9 awesome things from Tokyo we want to see in the 2020 Olympics

This is going to be great.
 By 
Nicole Gallucci
 on 
9 awesome things from Tokyo we want to see in the 2020 Olympics
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 21: Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is seen during the 'Love Sport Tokyo 2020' segment during the Closing Ceremony on Day 16 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on August 21, 2016. (Photo by Okan Ozer/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) Credit: Mashable Composite: AAron Ontiveroz/Getty Images, Kyodo/AP Images, James D. Morgan/Getty Images and KOJI SASAHARA/AP

After a very eventful couple of weeks, the 2016 Rio Olympics came to a close on Sunday, leaving us with an epic teaser for what's in store at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made his legendary entrance into the Rio Games through a green pipe dressed as Mario and the world collectively lost its mind.

After seeing Mario -- a Japanese video game icon -- joined by Pac-Man and other anime characters in Brazil's Maracana stadium, we started to imagine all the wondrous potential of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.


You May Also Like

With five new sports -- skateboarding, karate, surfing, sports climbing and baseball/softball -- coming to the Games in 2020, we have a feeling this could be one of the most exciting Olympics yet.

Here are nine awesome things from Tokyo we hope to see in the 2020 Olympics:

1. Lots and lots of robots

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Robots could be taking over the 2020 Olympics, as Japan has plans to build a "robot village" near the Olympic Village. The area already contains a 60-foot Gundam statue and the Japanese government is working to create self-driving taxis in addition to robots which will help visitors carry their luggage and find their seats in the stadium.

2. Shigeru Miyamoto showing up in costume

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Who better than Shigeru Miyamoto -- Nintendo's Japanese video game designer famous for creating games like Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros., and The Legend of Zelda -- to show up alongside the prime minister dressed as Mario. We'd love to see Miyamoto dressed as Link, Luigi, Wario or perhaps even Bowser. However he chooses to present himself, we're hoping he's a key part of the 2020 Olympics.

3. Akira motorcycle gangs

In 1988, Akira -- a Japanese anime about biker gangs set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo -- essentially predicted Tokyo winning the 2020 Olympic bid, so it seems only right that they play some part in the Opening Ceremony.

4. A life-size(ish) Godzilla guarding the Olympic flame

The sacred Olympic flame can surely be trusted to stay lit in the care of Godzilla -- a famous Japanese character in the form of a giant, fire-breathing monster.

5. Appearances from our favorite video game characters -- especially Sonic

There's literally a game called "Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games," so when Shinzo Abe appeared as Mario, he left many fans wondering where exactly Sonic was. Hopefully Tokyo will take advantage of this beautiful opportunity and give Sonic the attention he deserves.

According to CNN, Nintendo's stock rose 3.5% in Tokyo after Shinzo Abe's cameo as Mario, so we have a feeling more iconic characters will definitely be making cameos.

6. Pokémon in the stadium

With the recent popularity of Pokémon GO, people have once again become obsessed with the Japanese cartoon characters. Though Pokémon GO is unfortunately not an Olympic sport, hopefully the 2020 Olympics will find some way to bring Pokémon to life and incorporate them into the opening ceremony.

7. Hello Kitty and friends bringing some much needed cuteness

Hello Kitty and other classic Sanrio characters are an important (and adorable) part of Japanese pop culture that will unite people of all age groups, and lets face it, make the Olympics so much cuter.

8. Karaoke

Come on. How great would an Opening Ceremony be with some karaoke?

9. Athletes carbo-loading with Ramen

Before the whole robbery scandal of Rio 2016, Ryan Lochte graced us with this Instagram photo of him and Michael Phelps carbo-loading with some spaghetti before their 200-meter individual medley. Hopefully the athletes will be enjoying a lot of the beloved Japanese soup dish, Ramen, in 2020.

Topics Olympics

Mashable Image
Nicole Gallucci

Nicole is a Senior Editor at Mashable. She primarily covers entertainment and digital culture trends, and in her free time she can be found watching TV, sending voice notes, or going viral on Twitter for admiring knitwear. You can follow her on Twitter @nicolemichele5.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
How to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics online for free
Luca Zingante of team Monte Lussari competes

How to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics: streaming guide
scenic mountain view with NBC Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics logo overlayed

Grindr beefs up safety features for 2026 Winter Olympics
grindr logo on phone

You can get Peacock for free to watch the 2026 Olympics — here's how
Olympics logo above Peacock and Walmart+ logos against blue background

How to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony online for free
A general view of the Olympic rings ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!