Japan can be called a "paradise for manhole covers lovers." Many lids are colorful, have spectacular illustrations, and some are even handmade at the request of various municipalities.

Most lids in Japan are made of metal, the rest of them are made of concrete and other materials, and their shape is mainly round or rectangular

As mentioned, many manhole covers in Japan are colorful , and gilded covers can also be found .

Many lids feature the symbol of the city in which the lid is located. Since the symbols of cities in Japan are usually of simple geometric shape, the symbols usually do not constitute the main part of the lid, but are present as an addition to the central illustration ,

Many lids include the flower symbolizing the city, the bird, and other elements characteristic of the city in which the lid is located , ,

In many cases, historical buildings, famous buildings or landscapes associated with the place appear , ,

Sometimes historical elements related to the place appear, such as in the stamps that feature Matoi flags ,

Sporting events and anniversary celebrations are noted in the stamps created for the event , ,

The video game Pokémon also received special stamps ,

The City of Flowers Beppu
"The City of Flowers Beppu" is a project that aims to mark the city as one where flowers bloom all year round. For each month, a flower is chosen that blooms in that month. The project began in 1986 and the manhole covers began to be placed in 1991.
The City of Flowers Beppu manhole covers

Fire hydrant covers
Fire hydrant covers are usually the same color. Many include elements that feature firefighters and fire engines , or the fire department emblem

Manhole collecting cards
The great importance that the Japanese people attach to manholes is also evident in the "trading cards", a project established by GKP, a body that aims to promote the issue of sewage systems in Japan. This organization, established in 2010, has published a collection of "manhole cards" in collaboration with the various prefectures that describe the different types of manhole covers Manhole Card, Page showing selected manhole covers cards

Manufacturers
Manhole covers in Japan generally do not include the name of the manufacturer. In cases where the manufacturer’s name appears, these are almost always local manufacturers, and usually the covers resemble covers in other countries (not colored, and without pictures) Fukunishi Foundry , Hasegawa Foundry

Standards
We have not found any covers that include standard or quality marks so far