The Tokyo 2020 mascots, Miraitowa and Someity, embarked on their "Make the Beat" tour of Europe after a bizarre ceremony held in the departure lounge of Haneda airport to mark their international departure on Wednesday.

The pair were welcomed on a makeshift stage set among restaurants filled with departing travelers by Japanese volleyball star Megumi Kurihara, who performed the signature "Make the Beat" clapping routine.

The almost impromptu ceremony also saw its presenter Honoka Tsuchiya attempting to teach the clapping routine to bewildered passing passengers and also a video message from American pop group the Backstreet Boys. Singer Howie Dorough, wearing a Tokyo 2020 happi coat, said, "For all you fans out there, who want to stay excited, just give into the moment, feel the passion in your heart and keep the Backstreet pride alive."

The adorable mascots, whose pink design was inspired by cherry blossoms, will visit six European cities – Barcelona, Paris, Bonn, Athens, London and Lausanne – until the end of April to promote the Games, which will get underway on July 24. Interestingly, the organizers have branded the two mascots as having superpowers and an ability to teleport between the digital world and reality.