On May 22, the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games announced the "Application Guidelines" for the Tokyo 2020 Games mascot public contest.
The mascots will serve as ambassadors for the Games, welcoming athletes and spectators to the Olympics and Paralympics while exciting children and fans. This time, designs for both Games' mascots will be open to the public for submission and selection.
Since the 1964 Tokyo Games had no mascot, the 2020 mascots will be Japan's first ever for a Summer Games. They will feature prominently not only at the Games and related events, but also in licensed merchandise, animations, and all manner of scenarios.
The Organizing Committee requests the creation of mascots that are original, meet the expectations of people not only in Japan but around the world, and are loved by the public.
Key Points of the Application Guidelines
1. Individuals and groups may apply
No qualifications or prior experience required
2. Submit 20 different illustrations
(Basic, expression, and sport-specific designs)
3. The mascot will be selected by a vote of elementary school students nationwide
Applications will be accepted from August 1 to 14, 2017. After selection and voting, the design will be announced around March 2018, with the official announcement scheduled for July to August of the same year.
For details, visit the Organizing Committee's website.
