Japan is preparing to host the world's largest sporting event, the 2020 Olympics. The country has been criticized for excessive spending, controversies over the design of the main stadium, and even claims that the logo is stolen. Former Japanese Prime Minister and current president of the Organizing Committee of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, Yoshiro Mori, recently appeared at an event to discuss the status of planning and explain his vision for the upcoming event.

In a discussion about the plans for the opening and closing ceremonies, Mori said that people around the world do not necessarily know much about kabuki and sumo. Instead, he argued that as far as Japanese culture is concerned, the world is more familiar with anime and manga. Characters like Doraemon, Hello Kitty and Astro Boy are internationally popular. Therefore, he believes that it would be a good idea to include a big manga parade in the ceremonies.

The Olympics' organizing committee revealed that the characters Astro Boy, Sailor Moon, Shin-chan, Luffy (One Piece), Naruto, Jibanyan (Yōkai Watch), Goku (Dragon Ball Super), Cure Miracle and Cure Magical (Maho Girls Precure!) will appear on the official Olympic merchandise.

At the Olympic handover ceremony at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appeared as Mario, a character of Nintendo.

Source: animenewsnetwork.com