Kids have their say as futuristic mascots chosen for Tokyo 2020

TOKYO - Mascot-loving Japan has two new characters to get excited about after two futuristic designs with pointy ears and checkered patterns were unveiled on Wednesday to promote the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.

Chosen by schoolchildren across Japan and announced before a gymnasium of cheering pupils in Tokyo, the as yet unnamed blue character will be the mascot for the Olympics and the pink cherry blossom-inspired one for the Paralympics.

"It's quite innovative, I like the blue-check pattern while the pink one uses cherry blossoms and it shows traditional Japan," said Miyu Kawa, a 12-year-old student at Hoyonomori Gakuen School, where the selection was announced.