Drainspotters was a short video series highlighting manhole cover art across Japan. It’s an intriguing look at how culture is reflected in these pieces. They’re ubiquitous objects in most cities, and it’s a shame more thought doesn’t go into how they can be used to showcase art.
Japan’s artistic manhole covers tell the tale of a different town or region of the country. A tea picker on the manhole covers in Kikugawa, Shizuoka Prefecture leads to a look at the area’s tea-growing in the spring and summer months, where the Hori family has prepared their special brew over 4 generations.
Drainspotters #1 Green Tea
Japan’s artistic manhole covers tell the tale of a different town or region of the country. We explore Iga, home of a legendary ninja clan, for some absorbing insights into the world of ninjutsu from one of Japan’s last ninja grandmasters.
Drainspotters #2 Ninja
Japan’s artistic manhole covers tell the tale of a different town or region of the country. Nobori-arai – or washing carp streamers – take center stage at a cherry blossom festival in Iwakura, hinting at a tradition that has linked families for centuries.
Drainspotters #3 Nonbori-arai (Washing Carp Streamers)
Japan’s artistic manhole covers tell the tale of a different town or region of the country. The morning market in Wajima is home to over a thousand years of tradition. A stall owner who’s worked here for generations, traditional lacquerware, and other offerings from local people await.
Drainspotters #4 Morning Market
Japan’s artistic manhole covers tell the tale of a different town or region of the country. A visit to Ojiya in Niigata Prefecture brings us to the birthplace of Nishikigoi carp and offers a fascinating look at the thriving competitive scene for these beautiful “swimming jewels”.
Drainspotters #5 Nishikigoi (Ornamental Carp)