Highsnobiety
Double Tap to Zoom

Kristina Dryza has placed an intriguing post on The David Report about an under-examined piece of Japanese visual culture. As she reports, in the 1980s one Japanese bureaucrat devised a public art project that makes manhole covers a bit more exciting. The idea to make invisible drainage systems exciting above ground took hold and now 95% of the municipalities in Japan use customized covers. They are, I must admit, pretty damn cool.

A few more examples after the jump.

We Recommend
  • IWC’s Christian Knoop on Why Good Design Is Timeless
  • The Vintage Look, Perfected by A.PRESSE
  • The RIMOWA-Approved Young Designers Shepherding the Future of Design
  • 30 Years of Asking the Most Esteemed Design Fair: Can't Great Design Be for Everyone?
  • How a Quiet Japanese Brand Suddenly Took Over Luxury Menswear
What To Read Next
  • Nike’s Classy Dad Shoe Looks Sharp In a Canadian Tuxedo
  • Engineered Garments' New Designers Will Continue Engineering Garments (EXCLUSIVE)
  • Nike’s All-New Super Skinny Air Max Sneaker Carries the Dad Shoe Torch
  • Once a Mere Hairstyle, the Mullet Is Now a Dress Code
  • He's Got Game: Carlos Alcaraz Has Already Won Wimbledon with His Style Alone
  • Vans' Studded Leather Skate Shoe Is Skatepark Couture