Saitama City Launches Advertising Business Utilizing Sewer Manhole Covers
Key facts
- Saitama City Launches Advertising Business Utilizing Sewer Manhole Covers
- Saitama City will begin an advertising program using sewer manhole covers in June 2026 to secure revenue for rising maintenance costs of aging sewer facilities. The city will solicit advertisers to place advertising plates on manhole covers, primarily in front of high-traffic train stations.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 29, 2026
Direct answer
Saitama City will begin an advertising program using sewer manhole covers in June 2026 to secure revenue for rising maintenance costs of aging sewer facilities. The city will solicit advertisers to place advertising plates on manhole covers, primarily in front of high-traffic train stations.
- Citation
- Saitama City Launches Advertising Business Utilizing Sewer Manhole Covers (May 29, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 29, 2026
Saitama City will begin an advertising program using sewer manhole covers in June 2026 to secure revenue for rising maintenance costs of aging sewer facilities. The city will solicit advertisers to place advertising plates on manhole covers, primarily in front of high-traffic train stations.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 29, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 30, 2026 at 23:22 (27h 22m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 30, 2026 at 23:23 (1 min after Collected)
## Measures to Secure Revenue for Saitama City's Sewer Business
In response to the aging of sewer facilities, Saitama City anticipates rising costs for inspections, repairs, maintenance, and reconstruction. To secure funds for these sewer projects, the city will launch an advertising program using sewer manhole covers starting in June 2026.
Manhole cover advertising allows advertisers to pay for the installation of advertising plates on sewer manhole covers.
## 1. Installation Locations
The city will use locations in front of its top three stations by passenger numbers (Omiya Station, Urawa Station, and Minami-Urawa Station), which attract significant attention. Requests for other locations are also open for consultation.
### 【Excluded Manhole Covers】
- Manhole covers on roads not managed by the city
- Manhole covers installed on vehicle entrances to roads or sidewalks
- Manhole covers installed with tactile paving blocks for the visually impaired
- Other covers deemed unsuitable for advertising by the city
## 2. Application Guidelines
- 【Program Start】June 2026
- 【Application Period】From the 1st to the 20th of each month (or the previous business day if the 20th is a holiday)
- 【Eligibility】Anyone, whether local or outside the city, including individuals and businesses, may apply.
- 【Contract Method】Quotes will be compared for each manhole location, and the city will contract with the advertiser proposing the highest monthly advertising fee. If bids are tied, a lottery will be held.
### 【Advertising Costs】
1. Initial production costs for the manhole cover and advertising plate are borne by the advertiser (approx. 200,000 yen/location as of April 2026).
2. Monthly advertising fees are determined by quote (Minimum fee: 9,800 yen/month).
Note: The city bears installation costs, though掲載 may be delayed to the next fiscal year depending on budget availability.
### 【Contract Term】
Generally 3 years (can be extended up to 6 years if conditions are met).
In response to the aging of sewer facilities, Saitama City anticipates rising costs for inspections, repairs, maintenance, and reconstruction. To secure funds for these sewer projects, the city will launch an advertising program using sewer manhole covers starting in June 2026.
Manhole cover advertising allows advertisers to pay for the installation of advertising plates on sewer manhole covers.
## 1. Installation Locations
The city will use locations in front of its top three stations by passenger numbers (Omiya Station, Urawa Station, and Minami-Urawa Station), which attract significant attention. Requests for other locations are also open for consultation.
### 【Excluded Manhole Covers】
- Manhole covers on roads not managed by the city
- Manhole covers installed on vehicle entrances to roads or sidewalks
- Manhole covers installed with tactile paving blocks for the visually impaired
- Other covers deemed unsuitable for advertising by the city
## 2. Application Guidelines
- 【Program Start】June 2026
- 【Application Period】From the 1st to the 20th of each month (or the previous business day if the 20th is a holiday)
- 【Eligibility】Anyone, whether local or outside the city, including individuals and businesses, may apply.
- 【Contract Method】Quotes will be compared for each manhole location, and the city will contract with the advertiser proposing the highest monthly advertising fee. If bids are tied, a lottery will be held.
### 【Advertising Costs】
1. Initial production costs for the manhole cover and advertising plate are borne by the advertiser (approx. 200,000 yen/location as of April 2026).
2. Monthly advertising fees are determined by quote (Minimum fee: 9,800 yen/month).
Note: The city bears installation costs, though掲載 may be delayed to the next fiscal year depending on budget availability.
### 【Contract Term】
Generally 3 years (can be extended up to 6 years if conditions are met).
FAQ
さいたま市のマンホール蓋広告事業はいつから始まりますか？
令和8年6月から募集および事業が開始される予定です。
マンホール蓋広告の設置場所はどこですか？
市内の駅利用者数上位3駅（大宮駅、浦和駅、南浦和駅）の駅前を主な設置場所としていますが、その他の希望も相談可能です。
広告料はどのように決定されますか？
マンホール1箇所ごとに見積合わせを実施し、最高値を提示した広告主と契約する方式です。
応募に制限はありますか？
市内・市外、個人・事業者問わず、どなたでも応募可能です。
広告主が負担する費用はありますか？
マンホール蓋および広告プレートの製作に係る初期費用（令和8年4月時点で約20万円／箇所）を負担する必要があります。