Kami City in Kochi Prefecture has taken a vibrant step to celebrate the legacy of local manga artist Takashi Yanase. On March 19, 2025, the city unveiled nine types of manhole covers adorned with characters created by Yanase, coinciding with the upcoming broadcast of NHK's TV drama, Anpan, which features the beloved characters.
Renowned as the birthplace of Yanase, Kami City has embraced his artistic creations, showcasing characters like 'Sakura Tenshi,' 'Yuzu Boya,' and 'Ajisai Hime.' These colorful designs aim to attract tourism while honoring the artist's contributions to both local culture and Japanese manga.
The manhole covers were launched at JR Tosa Yamada Station and strategically placed along the shopping street in the town, transforming the area into a lively canvas of cultural representation. Each cover measures 60 cm in diameter and showcases the distinct aesthetic that Yanase fans cherish.
City officials reported that the designs were executed by local artists, among them Ms. Oonishi and Ms. Yamauchi, who collaborated closely on the project. Ms. Yamauchi, who works at the Kami City Childcare Center, remarked on the challenges they faced: "It was difficult to reproduce the colors of the characters created by Yanase," highlighting the intricate work behind the designs.
On the day of the unveiling, a particularly enchanting piece featured 'Sakura Tenshi,' which warmly depicts a park in full bloom with cherry blossoms, symbolizing the city's natural beauty. As passersby eagerly examined this new installation, they expressed delight in seeing these characters brought to life in such a public and accessible form.
A local university student from Osaka, visiting the city, expressed her enthusiasm: "I think this will be a chance for various people to see Yanase's characters. I want to come back with my friends to show them!" Her sentiments echoed that of many who believe that these artful installations will inspire a renewed interest in Yanase's work and the various stories they represent.
Kami City's Mayor, Koichiro Yorimitsu, also expressed optimism for the project. He stated, "I hope everyone gets to experience the charm of Yanase's characters in the city where he grew up. This character's new charm can hopefully attract more visitors." The initiative clearly aims not only to promote tourism but also to deepen connections between past cultural icons and current community engagement.
As part of a broader strategy to captivate more visitors and strengthen local pride, the city plans to introduce five additional character designs for manhole covers in the coming months. Each cover serves as both a work of art and a functional piece of infrastructure, merging creativity with practicality.
In the meantime, the streets of Kami City have become a testament to Yanase's enduring legacy, where the colorful manhole covers not only beautify the landscape but also tell stories of childhood, joy, and local culture. Tourists, residents, and fans alike are invited to explore and enjoy these unique pieces of art that celebrate the heritage and talents of one of their own.
Whether seen as collectibles or simple markers of a cultural journey, these manhole covers offer a promising vision for the future. Through initiatives like this, Kami City reinforces its identity whilst embodying a festive and artistic spirit that is sure to captivate hearts for generations to come.
