that combine mechanical and municipal elements.

Before the manhole covers are permanently installed, each city will stage a special exhibition in their local city halls, giving locals and visitors a chance to see these one-of-a-kind artworks. For example, Kyotango City's exhibition will begin on March 30, 2024, at the Tango Regional Local Industry Promotion Center, while Kashiwara City's exposition will begin on April 21, 2024, at the City Hall Main Office.

The exhibitions not only allow visitors to see these distinctive creations up close, but they also celebrate local culture and Gundam's international appeal. They are set to take place on various dates in each city, with full schedules and specific locations provided to ensure that all interested parties can experience this unique combination.

Here are the timetables for the Gundam Manhole displays in each city:

Kashiwara City, Osaka Prefecture

• Period: April 21, 2024 (Sunday) to May 10, 2024 (Friday)
• Location: Kashiwara City Hall Main Office, 1st floor free space, 1-55 Andomachi, Kashiwara City, Osaka Prefecture
• Opening Hours: April 21st Only from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, thereafter from 8:45 AM to 5:15 PM

Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture

• Period: April 9, 2024 (Tuesday) to May 6, 2024 (Monday, closed on Mondays)
• Location: Hirakushi Denchu Art Museum, 1st floor entrance hall, 315 Ibaramachi, Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Admission until 4:30 PM)

Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture

• Period: April 11, 2024 (Thursday) to May 10, 2024 (Friday)
• Locations:
• Izumi City Hall, 1st floor entrance hall, 1-3 Midoricho, Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture (Weekdays 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM)
• Crane Park Festival at Crane Park Hana Park, 1000 Bunka-cho, Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture on April 20, 2024 (Saturday) from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM

SOURCE: GUNDAM INFO