Today it was announced that Tokyo will host the Olympic Summer games in 2020, but as with any host of these games, you need a mascot to promote it, so here are ten of the most popular characters in anime culture, we'll be seeing their pros, cons & odds and at the end you can either give your opinion on which one you would like to see or recommend one I haven't mentioned, so let us begin.
This is not a top 10 rather just a pick from 10 characters.
1. Doraemon
The time traveling robot cat is Japan's national cartoon and has more images in Japan than any other character and was already Tokyo's Olympic ambassador for the bid.
While he does have appeal in some countries it may shock you that Doraemon has never ever been translated into English and likely never will, taking away a sizable chuck out of it's international appeal.
Odds: 5-1
2. Totoro
Of all of Miyazaki's creations, Totoro is the most well known, with plenty of heritage behind the story, and a very appealing design.
But how do you adapt Totoro to sport? I can't see it personally.
Odds: 20-1
3. Anpanman
Another long running character in Japanese anime, Anpanman translates as Breadman, a superhero designed to fight off evil bacteria and always there to feed people his head when they need it the most.
While he promotes healthy eating and the importance of staying healthy he has practically no international appeal having gone no further than the Arab nations, India and the other oriental nations in it's international release.
Odds: 20-1
4. Pretty Cure
The long running magical girl series could easily adapt the colorful Olympic rings for a new series and give us a sports theme for it's series.
As much as people would disagree, Pretty Cure is still a girls anime and there's no guarantee that it will still be running in 2020.
Odds: 70-1
5. Son Goku
Son Goku of Dragonballz fame is no stranger to being in the spotlight and has been an ambassador for other things in Japan, and being a physically active hero has appeal.
But you have to wonder how much longer Akira Toriyama will be persuaded to keep lending out Goku for more adventures and in my opinion using him is a massive cliche.
Odds: 40-1
6. Monkey D Luffy
Vast becoming Goku's replacement as the head honcho of Shonen Jump, Monkey D Luffy has already got theme parks and restaurants in his anime's name and will likely still be around in 2020.
But there is a 100% guarantee you'll never hear the end of the flame wars if he gets in especially with Naruto & Goku as other Shonen Jump characters.
Odds: 70-1
7. Sazae-San
Sazae-San just recently became the world record holder for longest running animated series spanning a massive 45 years with the character itself being around for nearly 60 years, old enough to be around for Tokyo's last Olympic games.
Sazae-San is a Japan only product with no international appeal and while it does promote great family values, it has no other appeal to speak of and certainly not for an Olympic games, besides the mid 20s Sazae-San character looks like a Japanese Olive Oil from Popeye.
Odds: 45-1
8. Konata Izumi
Lucky Star's favorite Otaku Konata Izumi is a natural athlete in Lucky Star, making her the most qualified and with portable shrines to Lucky Star in Japan, there's no worry of not having enough appeal.
But is it really enough? With no new series of Lucky Star to work with and other candidates on this list having better heritage, it maybe too much of an outside bet.
Odds: 100-1
9. Pikachu
The electric yellow mouse has been a staple of the Pokemon universe since day one and has massive international appeal, more so than Japan's most popular animated characters.
But the big question remains, do we only use Pikachu or do we bring in the other Pokemon as well?
Odds: 10-1
10. Hatsune Miku
Olympic Miku has a nice ring to it, having already promoted motor racing teams, it would be the easiest transition to make for the virtual idol and is already fast gaining international appeal.
But Miku has never had her own show, whether that will change in the seven years between now and the games we'll just have to see.
Odds: 10-1
Bonus: Original character designed for the games.
It's the easiest thing to do for the creative Japanese, but with so many well made characters it would be a waste not to use them.
Odds: 2-1
