BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!!! Becomes Part of Ikebukuro's Streetscape with New Designer Manhole Cover

"MyGO!!!!!," which launched on April 29, 2022 and is also active as a real-life band, continues to captivate fans through both its music and story.

On June 10, 2026, a donation ceremony was held at the Toshima City Office for a specially designed manhole cover featuring artwork from the original anime "BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!!!," which depicts the band's formation story.

Representing Bushiroad, Masahiro Onoda attended the ceremony alongside Hina Yomiya, the voice actress who plays Tomori Takamatsu. Toshima City Mayor Miyuki Takagiwa officially received the commemorative manhole cover on behalf of the city.

In this article, we take a look back at the day's events.

Plus, shop for merch, music and more from BanG Dream! here!

Strengthening the Bridge Between Toshima City and Fans

Attending the donation ceremony were Masahiro Onoda of Bushiroad, Hina YoFmiya, who voices Tomori Takamatsu, and Toshima City Mayor Miyuki Takagiwa, who accepted the donation on behalf of the city.

In his remarks, Onoda looked back on the history of collaborations between Toshima City and BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!!!, including initiatives such as a digital stamp rally and the electric bus service "IKEBUS." Reflecting on these past projects, he spoke about the strong connection between the series and the city.

Onoda explained that the idea for the donation stemmed from a desire to further energize the local community and create an additional point of interest for fans by installing character-themed manhole covers throughout Toshima City, a setting that appears frequently in the anime. He also introduced the design itself, revealing that it was inspired by the series' tagline, "It’s fine to be lost, go on even if you are lost." The artwork depicts Tomori Takamatsu continuing to take steps forward despite her struggles and uncertainties.

The manhole cover was then officially unveiled by Yomiya and Mayor Takagiwa. Featuring Tomori's determined gaze alongside MyGO!!!!!'s signature blue color scheme, the design made a striking impression. Seeing the finished piece in person, both Yomiya and Mayor Takagiwa broke into smiles and applauded. Following the unveiling, Mayor Takagiwa presented a certificate of appreciation to Bushiroad in recognition of the donation.

Following the presentation of the certificate of appreciation, Yomiya delivered a message of gratitude from Bushiroad on behalf of the company.

Remarks on Behalf of the Recipient

"We are truly honored to receive this certificate of appreciation today. For BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!!!, Toshima City is an important and irreplaceable setting that serves as the backdrop for the story.

Being able to leave a lasting mark of the characters' journey in this place brings immense joy to all of us involved with the project, and above all, to the fans who have supported it.

We sincerely hope that this manhole cover will be cherished by members of the local community and will also serve as a new bridge connecting the many fans who visit Toshima City with the area itself."

The Making of a New Ikebukuro Landmark

During the Q&A session that followed, Onoda and Mayor Takagiwa responded to questions from members of the press.

When asked how she felt about receiving a manhole cover featuring a character with strong ties to Toshima City, Mayor Takagiwa responded with an enthusiastic, "It's adorable!"

"It will be installed on the west side of Ikebukuro Station, so I'm excited thinking about all the people who will come to see her," she said, referring both to the manhole cover itself and to Tomori Takamatsu, who is depicted on it. Smiling brightly, she added, "And hearing Hina Yomiya's lovely voice during today's remarks was exciting in itself."

Incidentally, the names of the MyGO!!!!! characters are derived from place names in Toshima City. Touching on the close relationship between the series and the ward, Mayor Takagiwa explained, "We place great importance on manga and anime and engage in a wide range of related initiatives, but BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!!! holds a particularly special connection for us. It feels almost like a member of the family."

Mayor Takagiwa also reflected on the city's longstanding relationship with Bushiroad, noting, "We've worked together with Bushiroad on a variety of initiatives over the years." Speaking about the newly donated manhole cover, she added confidently, "I'm certain it will become one of Ikebukuro's landmarks!"

When asked whether there were plans to install additional manhole covers featuring characters from BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!!!, she immediately replied, "I'd love that!"

"Animate's flagship store is also located here in Ikebukuro, and manga and anime have become one of the major pillars of our city promotion efforts," she explained. "Decorative manhole covers have become extremely popular, and so has BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!!!. I'd love to see even more of these installed in the future."

Discussing the significance of character-themed manhole covers, Mayor Takagiwa went on to describe them as "a wonderful addition to the city's scenery." She expressed hope that having such installations throughout the area would encourage visitors to explore different parts of the city, creating opportunities for people to walk around and discover more of what Toshima City has to offer.

Next, Onoda was asked about the partnership between BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!!! and Toshima City, as well as his hopes for the future of the collaboration. Expressing his gratitude for the response the project has received, he remarked, "The reaction we've seen is something we could never have imagined when the project first began." He went on to share his hopes for the future of the franchise: "BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!!! still has a long story ahead of it. As long as these characters continue to live on, their lives in Ikebukuro, and in other places as well, will continue." "There is still so much I hope people will see about how these characters continue to grow and live their lives." "I hope we will be able to continue these initiatives going forward as well."

Speaking about the design of the manhole cover itself, Onoda explained the particular thought that went into Tomori's expression: "I hope people can sense the strength in her expression: the determination to think through many different things, process the emotions and reactions of the world around her, and still remain true to the decisions she has made."

The ceremony concluded with a commemorative photo session around the newly unveiled manhole cover. Bringing together BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!!! and Toshima City once again, the event highlighted the close relationship that has developed between the series and the community.

Designer Manhole Cover Details