Names of 2020 Tokyo Games Mascots Unveiled

July 23, 2018

Tokyo- The mascots of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games have been named Miraitowa and Someity, respectively, the organizing committee said Sunday.

The name of Miraitowa is the combination of the Japanese words "mirai" (future) and "towa" (eternity).

"This name was chosen to promote a future full of eternal hope in the hearts of people all over the world," the committee said.

The name of Someity comes from Someiyoshino, a popular cherry blossom variety, and the English phrase "so mighty," the committee said.

The mascots were unveiled to the public at their naming ceremony in Tokyo. Their name plates were presented by Yoshiro Mori, president of the committee, and Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike.

"I think they were given unique names," said Ryo Taniguchi, the designer of the mascots.

Both mascots feature Japan's traditional "ichimatsu" checkered patterns printed on their bodies.

The Olympic mascot has the same indigo blue pattern as the emblems for the Tokyo Games, while a pink pattern is used for the Paralympic mascot. Jiji Press