Danica Davidson
March 5, 2024 
Over the years Japan has been putting otaku decorations on manhole covers, and now Minato Ward, located in Tokyo, is joining in with manhole covers featuring Sailor Moon. This was chosen because the characters are involved with Minato Ward’s Azabu-Juban district.
While the people who live in the area can enjoy this imagery, the real point is for tourism. A representative for Minato Ward noted, “We expect hordes of fans in and outside Japan to visit our town. It would be fantastic if they explore the whole ward.”
Plans are being drawn up to make maps showing where people can find the manhole covers. The Sailor Guardians and Tuxedo Mask will appear on five different kinds of covers. One will be located by the Tokyo Tower. Another will be found at the opening of the Azabu-Juban Shotengai shopping street. These are all references to places seen in the original story. The covers are being put into place this month, and they should be all set before April rolls around.
Kodansha USA Publishing releases the original Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon manga by Naoko Takeuchi, and gave this description for it:
Usagi Tsukino is a normal girl until she meets up with Luna, a talking cat, who tells her that she is Sailor Moon. As Sailor Moon, Usagi must fight evils and enforce justice, in the name of the Moon and the mysterious Moon Princess. She meets other girls destined to be Sailor Senshi (Sailor Scouts), and together, they fight the forces of evil!
This new edition of Sailor Moon will feature:
– An entirely new, incredibly accurate translation!
– Japanese-style, right-to-left reading!
– New cover art never before seen in the U.S.!
– The original Japanese character names!
– Detailed translation notes!This version of Sailor Moon will be completely true to original. Join us as Sailor Moon returns to the U.S. for the first time in years!
Source: The Asahi Shimbun
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
