Note: This website was automatically translated, so some terms or nuances may not be completely accurate.
Tokyo 2020 mascot design "A" selected! Next focus: naming
On February 28, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee held a press conference at Toyoha no Mori Gakuen in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, to announce the voting results for the official mascot of the Tokyo 2020 Games.
The open call for design submissions in August 2017 received over 2,000 entries from a wide range of generations, from ages 10 to 80. After a review process, the final candidates were narrowed down to three designs.
The mascot was selected through a nationwide vote conducted by elementary school students in their classes from these three final designs.
Related article:Elementary school students nationwide choose! Tokyo 2020 Games mascot candidates announced[2017.12.08]
Voting closed on February 22 this year, with participation from approximately 17,000 schools and 206,000 classes, including special needs schools and Japanese schools overseas, highlighting the high level of interest.
Approximately 560 children from the school and about 300 media representatives gathered at the venue to witness the announcement. Given that the mascot was being unveiled for a Games hosted in a country known for its love of characters, the presence of overseas media was also notable.
Organizing Committee Chairman Yoshiro Mori addressed the children: "The mascot we are about to announce will be shared not just domestically, but around the world. I want you to know that by voting, you have done something truly remarkable. We anticipate around 8 million visitors to Japan for the 2020 Games. Please continue to support the Games."
Taking the stage were Ryōhei Miyata, Chair of the Mascot Selection Committee (Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs); Yoshiko Ikoma, Vice Chair (Fashion Journalist); committee member and talent Shoko Nakagawa; and the representative children.
As the venue counted down together, the vote counts for each design were revealed, sparking loud cheers from the children. The result: Design A received the most votes, approximately 110,000, and was selected as the official mascot.
The creator, character designer and illustrator Ryo Taniguchi, who lives in Fukuoka Prefecture, commented, "I'm so shocked my mind went blank. I want to tell my beloved wife."
Mr. Taniguchi was presented with a certificate of commendation, a trophy, and a 3D mascot.
At the press conference, Masaaki Furumiya, Deputy Secretary General of the Organizing Committee, stated, "We are delighted that such a wonderful design was chosen. We express our respect and gratitude to the creator." Vice Chair Ikoma added, "We hope this voting experience allowed the children to feel the Olympic spirit that 'the important thing is to take part.'"
Regarding the mascot, Taniguchi explained, "After seeing the flag handover ceremony at the Rio Olympics, I created it with images of the near future and Japanese characteristics in mind. I'm looking forward to seeing it developed in various ways, such as animation."
The judging committee plans to continue discussions on naming the mascot and aims to announce it around summer.
Special Website:
https://tokyo2020.org/jp/special/mascot/
Was this article helpful?
Share this article
