Meet the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Mascots!
Brandon
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!
Related articles
Japanese Festivals: Best Way to Enjoy the Summer!
Let’s quickly look at some interesting things about Japanese summer festivals, also known as natsu matsuri!
Japanese Games: Enjoy Your Next Festival Visit to the Fullest!
Japanese festivals, called matsuri, aren’t just about food and music—they also bring a world of fun games. Every summer, autumn, or shrine festival clears a space for yatai stalls that invite kids and adults to test their skills.
Tanabata Festivals: Best Ones From Sendai to Osaka!
Tanabata is one of Japan’s most beloved summer festivals, filling streets with color, music, and handmade decorations. While its story is centuries old, how it’s celebrated today continues to change and grow.
Fire in Japanese Culture: The Amazing Shiranui Fire Festival!
Every year in Kumamoto, fire lights up the sea in one of Japan’s most mysterious and striking summer festivals—the Shiranui Fire Festival of the Sea. This unique event blends legend, science, and ritual, all focused around strange lights said to appear over the ocean.
Spa Resort Spotlight: Let’s Check Out Yunessun!
Skipping the onsen (hot spring) experience during a trip to Japan would be a big miss. Soaking in an onsen is good for your health and skin and helps you relax and relieve stress. If you love Japanese onsen, Yunessun Spa Resort is a place you should not miss! Let’s explore the unique and exciting things this place has to offer!
Japanese Festivals: Five Great Summer Events
Japan’s summer season lights up with vibrant energy thanks to its many Japanese matsuri festivals!