Japan has chosen a pair of mascots for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics that merge ancient traditions with modern animation. About 6.5-million schoolchildren took part in selecting one of three pairs of mascots. Our correspondent Terrence Terashima has the story.

Many Japanese are still feeling the excitements from the PyeongChang Olympics, as medalists receives hero's welcome in their home towns. And while the Olympics passion is still hot, Tokyo unveiled its official mascots for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The mascots were selected by children from over 16,000 elementary schools across the country from a shortlist of three final selections. The winning design won by clear majority, which has distinctive Japanese element to it.

MIYUU KAWA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT "The mascot looks futuristic, but the blue mascot has the traditional 'ichimatsu' pattern, and the pink has a 'sakura' pattern, expressing Japan's traditions."

The Public Reactions were fairly good.

"Blue one looks very unique and the pink looks gentle, I think it is good. I will give 70 and 80 points for them."

"I think they are very cute, I will give them 90 and 100 points."

TERRENCE TERASHIMA TOKYO "It is just over 870 days to the Tokyo summer Olympics in 2020, now the official mascot has been announced Tokyo residents are looking forward to hosting the event."

Some of the venues will be hosted outside Tokyo including Fukushima and nearby prefectures.

TOKYO RESIDENT "I am from Tokyo. I still cannot imagine how it is all going to take place but I am excited how it will turn out."

Japanese Olympic committee says the names of the mascots will be announced in the summer. Terrence Terashima, CGTN, Tokyo.