Organizing committee seems to have a problem with a huge clumsy bear running around with an open flame.
In the large and complex world of Japanese yuru-kyara mascots, Kumamon has long reigned supreme. The roly-poly and constantly surprised black bear can be seen on all sorts of merchandise from license plates to flooring. Much more than a representative of his home Kumamoto Prefecture, he’s a downright national treasure.
So, it seems fitting that he would take part in the Kumamoto leg of the torch run leading up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Who wouldn’t want to see that giant peanut of a bear wobble through the streets, holding the Olympic flame with pride?The organizers, that’s who.
During an informal meeting between Kumamoto Prefecture and Olympic organizers the idea of Kumamon taking part in the torch run was spit-balled and quickly shot down. Their official response, according to media reports, was, “It’s difficult, because he’s not human.”
On the surface, this seems like uncharacteristic discrimination by the Olympics, but they do have several points. According to the application rules, potential torch runners much have been born before 1 April, 2008. Considering Kumamon is a timeless creature with no known date of birth, his application is already fraught with complications.
In addition, the rules state that prospective runners also must be able to safely carry the flame by themselves. Let’s face it, Kumamon has accomplished a lot in his career, but he’s certainly not known for his grace and cunning reflexes.
Kumamon is, however, known for being covered in what looks like a highly flammable material. And while certain jaded adults would get a kick out of it, the sight of Kumamon running through the streets, completely engulfed in flames would surely be traumatizing for the kids out there.
Then, we have an overarching rule by the IOC that explicitly states that torch runners cannot wear costumes. Since Kumamon is a real bear, this isn’t an issue, but it’s worth mentioning.
So, while the odds are certainly stacked against him, it would still be nice to see Kumamon participate in the torch run. His tireless efforts to raise community spirit and awareness in the wake of the devastating earthquakes in the region in 2016, has been nothing short of heroic, and he deserves any accolade he gets.
| Article Source: Sora News | Picture Source Photo/IC |