The names of the mascots for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games were officially unveiled on Sunday, according to the latest tweet from the Tokyo organizing committee.
The blue and white checkered pattern is named Miraitowa which stands for the Japanese words future and eternity combined. The pink one for the Paralympics is named Someity (pronounced soh-may-tee) which comes from a popular cherry blossom variety "Someiyoshino" and echoes the English phrase "so mighty," added the official account of Tokyo Organizing Committee on Twitter.
The two futuristic figures were first released on Feb. 28. this year and they were designed by 43-year-old Ryo Taniguchi. This graphic designer from Fukuoka, in southern Japan, explained his designs are a combination of traditional values with futuristic looks that could imply the concept of "innovation from harmony" in relation to the games.
"The Olympics mascot has a strong sense of justice and is very athletic, and the Paralympics one has a dignified inner strength and a kind heart that loves nature," the biographical notes said.
Moreover, children across the island country played a role in helping the mascots stand out from a total of 2,042 entries. The Mascot Selection Panel in Tokyo involved the voting process with a nationwide educational program called "Yoi Don!", which means "Get Set" in English.
The committee chose a shortlist of three sets of designs and then carried out the program among nationwide schools, allowing students to choose their favorites. Statistics show students from 205,755 classes at 16,769 schools took part in the vote. The program will continue to bring the Olympic spirit to schools and encourage as many students as possible to participate in the games, according to the Tokyo organizing committee.
