Gunma Prefecture to install first Pokemon manhole covers

Gunma Prefecture has unveiled plans to install five “Pokéfu-ta” (Pokemon manhole covers) across five municipalities within the prefecture. This marks the first time these themed covers will be placed in Gunma, which was previously the only prefecture in the Kanto region without them.

The installations are scheduled to take place between late October and late November 2026. The locations include Shibukawa City, Numata City, Naganohara Town, Shimonita Town, and Tatebayashi City. Each cover features original designs depicting various Pokemon, such as Zapdos in Shibukawa and various onion-themed Pokemon in Shimonita to reflect the local specialty.

These covers are part of a broader initiative that allows players of location-based games like Pokemon GO to engage with physical landmarks.