Tokyo 2020 Could Be The Geekiest Olympics Yet

Tokyo 2020 Could Be The Geekiest Olympics Yet

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appeared at the Rio Olympics’ closing ceremony as Mario. But that wasn’t the only Japanese pop culture cameo.

[Image via NHK]

In a Tokyo Olympics promotional clip shown during the 2016 Olympics closing ceremony, other iconic characters from gaming and anime put in appearances.

Tokyo 2020 Could Be The Geekiest Olympics Yet
(Image via NHK)

[Image via NHK]

Such as Pac-Man.

Tokyo 2020 Could Be The Geekiest Olympics Yet
(Image via NHK)

[Image via NHK]

Captain Tsubasa from the iconic manga and anime series by the same name.

Tokyo 2020 Could Be The Geekiest Olympics Yet
(Image via NHK)

[Image via NHK]

Hello Kitty.

Tokyo 2020 Could Be The Geekiest Olympics Yet
(Image via NHK)

[Image via NHK]

And Doraemon, the robotic cat from the future.

Since Mario appeared in such a big way in the closing ceremony Tokyo Olympics teasers, I expect him to continue to be connected with 2020 Olympics.

Tokyo 2020 Could Be The Geekiest Olympics Yet
(Image via NHK)

[Image via NHK]

But will there be more characters?

Pikachu was Japan’s World Cup mascot and certainly could also pop up in promotions related to the Tokyo Olympics. (If so, that might mean no Yokai Watch!)

Sonic would make sense, too.

Tokyo 2020 Could Be The Geekiest Olympics Yet
(Image via NHK)

[Image via NHK]

Captain Tsubasa was published in Weekly Jump, so it would make sense for other Jump sports manga, like Slam Dunk, to be roped in. I could also see non-sports manga and anime like Dragon Ball and One Piece doing the same. (Akira would be a hilarious in-joke, but let’s not hold our breath.)

Tokyo 2020 Could Be The Geekiest Olympics Yet
(Image via NHK)

[Image via NHK]

(Shojo anime and manga Sailor Moon would also be a terrific addition, and seeing how many fans it has around the world, a smart one.)

Tokyo 2020 Could Be The Geekiest Olympics Yet
(Image via NHK)

[Image via NHK]

But even if they keep it to only the characters they have, this must be a first, no? Are there other examples of video game and anime characters appearing in official Olympic ceremonies?

Tokyo 2020 Could Be The Geekiest Olympics Yet
(Image via NHK)

[Image via NHK]

No doubt we’ll get a heavy dose of traditional culture, but this seems like a smart way to not only promote the Tokyo Olympics to the world, but also its games, cartoons, and comics.


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