Idol Master Manhole in Machida! Roco Lands on Haramachida Dori

A colorful anime-themed manhole cover featuring Roco (Nao Yokoyama) from THE IDOLM@STER 765PRO ALLSTARS has been permanently installed on Haramachida Dori in Machida City, a short walk from both JR Machida Station and Odakyu Machida Station. Although Roco’s official birthplace is only listed as Tokyo, fans have long treated Machida as her de facto hometown thanks to its creative, fashion-forward atmosphere, turning the city into a pilgrimage site for iDOLM@STER enthusiasts. The new manhole is both a formal nod from Machida to this fan culture and a way to attract tourism.

The design places Roco at the center, framed by three symbols of Machida: the green Silk Melon (a local specialty), the blue Kingfisher (city bird), and the pink Dahlia (city flower). These vivid colors enhance Roco’s illustration, making the cover especially eye-catching in sunlight and well-suited for social media photos. Located on a busy public sidewalk in a district packed with malls, restaurants, and anime/game shops, the spot is easy to include in a full day out, though visitors are encouraged to avoid blocking pedestrian traffic while taking pictures.

This installation is part of a broader nationwide trend of anime and game collaboration manholes, which, together with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Manhole Card program, has fostered a community of travelers who collect photos of these covers. While Machida has not yet announced a dedicated Manhole Card for this Roco design, anticipation is high. For iDOLM@STER fans, manhole collectors, and street photography enthusiasts alike, Roco’s manhole on Haramachida Dori offers a new landmark—and a reason to keep an eye on the ground when walking through Machida.