The "Local Manhole Exhibition" is being held at the "47 Prefectures Local Hall" within the metaverse commercial facility "Sora-no-Ue Shopping Mall," operated by BENELIC Digital Entertainment CO.,LTD, during the period from Wednesday, April 23, 2025, to Tuesday, June 24, 2025!
This event will showcase unique manhole photos from across Japan in a metaverse space, offering a new experience where visitors can explore freely using avatars.
Colorful "Local Manholes"
PR TIMESHighly-designed manhole covers installed in various regions across Japan are attracting attention as one of the tourism resources showcasing the unique charm of their regions.
"Local manholes" depicting local landmarks, specialties, and characters have also gained popularity as collection items, and their popularity is expanding, with the distribution of "Manhole Cards," etc.
PR TIMESIn recent years, the number of tourists and international visitors who travel to see manhole covers has also increased, and it is gradually being recognized globally as a unique Japanese culture.
Explore the Area and See Manholes
PR TIMES
At the "Local Manhole Exhibition," submitted manhole photos are displayed in a special venue in the metaverse.
The venue is designed to resemble asphalt roads and block walls, allowing visitors to feel as if they are actually touring manhole cover locations in person.
Visitors can control their avatars to walk around the exhibition area and magnify photos for close inspection.
Also, Local VTubers from all 47 prefectures will introduce the charm of various manhole covers, and you can vote for your favorite photos with the "Like!" button.
Furthermore, the "Local Manhole Exhibition" accepted photo submissions from the public.
For details and precautions regarding submissions, please refer to the "Sora-no-Ue Shopping Mall" Official Website.
| Submission Details (Applications Closed) | |
|---|---|
| Submission Deadline | Monday, April 7, 2025, 23:59 JST |
| How to Submit | Applied from the dedicated form on the "Sora-no-Ue Shopping Mall" Official Website |
| Submission Format | JPEG format photo data |
| Required Information for Submission | Title, Location of photo, Date and time of photo, Display Name, Comment (within 20 characters) |
"Sora-no-Ue Shopping Mall" Located in Virtual Space
PR TIMES"Sora-no-Ue Shopping Mall" is a metaverse commercial facility that can be accessed from smartphones, PCs, and tablets without needing a dedicated app.
It is characterized by allowing users to enjoy online shopping and events by controlling an avatar, and offers a variety of stores, including:
- Hall 1: Character shops such as "Donguri Republic (Ghibli Store)" and "Tomica/Plarail Shop"
- Hall 2: Maid cafes in Akihabara, Jimbocho Used Bookstore Street, Kanda Curry Grand Prix winning stores, Ochanomizu Music Store Street
- Hall 3: "47 Prefectures Local Hall" where Local VTubers serve as cheering ambassadors and hold photo exhibitions and local markets
- Hall 4: Game shops and playrooms
- Hall 5: Creator shops for illustrators, etc.
Currently, over 200 stores are participating, and meeting rooms, exhibition halls, and event spaces are also well-equipped.
PR TIMES
The "Local Manhole Exhibition" is a unique event where you can enjoy the unique designs of manhole covers from all over Japan in a metaverse space.
You might find your favorite manhole cover or make discoveries that inspire you to visit the actual locations.
Please create an avatar and explore the virtual exhibition!
