It turns out that decorated manhole covers can also be collected
As BBC notes, applications from those wishing to purchase manhole covers came in significantly more than the organizers expected, so a lottery was held among the 200 applicants.
The covers up for grabs were of three different designs, including one with roses, which are the symbol of the city. A manhole cover with a diameter of 60 centimeters weighs about 40 kilograms, but can it be used in the household?
The lottery winners came to pick up their purchases from different parts of Japan, including Tokyo. A 48-year-old Tokyo resident told NHK that he had to take time off work and rent a car to pick up his prize. What to do with the manhole cover, he has not yet decided.
Manhole covers are of interest to collectors because of their design. Last year, Japan released a series of collectible postcards featuring images of different manholes and indicating where exactly they can be seen.
A special series of postcards was released for Japanese manhole cover enthusiasts
Manhole cover enthusiasts exist not only in Japan. For example, UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn cites "the history and design of manhole covers" as one of his hobbies.