(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Japan)

In Japan, Pokémon fans have many opportunities to “catch em’ all.”

Among them are the growing numbers of Pokémon-themed manhole covers around the mainland and Okinawa.

On Aug. 15, American Village in Chatan Town was one of the latest to get the animation treatment with the addition of a Growlithe manhole cover. According to the Pokémon Wiki site, Growlithe is a fire-type Pokémon from the first generation.

The design on the new manhole cover features an illustration of the “puppy Pokémon” barking at fireworks in the shape of Pikachu and a Pokémon capsule in the night sky.

In Japan, fun designs spotlighting the local area’s attractions don mancovers and have, in recent years, garnered a sort of following to see how many you can spot. Merchandise and trading cards featuring some of the more famous ones are also sold in souvenir shops around the country.

The Pokémon manhole covers known as “Poké Futa” are part of Pokémon Local Acts, a project promoting local communities’ products and tourism with the help of beloved franchise characters.

As of August 2025, a total of 422 Pokémon-themed manhole covers can be found in 41 of Japan’s 47prefectures.

Interestingly, prefectures known for being rich in nature tend to have more Pokémon lids than those with big cities. Hokkaido leads the way with 42, to be followed by Miyagi with 35. Okinawa ranks tenth with 16.

(©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.)

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Japan)

 “Oshi (fave) Pokémon” or “Ouen (cheerleading) Pokémon” is assigned to each of the 41 prefectures. The selection is made in a way that allows the characteristics of a chosen Pokémon to match those of the specific prefecture. 

For example, Alolan Vulpix and Vulpix, the fox-type Pokémons, are the Oshi Pokémon for Hokkaido. While Alolan Vulpix lives on snow-clad mountains and can freeze various items, Vulpix can make you feel warm when you hold it.

In the case of Okinawa, Growlithe was picked because its brave and fearless nature corresponds with the image of Okinawa, according to the Pokémon Local Acts website.

The Growlithe cover joins the likes of Zangoose (cat ferret), Wartortle (turtle), Corsola (coral) manhole lids around Okinawa.

Though my experience with Pokemon does not extend past Pikachu, the famous yellow pocket monster that exalts with a “Pika! Pika” and glowing red cheeks, searching for manhole covers with the characters was fun. Some are in secluded spots, emulating searching for characters like players do in the franchise’s hit mobile game “Pokémon GO” but in real life.

Catch as many Pokémon manhole covers as you can! And you’ll be surprised to find many have other colorful themes of famous characters or famous attractions, too.

Poké Lids in Okinawa

Poke Futa map (Map by Stripes Japan)