TOKYO: The organisers of the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020 introduced both the events’ mascots at a special naming ceremony in the Japanese capital on Sunday.
The mascots were decided following a voting process across Japanese schools globally and 75% of elementary schools in Japan between December 2017 and February 2018.
The Olympic Games’ mascot will be called Miraitowa, which is derived from the Japanese words mirai (future) and towa (eternity). The thought behind the name is to make this mascot futuristic for the rest of the world to follow and exudes optimism.
Miraitowa has the same indigo blue ichimatsu-patterns as the Tokyo 2020 Games emblem on its head and body. The mascot's personality is derived from a traditional Japanese proverb that means to learn old things well and to acquire new knowledge from them. The mascot has both an old-fashioned aspect that respects tradition and an innovative aspect that is in tune with cutting-edge information. It has a strong sense of justice and is very athletic. The mascot has the special ability to move anywhere instantly.
The Paralympic mascot's name was revealed as Someity which is derived from two sources. The first being ‘someiyoshino’, a popular cherry blossom variety and the second being the English phrase “so mighty”. Someity exhibits enormous mental and physical strength, which pays tribute to Paralympic athletes who overcome obstacles and redefine the boundaries of what is possible. It is usually quiet, but it can exhibit great power when necessary. It is also said that it loves loves nature and can talk to stones and wind by using its super power, and is also able to move things by just looking at them.
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