What is the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 mascot?
FROM the cute Misha in Moscow to the much-maligned Wenlock in London, mascots are a huge part of an Olympic Games.
The characters greet competitors and play to the crowds – and are also sold as toys. So what has Japan chosen as its mascot for Tokyo 2020?
What is the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 mascot?
Meet Miraitowa – the official mascot at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The robot character is taking centre stage at the Games and features the same indigo blue ichimatsu-pattern as the 2020 logo.
According to the Olympic Design website the mascot brings together old and new, with an old-fashioned side that respects tradition and an innovative one in tune with cutting-edge information.
Miraitowa also represents learning from the past and acquiring new knowledge from it.
The mascot has a strong sense of justice, and is very athletic.
But best of all the mascot, which lives in the digital age, has the special ability to be able to move anywhere instantly.
The character, who will feature at the opening ceremony, was created for Japanese illustrator Ryo Taniguch.
He also designed the Paralympic mascot, Someity, a robot figure with pink-checkered patterns inspired by cherry blossoms.
The mascot has the ability to fly using its checkered cape and to send telepathic messages.
Someity is calm and quiet with superpowers that embody the toughness and determination of the Paralympic athletes.
Where does the name Miraitowa come from?
The name Miraitowa is based on the Japanese words "Mirai" – meaning future – and "towa", which means eternity.
Olympics Design states the name was chosen to "promote a future full of hope forever, in the hearts of all the people in the world".
The name Someity is from someiyoshino, a type of cherry blossom, and the English phrase "so mighty".
Olympics.com states Someity can show enormous mental and physical strength, representing Paralympic athletes who overcome obstacles and redefine the boundaries of possibility.
When were mascots first introduced at the Olympic Games?
Mascots have been a key element of the Olympics since the Winter Games in Grenoble, France, in 1968.
It was named Schuss and was a little man on skis.
Waldi was the first official mascot, a dachshund featured at the 1972 Munich Games.
Since then, the tradition has seen a wide range of mascots, including a wombat, bald eagle, cuddly bear, white tiger, and London's very own "drop of steel" Wenlock.
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