Following the installation of special Sailor Moon-themed manhole covers in February in Minato, Tokyo, the city will now release a second batch of exclusive Sailor Moon-themed free souvenirs — Available in collectible card form. Starting April 26, new quantities of collectible cards will be available for free to visitors to the Minato Ward Tourist Information Center.

In an effort to promote tourism in Minato City (hometown of Serena/Usagi Tsukino and the main setting of Sailor Moon), five special Sailor Moon-themed manhole covers were placed around the city, Each lid is in a position that corresponds to a particular scene. or plot point in the series. The project quickly attracted both domestic and international tourists, from Sailor Moon fans to tourists wanting to take photos. The city enhances the appeal by offering free themed souvenirs; most recently an exclusive coaster featuring a manhole cover depicting Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask. After the coasters appeared on social media and news sites, stock sold out within hours. For the next drop, according to Minato City's official website, a limited edition card featuring a Sailor Moon manhole cover and Tuxedo Mask will be released in limited quantities starting on May 26. 4.

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Sailor Moon limited time collectible card featuring Tuxedo Mask and transformed Usagi

In the image above (first photo), the card has a photo and diagram of the Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask manhole, along with the coordinates of the manhole (entrance to Azabu Juban Shopping Street) and a description of the project. The description translation reads: “This is a manhole cover designed with Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask appearing in the Sailor Moon manga. Minato Ward is the main setting of Sailor Moon, and locations in the ward appear in all sorts of scenes, including Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park. The setting is near Azabu Juban, where main character Usagi Tsukino/Sailor Moon and her friends live their daily lives. Many of the surrounding locations are related to the series, such as the shops that still retain the atmosphere of the 1990s when the series started, and the temples still look the same. There are five different types of manhole covers in the ward, including this design, so be sure to stop by and check it out.”

Although Sailor Moon is a cornerstone in anime/manga history as one of the most successful Japanese media franchises of all time, it is also one of Japan's largest cultural exports. , but few fans know of the series' connection to Minato City. The manhole project is designed to increase tourist attraction to the area, serving as a fun scavenger hunt for visitors looking for all five manholes, as well as a great photo opportunity. To receive free souvenirs, visitors must go directly to the Minato Ward Tourist Information Center. Minato City's website has issued several warnings and requests for visitors seeking the new pass, including asking visitors to stay out of peak hours between 9-10 a.m. and prepare themselves for the possibility being moved up multiple floors or having their number card taken away. wait. The website also states that distribution will continue after April 27 as long as supplies last. The language indicates that large crowds are expected and that the cards will not last long.

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Pokémon was the first franchise to start the Japanese manhole cover art trend to promote tourism

Manhole covers as tourist destinations have long been a feature of Japanese tourism. Since their inception, manhole covers in Japan have often featured handcrafted designs unique to each location. Pokémon was the first media brand to take advantage of this in Japan, starting the Pokéfuta (or Poké Lids) project in 2018 through the program Pokémon Local Acts. Since the project's inception, more than 200 custom Pokémon-themed manhole covers have been installed across 22 of Japan's 47 prefectures. The manhole tourism tactic has become a big hit with Pokémon, and now that Sailor Moon manholes are also proving a success, tourists can soon plan a trip to Japan around the locations. Manhole spots have other anime and manga themes.

The upcoming release of the Sailor Moon manhole collection cards will begin on April 26 and continue while supplies last.

Sailor Moon

A group of female students discover they are the reincarnations of alien princesses with superpowers and use their abilities to protect the earth.

Release date September 11, 1995

Cast Stephanie Sheh, Kotono Mitsuishi, Kate Higgins, Aya Hisakawa, Cristina Valenzuela, Michie Tomizawa, Emi Shinohara, Amanda Céline Miller, Cherami Leigh, Rica Fukami

Seasons 5

Creator Naoko Takeuchi

Protagonist Susan Roman, Jill Frappier, Katie Griffin

Production company Toei Agency, Toei Animation, Toei Company

Episodes 200

Source: Minato City official website, SoraNews24