API
< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [CULTURE]

2 clusters · 5 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Gunma Prefecture Pokemon manhole cover installation

Overview

Gunma Prefecture has announced plans to install five Pokemon-themed manhole covers, known as “Pokéfu-ta” or “Pokefuta,” across five municipalities: Shibukawa City, Numata City, Naganohara Town, Shimonita Town, and Tatebayashi City.

Supported by The Pokemon Company, the initiative aims to promote local charm and attract domestic and international tourists. The designs are location-specific, such as featuring Zapdos in Shibukawa and onion-themed Pokemon in Shimonita to reflect local specialties.

To support the rollout, which is scheduled between late October and late November 2026, the prefecture has released promotional videos and produced sightseeing maps. These maps will be distributed at municipal offices, roadside stations, and Gunma's representative offices in Tokyo and Osaka. During an unveiling ceremony at the Gunma Prefectural Office, Governor Ichita Yamamoto appeared with Pikachu to showcase the designs.

Entities

Gunma Prefecture · Ichita Yamamoto · The Pokémon Company · Pikachu · Pokémon

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Gunma Prefecture to install Pokemon “Pokefuta” manhole covers

    Gunma Prefecture is installing five unique Pokemon-themed manhole covers across Numata, Tatebayashi, Shibukawa, Shimonita, and Naganohara to promote local tourism.

  2. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Gunma Prefecture to install first Pokemon manhole covers

    Gunma Prefecture will install its first five Pokemon-themed manhole covers across various municipalities by late November 2026.

Sources

appbank.net · getnews.jp · inside-games.jp · rensai.jp · ryoko-net.co.jp