About PIN-JO

PIN-JO is the passion project of a small team based on the Isle of Man. We first visited Japan in the spring of 2019 and fell in love with the country and it's culture.

 

Japanese manhole art refers to the colourful, decorative designs found on manhole covers throughout Japan. These covers are often elaborately painted with unique local themes, ranging from nature and wildlife to cultural symbols, historical landmarks, and even anime characters. The tradition began in the 1980s, with local governments using manhole covers as a way to beautify urban spaces and showcase regional identity. Today, these artistic covers have become a form of street art, attracting tourists and collectors alike. Each design is often specific to the city or region, making them a fun and interesting way to explore Japan’s diverse culture.

 

At PIN-JO we create enamel pins and other art based on these captivating pieces of art laying at your feet!

 

 

Our name means 'Pin Castle' in Japanese so naturally the logo was inspired by Japanese castles, with their unique designs and strong, timeless feel, they perfectly capture the vibe we wanted for the brand—something bold, yet with a nod to tradition.