AFP, Tokyo :
Japanese organisers formally introduced their doe-eyed 2020 Olympic mascots to the world on Sunday, christening them with superhero names that could provide a tongue-twisting challenge to some.
The blue-checked Olympic mascot was dubbed “Miraitowa” – combining the Japanese words for future and eternity, organisers said at an event in Tokyo.
It expresses the hope for a bright future stretching off forever, according to officials.
Its Paralympic partner which sports pink checks is called “Someity” – borrowing from the word for a variety of Japan’s iconic cherry trees and the English expression “so mighty”.
The characters are said to combine tradition and innovation, organisers said.
The pointy-eared mascots bestowed with “special powers” were unveiled in February this year after being chosen by schoolchildren from a shortlist of three across mascot-mad Japan.
Miraitowa has a “strong sense of justice and is very athletic,” according to Olympic officials, adding that it also possesses magical powers that enable it “to move anywhere instantaneously”.
