Travel

Foreign Tourists Drawn to Japanese Manhole Covers

TOKYO, Apr 17 (News On Japan) - Japanese manhole covers are capturing the attention of foreign tourists, featuring designs from local symbols to popular anime and video game characters, such as "Sailor Moon" and "Street Fighter."

In Tokyo's Minato Ward, many people can be seen looking down, photographing manhole covers adorned with characters from "Sailor Moon." These were installed in five locations across the ward, the setting for the anime, in March this year. Fans from both Japan and abroad have been visiting these spots, not just for sightseeing but specifically to see these unique manhole covers.

A tourist from Canada mentioned, "I've been walking around trying to find the Sailor Moon manhole covers." A British visitor commented, "They are beautiful. It’s really great, and the locations of the manholes are related to the anime's settings. In the name of the Moon, I will punish you!"

Manhole covers in Japan vary in design from one region to another and have recently begun featuring anime and manga characters, appealing not only to domestic fans but also attracting enthusiasts from overseas.

In March this year, manhole covers featuring characters from the popular fighting game "Street Fighter" were installed at three locations near Kintetsu Yamato-Yagi Station in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture. These have drawn both Japanese and international game fans.

A tourist from Hong Kong shared, "He used to play Street Fighter a lot when he was younger. He loves this character, Ryu." Another exclaimed, "Hadoken!"

Mutsushi Wakamori, the Deputy Director of the Planning and Strategy Department in Kashihara City, noted, "About 90% of the 'Street Fighter' content is broadcasted globally, so while there are many fans in Japan, there are even more overseas. We are hoping to attract more international visitors to Kashihara City with these new inbounds."

Source: MBS

Victims in Four Prefectures Held Down in Midnight House Robberies

In the early hours of May 14, several men broke into a house in Minamiaizu, Fukushima Prefecture, tying up a woman in her 60s and stealing cash. Over the past two weeks, similar robbery incidents have occurred in Gunma, Tochigi, and Nagano Prefectures.

Driver Arrested for Deadly 7-Vehicle Accident on Tokyo Expressway

Police have arrested a man in his 20s after 3 people were killed in a collision involving seven vehicles on the Tokyo Expressway on Tuesday morning.

Suspect in Double Murder Alleges Killing Was Ordered After Reward Raised

In the case of a couple found burned to death in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, it has come to light that the man rearrested in connection with the incident stated he was "instructed to kill after the reward was increased."

Shinjuku Stabbing: Suspect's Obsessive Behavior Uncovered

In a shocking incident on May 8, a 25-year-old woman was murdered in a high-rise apartment in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. Both the victim and the suspect were known to each other, with new testimonies shedding light on the tumultuous relationship that culminated in the tragedy.

Mount Fuji's Yoshida Trail Introduces Reservation System, Caps Daily Climbers at 4,000

Mount Fuji’s Yoshida Trail on the Yamanashi side will implement entrance restrictions, including a daily climber limit of 4,000, starting in July this year. A reservation system has been announced to prevent confusion and enhance the climbing experience.

MORE Travel NEWS

Foreign Tourists Increase but Japanese Travelers Remain Low Compared to Pre-COVID Levels

The number of people using international flights at Kansai Airport during this year's Golden Week reached approximately 694,600, a 63% increase compared to last year, according to the Osaka Immigration Bureau.

Mount Fuji's Yoshida Trail Introduces Reservation System, Caps Daily Climbers at 4,000

Unprecedented Solar Flares: Seven in Three Days

For the first time in recorded history, a series of large-scale solar flares have erupted from the sun's surface, observed around the world. These explosions, captured by NASA, have not only impacted GPS systems but have also triggered stunning aurora displays far beyond their typical Arctic confines.

Manhattan Celebrates Japanese Culture with Third Annual Japan Parade

New York hosted the "Japan Parade" for the third time on Saturday, with around 100 groups showcasing Japanese culture, featuring traditional cultural performances such as taiko drumming and martial arts, along with pop culture themes, celebrating Japanese culture.