Manhole Covers That Don't Go Unnoticed

Karuizawa, Japan 2023

During my travels in Karuizawa, Japan, I was captivated by the artistic designs of the city’s manhole covers, each telling a unique story reflective of local history and culture. This project combines detailed illustrations of these often-overlooked urban elements with ambient field recordings from the area, including the 4 PM end-of-day melody in Saku, a town nearby.

Additionally, the project features a playful set of Canine Carriages—whimsical illustrations that capture the charm of locals transporting their small dogs in strollers. These light-hearted illustrations bring a touch of humor to the otherwise tranquil, everyday moments I observed in Karuizawa.