The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are set to kick off this summer without foreign spectators and probably a limited number of Japanese ones, which will result in a unique Olympics for the Games’ two official mascots.
Miraitowa, who is the mascot of the Olympics, and Someity, the mascot for the Paralympic Games, which will take place right after, were selected from a pool of more than 2,000 entries, a selection process that was spearheaded by the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee.
The mascots were designed by Fukuoka-based illustrator Taniguchi Ryo and were officially born on February 28, 2018, the day they were chosen by children from more than 16,000 Japanese elementary schools, domestic and abroad.
Sport mascots are generally to be found interacting with spectators in the stands, doing tricks, playing jokes or leading cheers. Some of the most famous ones are celebrities in their respective cities, and draw crowds wherever they go.
Beijing 2008’s Fuwa were a big hit and later spawned a TV series, video games and theatre run.
Both of the Tokyo mascots have a checkered pattern on their bodies known as “Ichimatsu”, which is inspired by the Tokyo 2020 Games emblem, which in turn is a tribute to traditional Japanese culture and how it has made its way into modern society.
The name Miraitowa is derived from the Japanese words “mirai”, which means “future”, and “towa”, which means “eternity”. This promotes the idea that the Tokyo Olympics will bring about a future of everlasting hope for everyone around the world, which takes on added poignancy during these Olympics given the backdrop of the global pandemic, and the fact that there will be no foreign spectators at the Games.
For the Paralympics, Someity is derived from “Someiyoshino”, which is a popular type of cherry blossom, and the word “mighty”.
Someity, has “mighty powers and cherry blossom tactile sensors” and can, of course, fly using its cape, and has telepathic powers. The character is known for being calmer and quieter than Miraitowa, and also loves being outdoors and can communicate with natural elements such as trees and plants.
There is no official word from the Tokyo Games organisers on whether the two will be required to wear masks during the Olympics and Paralympics, or if either are vaccinated.
According to online Japanese media reports, however, there were rumours that a popular character from the Japanese Dragon Ball Z series, Goku, was going to be the official mascot, but that was never verified.
