Decorated manhole covers featured from across Japan

An event was held in central Japan's Toyama Prefecture featuring manhole covers decorated with attractions from across the country. The "manhole summit" began a decade ago to encourage public awareness and interest in the sewerage system. The annual event took place on Saturday in Toyama City.

About 100 manhole lids from municipalities with their own distinctive designs were on display in a square near Toyama Station. The motifs used are often related to local history, culture and nature. A popular Japanese folk tale hero Momotaro was painted on a lid from Okayama City, together with his three animal companions.