'Doraemon' named Special Ambassador for Tokyo 2020 bid

TOKYO - Well-known Japanese anime character "Doraemon" on Friday was appointed the nation's first special ambassador in support of Tokyo's bid to hold the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

According to the Tokyo 2020 team, the Doraemon character embodies Japanese core values such as respect and friendship, which also are the Olympic Values.

"The wide appeal of Japanese anime represented by Doraemon is a powerful reminder of Japan's ability to engage and inspire young people worldwide," said Masato Mizuno, Tokyo 2020 CEO and Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) Vice-President.

"By the year 2020, The global popularity of Japanese pop culture adds further credibility to our promise to deliver a dynamic celebration that will strengthen the Olympic Values for new generations and encourage more young people to pursue their dreams and hopes through sport," Mizuno said.

Tokyo is currently competing with Istanbul and Madrid to hold the 2020 Olympics. The final vote for the 2020 Games will be made on Sept 7.

Then Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura, left, and Japanese popular cartoon character Doraemon, right, attend the Anime Ambassador inauguration ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo, in this March 19, 2008 file photo. Doraemon, the fictional robotic cat, will be the first special ambassador in support of Tokyo's bid to hold the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. [Photo/CFP]

Japanese popular cartoon characters, left, and Nobita-kun attend the Anime Ambassador inauguration ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in this March 19, 2008 file photo. Doraemon, the fictional robotic cat, will be the first special ambassador in support of Tokyo's bid to hold the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. [Photo/CFP]

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