Manhole covers in Japan’s Tokorozawa get glow in the dark anime makeover

The 27 designs are illuminated by solar-powered LED lights.

A set of manhole covers in Japan’s Tokorozawa city, north of Tokyo, has been decorated with anime characters that glow in the dark, to the delight of locals and city officials.

A passerby stands next to an illuminated manhole cover.(REUTERS)

The city installed the covers, which include designs from animation series such as Neon Genesis Evangelion and Gundam, this month to advertise a new entertainment complex focusing on Japanese popular culture that is scheduled to open in November.

“My commute back home is enjoyable,” said 22-year-old resident Kotaro Kodaira. “I can look at them on the ground so the (walking) time seems shorter than before.”

The 27 designs are illuminated by solar-powered LED lights, according to the city’s Waterworks and Sewerage department.

A passerby using a smartphone takes a photo of an illuminated manhole cover. (REUTERS)

City officials hope that the manholes, which are lit up from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., will help to prevent crime during the night.

“I think they are unique and nice. I hope a lot of people will visit to check it out,” said Sumie Namiki, a 46-year-old from Tokyo working in Tokorozawa.