"Pikachu Manhole: An Unexpected Viral Sensation"

Pokémon's beloved mascot, Pikachu, is set to make an appearance at the upcoming Nintendo Museum in Kyoto's Uji city, but not in the way you might expect. Instead of appearing in a display case or interactive exhibit, Pikachu will be gracing the streets beneath your feet. Read on to discover more about the charming Poké Lids scattered across Japan.

Nintendo Museum Gets Its Own Poké Lid

Pikachu’s Peeking Out the Poké Lid

Prepare to embark on a unique treasure hunt as you explore the grounds of the Nintendo Museum. A special Pokémon-themed manhole cover, known as a Poké Lid, featuring Pikachu, will be installed outside the museum. These artistic street fixtures, or Pokéfuta, have become a cultural phenomenon in Japan, transforming ordinary sidewalks into vibrant canvases adorned with beloved Pokémon characters.

The Nintendo Museum's Poké Lid showcases Pikachu and a Pokéball emerging from a classic Game Boy, surrounded by pixelated trails that pay tribute to the nostalgic charm of early gaming. This design not only celebrates the rich history of Nintendo but also highlights the enduring popularity of Pokémon.

The lore behind these Poké Lids is as fascinating as the designs themselves. According to the Poké Lid website, "Poké Lids, artistic covers for utility holes, have recently started to be spotted in some cities. Who knows if they are of Pokémonopolistic nature? It seems that not all utility holes are man-made; rumor has it that Diglett may be responsible for digging large enough holes to be mistaken for utility holes and some artists took it upon themselves to ‘mark’ the covers to differentiate them from ordinary ones. Where will the next ‘mark’ be?"

The Nintendo Museum's Poké Lid is part of a larger trend across Japan, where cities have embraced these colorful manhole covers to revitalize local areas and attract tourists. For example, Fukuoka features a Poké Lid with Alolan Dugtrio, while Ojiya City showcases Magikarp and its evolved form, Gyarados. These Poké Lids also serve as special PokéStops in Pokémon GO, allowing players to collect unique postcards to share with friends worldwide.

Poké Lids are a key component of Japan's Pokémon Local Acts campaign, where Pokémon characters act as ambassadors for various regions, boosting local economies and promoting regional topography. With over 250 Poké Lids installed to date, the initiative continues to grow.

The campaign kicked off in December 2018 with an Eevee Celebration in Kagoshima Prefecture, introducing Eevee-themed Poké Lids. It expanded nationwide in July 2019, featuring a diverse array of Pokémon designs.

The Nintendo Museum is set to open its doors on October 2nd, offering visitors a nostalgic journey through Nintendo's century-long history, from its origins as a playing card manufacturer to its current status as a gaming giant. As you plan your visit, keep an eye out for the Pikachu Poké Lid—a fun challenge set by Nintendo itself.

For more details on the upcoming Nintendo Museum, check out our article below!