Takatsuki City to Host "Manhole Top" Spinning Top Battle Tournament

Takatsuki City has produced an educational toy called the "Manhole Top," which incorporates manhole designs, with the aim of fostering future science and engineering talent. On August 1, 2026 (Saturday), the city will hold a "Manhole Top" spinning top battle tournament to allow many people to experience the toy.

The "Manhole Top" was created in February 2026 as an original educational toy of the city by young technical staff in the Sewerage and River Division, who thought, "How can we convey the fun of science and engineering to children by relating it to manholes?" This initiative comes amid a nationwide decline in interest in science and engineering fields and a shortage of related professionals.

The spinning top has a mechanism where the shaft and a donut-shaped body can be freely combined. The body's surface is decorated with designs of representative spots in the city, such as Settsukyo Gorge, Takatsuki Castle, and Amakashi Park. There are two types of shafts: a pointed one and a round one, and three types of bodies made of metal with different weights. By changing the arrangement and combination of shafts and bodies, a spinning top with different rotational stability and duration can be created. Children playing with the tops can learn experientially, "Which combination of shaft and body spins the longest?"

Previously, the city has held events such as a long-spinning competition for "Manhole Tops" at events for families with young children to encourage interaction with the toy.

On August 1, 2026 (Saturday), to foster interest in manufacturing while enjoying themselves, Takatsuki Hankyu Square will host the "Manhole Top" Spinning Top Battle Tournament, "Parent-Child Manhole Top War." This event will form teams of one child and one guardian, who will create original spinning tops using a "Manhole Top" assembly kit. Sixteen participating teams will compete in a tournament-style battle.

Considering factors like the center of gravity, the combination of "Manhole Top" parts will be a crucial element in determining victory. Why not participate in the tournament and experience the world of physics while having fun?

【Event Overview】

Date and Time: August 1, 2026 (Saturday) (1) 10:30 AM (2) 1:30 PM (3) 3:30 PM

Location: Takatsuki Hankyu Square, 4th Floor Event Hall (4-1 Shirogane-cho, Takatsuki City)

Target Audience: Children aged 5 to 12 and their guardians

Participation Fee: Free

Capacity: 16 teams per session, first-come, first-served basis

*Registration begins 30 minutes before the start of each session.

【Related Website】

Parent-Child Manhole Top War to be Held (Takatsuki City Website)

https://www.city.takatsuki.osaka.jp/soshiki/55/177117.html

Contact for Inquiries

Takatsuki City Urban Development Department, Sewerage and River Planning Division

Phone: 072-674-7432