A new, specially designed manhole cover has been installed in the city of Furano, Hokkaido, which celebrates the city’s connection to the world-famous soccer manga, Captain Tsubasa.
Captain Tsubasa, created by Yoichi Takahashi, is a legendary series that has inspired professional soccer players and has been beloved by fans around the world for decades.
The city of Furano plays a key role in the story as the hometown of the character Hikaru Matsuyama, the tenacious captain of the Furano Middle School soccer team, and the team’s manager, Yoshiko Fujisawa.
The design of the new manhole cover is a tribute to this local connection.
It is based on the cover art of the 20th volume of the Jump Comics release of the manga, which depicts the fierce semifinal match between Furano Middle School and the protagonist’s Nankatsu Middle School team.
The artwork features three characters:
Tsubasa Ozora (Protagonist and Captain of Nankatsu Middle School)
Hikaru Matsuyama (Captain of Furano Middle School)
Yoshiko Fujisawa (Manager of Furano Middle School)
The new manhole cover was officially unveiled at the recent “Captain Tsubasa CUP ~Hokkaido Arc~,” a youth soccer tournament that was held for the first time in Furano on the 4th and 5th of October.
The manhole has been permanently installed on the grounds of the Furano Cheese Factory.
A second copy of the cover is also on display at the Furano City Complex Government Building.
This new installation offers a new destination for fans of the classic series to visit during their travels around Japan.
This post may contain affiliate links, and Essential Japan may earn a commission if you purchase through them.
AloJapan.com