Machida City in Tokyo has officially been selected as a new location for “Futamasu!!!!!!,” The Idolmaster series’ 20th anniversary manhole project. The big hook for Producers: Machida’s design will feature Roco from THE iDOLM@STER: Million Live!—an art-loving idol whose vibe lines up almost too perfectly with Machida’s creative identity.
Machida City Joins the Futamasu Manhole Project for iM@S 20th
“Futamasu!!!!!!” is a nationwide project led by Bandai Namco Entertainment in collaboration with local governments, installing original manhole covers designed with Idols from The Idolmaster series. Machida City announced that its installation has been confirmed as part of the franchise’s 20th anniversary initiatives, continuing the series’ recent trend of connecting fandom with real-world places. Official Futamasu project page
Machida also pointed to an existing connection with The Idolmaster brand: in fiscal 2024, the city held an environmental collaboration event themed around food-loss reduction and plastic resource circulation with THE iDOLM@STER: Shiny Colors. In other words, this isn’t a totally out-of-nowhere pairing—there’s already a track record of working together. Machida City’s Futamasu page
Why Roco Fits Machida’s Art-Loving Vibe So Well
Machida’s chosen Idol is Roco (Roco Handa), a 15-year-old “artist idol” from THE iDOLM@STER: Million Live! known for her love of making things and her very distinctive, mixed-in English-flavored speech style that fans often call “Roco-go.” Machida City specifically frames the match as a creative resonance: the city highlights its artistic and cultural foundation—such as its printmaking museum culture—alongside a broader mix of subculture, busy commercial areas, and a local atmosphere that welcomes free expression. That’s basically Roco’s entire brand in one sentence. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
What Will Be on the Manhole Design: Local Icons to Watch For
Here’s the fun part: Machida says the manhole won’t be “just Roco.” The city plans to incorporate local symbols into the art, including the public sculpture “Hikari no Mai” (光の舞い) near Machida Station, a local specialty called “silk melon,” the city bird kingfisher (kawasemi), and dahlias. If you’re the type who likes collecting photos of character manholes, this one is aiming to feel like a mini “Machida postcard” in metal form. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
When and Where It Will Appear (What’s Confirmed So Far)
Important note for anyone already planning a pilgrimage: the final manhole design, installation timing, and the exact placement location have not been announced yet. Machida City says those details will be shared later. So for now, treat this as a confirmed “yes,” but not a confirmed “date and pin on the map.” :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
How to Follow Updates and Plan a Quick “Manhole Hunt” Trip
If you want to be first in line for the photo (or the inevitable “I found it!” post), the smartest move is simply to bookmark the two official pages and check them when you’re trip-planning. Once the city posts the location, you can build your route around it—especially since the design is expected to reference Machida Station-area landmarks.
One practical tip: Futamasu installations in other regions have sometimes come with “unveiling” style updates (and occasionally weather-related changes), so it’s worth checking official updates close to your travel day rather than relying on older reposts. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
What Futamasu Means for Producers Beyond Machida
Even if you can’t get to Tokyo anytime soon, the Machida announcement is another sign that Futamasu is being treated as a long-running nationwide celebration rather than a one-off stunt. The project is designed around “idols who fit the place,” which makes each new location feel like a tiny piece of worldbuilding—except it’s happening on sidewalks instead of in a game event. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Bookmark This and Share Your “Found It!” Photo Later
For now, Machida’s Roco manhole is officially happening—details next. Save the official pages, keep an eye out for the date and map pin, and when it finally drops… please do the most Producer thing possible: go take a photo and brag a little. We’ll be cheering you on from the timeline. ✨
Check Machida City’s official update page
©THE IDOLM@STER& ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
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