ExplainerWho are the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics mascots Miraitowa and Someity?

The two figures represent a blending of traditional Japanese culture with the modern era

They both have superpowers, and represent a number of characteristics Japanese people hold in high regard

2-MIN READ2-MIN

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games mascot Miraitowa and Paralympic mascot Someity will not have a lot of fans to interact with at the Games this summer, due to Covid-19 Photo: Reuters

Published: 2:11pm, 4 Jun 2021Updated: 2:11pm, 4 Jun 2021

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are set to kick off this summer without foreign spectators and probably a limited number of Japanese ones, which will result in a unique Olympics for the Games’ two official mascots.

Miraitowa, who is the mascot of the Olympics, and Someity, the mascot for the Paralympic Games, which will take place right after, were selected from a pool of more than 2,000 entries, a selection process that was spearheaded by the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee.

The mascots were designed by Fukuoka-based illustrator Taniguchi Ryo and were officially born on February 28, 2018, the day they were chosen by children from more than 16,000 Japanese elementary schools, domestic and abroad.

Beijing 2008 mascots, the Fuwa, were a big hit during and after the Games. Photo: SCMP

Sport mascots are generally to be found interacting with spectators in the stands, doing tricks, playing jokes or leading cheers. Some of the most famous ones are celebrities in their respective cities, and draw crowds wherever they go.

Beijing 2008’s Fuwa were a big hit and later spawned a TV series, video games and theatre run.