The 2020 Tokyo Olympics organizing committee said the name of the games' official mascot will not be taken from the general public but from creative professionals.
Once a panel selects the design of the mascot through a public competition, organizers will open the process to those with knowledge and experience in not just creative writing but also in dealing with trademarks, officials said Monday.
The design competition will be open to Japanese citizens and non-Japanese residing in Japan. The winner is expected to be involved in the selection of the name in some capacity.