TOKYO (AP) – Next year’s rugby World Cup in Japan has its official mascots: two mythical, lion-like creatures that were believed in ancient Japan to chase away evil and bring happiness.
The mascots, named “Ren” and “G,” were unveiled Friday by local organizers.
Similar depictions often appear in traditional Japanese theater. Ren is the parent, and G is the offspring. Organizers said the two are genderless.
A pair of official mascots of Rugby World Cup 2019 “Ren-G”, (Ren, left, and G, right) are introduced officially in Tokyo Friday, Jan. 26, 2018. Rugby World Cup 2019 will take place in twelve venues in Japan from Sept. 20 until Nov. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Rob Abernethy, the general manger of the Japan World Cup, says the winning entry was whittled down from about 50. He says “it a very good choice and it has the full endorsement of our board and world rugby.”
The World Cup opens next year on Sept. 20 and closes on Nov. 2.
A pair of official mascots of Rugby World Cup 2019 “Ren-G,” (Ren, in white, and G, in red), Rugby World Cup 2019 Executive Director Rob Abernethy, right, and Rugby World Cup 2019 Organizing Committee President and CEO Akira Shimazu, second right, prepare for photo session after “Ren-G” were introduced officially in Tokyo Friday, Jan. 26, 2018. Rugby World Cup 2019 will take place in twelve venues in Japan from Sept. 20 until Nov. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
A pair of official mascots of Rugby World Cup 2019 “Ren-G,” (Ren, left, and G, right) which were introduced officially throw and catch a rugby ball in Tokyo Friday, Jan. 26, 2018. Rugby World Cup 2019 will take place in twelve venues in Japan from Sept. 20 until Nov. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
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