While walking in Japan, have you ever noticed Y-shaped metal pipes protruding from the walls or ground of buildings? This is called a “Sosuko” (Fire Department Connection), an equipment used by fire trucks to pump water during emergencies.
[Heading H2] A Hidden Treasure Trove of Design Don’t dismiss it as just plumbing! There is a rich variety of designs, featuring retro fonts for the Japanese characters, unique manufacturer logos, and sometimes surprisingly decorative shapes. They are highly popular among street observation enthusiasts in Japan.
[Heading H2] Where to Look They are required by law for buildings with five or more floors, so you’ll definitely spot them in the city. The ones embedded in the walls of old multi-tenant buildings or the solid stone walls of banks look especially cool and vintage!
