Pikachu Paints the Town: Manhole Masterpiece Sparks Delight

Pikachu, the beloved Pokémon mascot, is making a surprising appearance at the upcoming Nintendo Museum in Kyoto's Uji city – in the form of a charming Poké Lid! Discover the world of these delightful manhole covers found across Japan.

Nintendo Museum's Unique Poké Lid

Pikachu's Playful Poké Lid Debut

Prepare for a unique Pokémon discovery! The new Nintendo Museum boasts a special Pokémon manhole cover featuring Pikachu.

These artistic manhole covers, affectionately known as "Poké Lids" or "Pokéfuta," have become a nationwide sensation, transforming sidewalks into vibrant Pokémon habitats. Often showcasing regional Pokémon, they add a playful touch to cityscapes. The Nintendo Museum's Poké Lid cleverly blends its historical focus with Pokémon's enduring charm.

The design showcases Pikachu and a Poké Ball emerging from a classic Game Boy, complete with pixelated details, capturing the nostalgia of early gaming.

The Poké Lids even have their own intriguing backstory. According to the Poké Lid website, the origin of these artistic covers is shrouded in mystery, with playful speculation about Diglett's possible involvement in creating the holes!

The Nintendo Museum's Poké Lid is just one of many across Japan. Cities like Fukuoka showcase an Alolan Dugtrio Poké Lid, while Ojiya City features Magikarp, its shiny form, and its evolution, Gyarados. Adding to the fun, these Poké Lids often serve as PokéStops in Pokémon GO, allowing players to collect and share digital postcards.

Poké Lids are part of Japan's Pokémon Local Acts campaign, using Pokémon to promote regional tourism and highlight local landscapes. With over 250 Poké Lids installed, the initiative continues to grow.

The campaign started in December 2018 with an Eevee celebration in Kagoshima Prefecture. It expanded nationwide in July 2019, featuring a wider range of Pokémon.

Opening October 2nd, the Nintendo Museum celebrates Nintendo's history, from its playing card origins to its gaming legacy. Visitors are challenged to locate the Pikachu Poké Lid!

For more on the Nintendo Museum, explore our related article!