The Tokyo Olympics is set to happen in 2020, but the hype it is generating is already enough to get us all excited and looking forward.
Earlier this month, the Tokyo 2020 official store captured the attention of anime fans worldwide with its release of character-themed merchandise.
The merchandise features popular anime characters including the iconic Son Goku from Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, Astro Boy, Crayon Shin-chan, Jibanyan from Yo-Kai Watch, Naruto, Luffy from One Piece, and Pretty Cure.
These characters are featured on a variety of items from 594 yen (S$7.40) uchiwa fans to adult tee-shirts priced at up to 5,724 yen (S$71.60).
Shortly after the items were unveiled, the official Olympic Channel also announced that the fictional characters would be official ambassadors for Tokyo 2020.
But Pokemon fans will be disappointed to know that Pikachu is not on the list and there are no Nintendo characters involved at the moment – not even everyone’s favourite plumber Mario.
Nonetheless, the news has caused waves among anime fans worldwide, with many asking the Tokyo committee to add more characters to its list.
How the characters will play a role during the games remains a mystery, but one thing’s for sure – die-hard anime fans will be tuned in to the sports channel come 2020.
ljessica@sph.com.sg
