This morning I went to Hibiya Midtown, a luxurious shopping and entertainment complex in Tokyo, to see the grand debut of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic mascots, six months after their designs were voted for by Japan’s elementary school students.
Sitting outside in the sweltering July heat, the attendant crowd were treated to a short animated film featuring the Pokemon-like characters, and a brief introduction by a pair of Japanese medalists. Then the wall behind the stage unexpectedly burst open and the two eagerly-awaited mascot characters emerged from a cloud of dry ice. It was quite a bombastic entrance.
They were then joined on stage by the former prime minister, Yoshihiro Mori, and current Tokyo governor, Yuriko Koike, who were there to reveal the names of the mascot pair. The blue Olympic mascot (whose checkered pattern blended in with the mural behind him) is called Miraitowa; and the pink Paralympic mascot is called Someity.
Yoshiro Mori and Yuriko Koike reveal the new mascots’ names.
According to some signs at the scene, “the name MIRAITOWA is based on the Japanese words “Mirai” (future) and “towa” (eternity) connected together. This name was chosen for the Olympic mascot to promote a future full of hope forever, in the hearts of all the people in the world. The name SOMEITY comes form “Someiyoshino”, a popular cherry blossom variety, and the phrase “so mighty”. Someity has cherry blossom tactile sensors, and can show enormous mental and physical strength. The mascot represents Paralympic athletes who overcome obstacles and redefine the boundaries of possibility.”
There was then a ceremony to mark the opening of the “Mascot House” pop-up store in the lobby of the Hibiya Midtown building. I was given a sneak preview of the mascot-related merchandise on sale in the shop, including plushies, neckties, water bottles, and keyrings. After that, Miraitowa and Someity were whisked off for a cruise down the Sumida River, to wave at fans watching from the riverbanks.
The two characters will be appearing at the “Mascot House” every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until the first week of September, so you can go and have your picture taken with them.