OSAKA, Mar 06 (News On Japan) –
A surge within the resale of ‘Manhole Cards,’ collectible playing cards that includes designs of native manhole covers distributed without spending a dime by municipalities, has angered collectors and native governments. Some playing cards are being resold for as a lot as 100,000 yen, prompting considerations over equity and the unique intent behind the initiative.
Manhole Cards have grown in reputation lately, attracting followers from throughout Japan and even overseas vacationers. These playing cards, distributed by 724 municipalities nationwide, are meant to advertise native points of interest and lift consciousness of sewer infrastructure. Recipients are restricted to at least one card per particular person, however reviews point out that some people disguise themselves to gather a number of copies for resale.
Ayako Morikawa, a resident of Osaka City’s Chuo Ward and a longtime fanatic of ornamental manhole covers, expressed frustration over the resale development. “People who genuinely want these cards are being deprived because of resellers taking multiple copies,” she stated. Morikawa, who owns about 100 Manhole Cards, travels nationwide to gather and {photograph} totally different designs, calling them “artworks on the street.”
Online listings reveal a booming resale market. Osaka Castle’s Manhole Card, initially distributed without spending a dime, has been listed for six,100 yen. A ten-card set from Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is priced at 88,000 yen, whereas a single card from Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, that includes Okazaki Castle, has reached 100,000 yen.
Kashiwara City in southern Osaka distributes 4 totally different Manhole Cards that includes native specialties like Delaware grapes and Shine Muscat, in addition to standard anime characters. Although the playing cards are supposed to entice vacationers, resellers have been promoting them in units for five,555 yen shortly after distribution started.
A metropolis official lamented the scenario, stating, “We created these cards to encourage visits to Kashiwara and promote awareness of sewer infrastructure. It’s unfortunate that they are instead being used for profit.”
Despite municipalities urging individuals to take just one card per particular person, some people have been noticed altering outfits or carrying hats to repeatedly declare further copies.
When confronted, a reseller admitted to discovering the commerce by likelihood. “I initially picked up a Manhole Card during a trip to Yamaguchi Prefecture and later realized it had resale value. I found it interesting, so I started collecting and selling more,” he stated. He claimed to observe self-imposed guidelines, similar to not taking multiple card per location, however acknowledged that some resellers exploit the system by repeatedly buying and reselling the identical playing cards.
Collectors like Morikawa urge patrons to rethink their purchases. “I understand that some people may not have the time or means to travel, but excessive reselling could lead to the discontinuation of these distributions. I hope people think twice before buying resold cards.”
Source: MBS