Decorated manhole covers featured from across Japan

Oct 21, 2024 | News On Japan

Oct 21, 2024 (NHK) - An event featuring manhole covers decorated with attractions from across Japan, was held in the central region of Toyama Prefecture.

The "manhole summit" began a decade ago to encourage public awareness and interest in the sewerage system.

The annual event took place on Saturday in Toyama City.

About 100 manhole lids from municipalities with their own distinctive designs were on display in a square near Toyama Station. The motifs used are often related to local history, culture and nature.

A cover from Tokyo's remote island village of Ogasawara depicts a jumping humpback whale.

A popular Japanese folk tale hero Momotaro was painted on a lid in Okayama City, together with his three animal companions.

Visitors strolled around the square and took pictures.

A woman in her 30s said she was surprised to see so many different kinds of covers. She said she was able to learn about the features of many regions.

City official Iyama Tetsuo says he hopes people will enjoy looking at regional designs and become more interested in the sewage system.

Japan Introduces Stricter Penalties for Drunk Driving

Japan began applying a new numerical alcohol threshold for dangerous driving offenses on July 21, introducing a clearer standard for cases involving impaired driving that could lead to fatal accidents.

Japan Sets Investment Strategy

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government approved its first annual basic economic and fiscal policy on Tuesday, pledging "responsible and proactive fiscal policy" and envisioning about 370 trillion yen in public- and private-sector investment in strategic industries through fiscal 2040.

Japan Scrambles for Oil

A covert network of shuttle tankers is carrying crude through the increasingly dangerous Strait of Hormuz as renewed fighting between the United States and Iran disrupts shipping and raises concerns over how Japan will secure the oil it needs.

Russia Calls Japan-Ukraine Drone Cooperation a Clear Hostile Act

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko has criticized moves by Japanese and Ukrainian companies to cooperate on drone technology, warning that such ties would be regarded by Moscow as a "clear hostile act."

Rainy Season Ends in Kanto-Koshin

The rainy season ended in the Kanto-Koshin and Tokai regions on July 20 as strengthening high pressure brought intense heat across Japan, with temperatures forecast to reach 38 C in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, and Kofu.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Inside Asuka III, Japan’s New Luxury Hotel at Sea

Japan’s newest luxury cruise ship, Asuka III, offers passengers the experience of a high-end hotel at sea, combining private balconies, fine dining, Japanese-style bathing and personalized service on voyages around the country.

Rainy Season Ends in Kanto-Koshin

Tokyo Swelters Through First 35 C Day of the Year

Severe heat spread across Japan on July 20 as a Pacific high-pressure system covered much of the country, pushing the temperature in central Tokyo to 35 degrees Celsius for the first time this year.

Two-Hour Wait for Nagashima Waterslide

Nagashima Jumbo Seawater Pool in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, was packed with visitors on Marine Day, the final day of a three-day weekend, as families sought relief from intense summer heat following the end of the rainy season in the Tokai region.

Swimmers in Taiji Get Close to Whales

A beach where visitors can swim alongside whales has opened in Taiji, Wakayama Prefecture, drawing families and children eager to see the animals at close range.

Interactive Ghibli Exhibition Opens in Osaka

An interactive exhibition recreating the world of Studio Ghibli will open at Osaka's ATC complex on July 18, offering visitors of all ages the chance to experience famous scenes and characters from the studio's animated films.

Heavy Rain Floods Railway Tracks in Hokkaido, Cancels 32 Trains

Heavy rain flooded railway tracks in Hokkaido, forcing the cancellation of 32 trains, including limited express services linking Sapporo and Hakodate.

Research Map Shows Japan Faces Scorching Summers

Japan is likely to face increasingly long and dangerously hot summers as global temperatures continue to rise, with advanced climate simulations also pointing to more frequent torrential rain, rising seas and accelerating ice loss by the end of the century.

< 2 3 4 5 >