The school children of Japan have spoken: And a pair of sleek, futuristic-looking characters were unveiled Wednesday as mascots of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
The winning design — penned by Ryo Taniguchi, an artist who graduated from Cabrillo College in California — was selected from a vote of kids from 16,769 elementary schools across Japan.
The still-to-be-named mascots enjoyed support of 109,401 kids, besting rivals with 61,423 votes and 35,291 votes, respectively.
“It looks futuristic but also represents Japan’s traditions,” 12-year-old Miyu Kawa, who voted for the winning design, told Kyodo News.
“Its color and shape give a sense of unity and are suited for the Olympics and Paralympics that involve people regardless of their position or nationality.”
Olympic organizers wanted kids involved in the selection so they’ll be excited when the games come to their country in a little more than two years.
“The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games finally have their mascots,” said Ryohei Miyata, head of the mascot selection panel.
“This means a lot, especially in Japan. I cannot wait to see these two characters coming to life in the stadiums, on the streets and on TV.”
Names of the mascots will be announced this summer, officials said.
The Tokyo Olympics are scheduled to run from July 24 through Aug. 9 in 2020.
These blue and pink Japanese mascots will follow in the footsteps of a white tiger named “Soohorang,” mascot for the just-completed Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea.