3 Comments
User's avatar
Robert A Mosher (he/him)'s avatar

I wonder if the cover with the fire engine on it designates a fire hydrant offering a connection for water for firemen in that vicinity. The colors on the others may also help differentiate between different utilities such as water, natural gas, sewers, etc.

SHIMIZU Akira's avatar

That's right. Fire engines are often depicted on manhole covers used for firefighting. In recent years, local governments in Japan have been putting effort into manhole cover designs, and an increasing number of local governments are distributing manhole cards (similar to trading cards).