Tokyo 2020 introduces names of mascots for Olympic, Paralympic Games

(CNN)Japan has unveiled the names of its mascots for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Blue and white checked character "MIraitowa" (pronounced miray-towa)-- combining the two Japanese words of "Mirai"(future) and "towa" (eternity) -- will appear at the Olympic Games.

The Paralympics' pink and white "Someity" (pronounced soh-may-tee) is named after the cherry blossom variety "Someiyoshino," with Games organizers saying the name echoes "so mighty" in English.

Tokyo 2020 released a shortlist of mascot pairs in December last year and asked schoolchildren in Japan and Japanese schools outside the country to vote for their favorites. More than 16,700 schools participated.

The voting process was part of the country's nationwide education program called "Yoi Don!" which means "Get Set!". The program aims to teach children the values of the Games and allow them to get involved in initiatives linked to Tokyo 2020.

The two futuristic, superhero creatures chosen were unveiled in February, without names. Those were revealed Sunday at a Tokyo event.

News Courtesy: www.cnn.com