In case you didn’t know, the 2020 Summer Olympics are being held in Tokyo. The country is gearing up as millions of tourists and Japanese from across all over Japan get set to storm Tokyo for the Summer Olympics.
If you are in Tokyo currently you may have seen the mascots on billboards and merchandise alike. If you are planning to come to Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics, be prepared to have shirts and plushies featuring the mascots shoved in your face. The 2 mascots are named Miraitowa (representing the Olympics) and Someity (representing the Paralympics). They were chosen from a poll taken by more than 75% of Japanese elementary schools and a number of overseas schools.
“Mirai” is the Japanese word for future, and “towa” is the word for eternity; combined Miraitowa promotes a future full of eternal hope in the hearts of people all over the world. Someity is a pun for “so mighty” and also comes from a Cherry Blossom tree called someiyoshin which is shown in the pink color. Someity represents Paralympic athletes who overcome obstacles and redefine the boundaries of what is possible.
You can find more information on the full profiles of Someity and Miraitowa as well as their development process on the Tokyo 2020 website here.
Gear Up!
Image Source
Many stationary stores and local shops are already selling officially licensed 2020 merchandise. However if you want to go big, head over to any Bic Camera department store and you’ll find an assortment of T-shirts, giants plushies, and useless goods ready to be purchased. Of course you can also buy everything from the official 2020 Olympics online store here, however keep in mind they only ship to Japan.
If you want to go big, the online shop is selling pure gold Japanese koban coins for a whopping 12,296,000 Japanese yen (or about $12,000 USD)! If that sounds too expensive don't worry as you can buy the smaller silver version for 21,600 yen (or about $200 USD). Of course you can always just buy a t-shirt.
Which of the mascots do you like more? Are you excited for the 2020 Olympics? Let us know in the comments.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more news straight from Japan!
The daruma doll has been a big part of Japanese culture since ancient times. Its distinctive red color and exaggerated face make them unmistakable amongst the other traditional Japanese toys and charms.
The Japan rainy season is called tsuyu or sometimes baiyu. It translates to “plum rain” because it is during the season when plums start to ripen!
The Japanese mask has an important place in Japanese culture. Each one has a well-defined meaning, from theatrical to religious and even festive!
Osaka, Japan, is a city that’s as vibrant and dynamic as it is steeped in history! From the moment you arrive, you’ll be swept up in the energy of this bustling metropolis, with its neon lights, lively street scenes, and mouth-watering cuisine.
A picnic party is perfect during spring in Japan! It’s a beautiful time with bright colors, an exciting culture, and interesting customs. Every year, people worldwide come to see the cherry blossoms, which are called sakura!
Hands-on experiences can enrich a trip by creating good memories while learning about the local culture. Take a Tokyo tour and indulge in fun activities, from cooking classes to traditional art workshops and sports activities!