The Rio Olympics are done. The closing ceremony has seen the Olympic flame doused, and the flag handed to Japan, who will host the Summer Games in Tokyo in 2020.
As a taste of what’s to come, Japan took the metaphorical baton and closed the ceremony with a Tokyo 2020 logo reveal that absolutely stole the show. Rio’s ceremonies were educational and well-done, but never awe-inspiring like Beijing. Japan brought the awe, and they did it with the help of Super Mario. After a very “Japan” opening number showing off some impressive technology, we went to a video package that featured animé superstars, Hello Kitty and a plethora of amazing Japanese structures.
#Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/KarhWvfXL5
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 22, 2016
Then, Mario dove into one of his big, green pipes and dug his way from Tokyo to Rio, where a pipe emerged in the middle of the arena. In Rio, out popped Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe who was decked out in Mario’s overalls. He shed the red and blue, then stood triumphantly.
Tokyo 2020 is going to be lit. RT @dnadders: The Prime Minister of Japan is actually Mario. #WhoKnew pic.twitter.com/QnBVBU7K0E
— Christopher Jaques (@Cjaques4) August 22, 2016
Tokyo to Rio in record time. #Mario #Tokyo2020 #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/OvDwwtQ5bY
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 22, 2016
Mind. Blown. #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/aht5GPLWWm
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 22, 2016
Everyone loved it. Everyone.
Genial! #閉会式 #Tokio2020 https://t.co/4tgDCdKelE
— Tornasol 🦖🎄RAW 〽️🎈🎄☃️❤️ (@LaGalletabi) August 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/hobiestears/status/767537309403127808
https://twitter.com/PowerLevelLandD/status/767532813230837761
Wow! PM #JPN, Shinzo Abe muncul dari platform ala Mario Bros di tengah stadion. #ClosingCeremony #Rio2016 | @JuveLOL pic.twitter.com/llOJXIDyPB
— Rappler IDN Times (@rappleridntimes) August 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/hobiestears/status/767537309403127808
Life goal: Go to Tokyo, Japan for 2020 Olympics #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/Qjtb6qkW1l
— elisabetta ( ❛︡ ᵜ ❛︠ ) (@bxttx_29) August 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/funkmaster808/status/767536396198371329
I HAVE TO GO TO TOKYO FOR THE 2020 OLYMPICS!!! It has to happen, who's with me??!! #Tokyo2020 #Olympics #Japan ⛩🗼🌁🏯🚄🍶🎎🔴
— spacedout17 (@spacedout17) August 22, 2016
that handoff from Rio to Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics was so dope. Japan is about to host the most fire Olympics ever
— Mickey (@nguyen_mickey) August 22, 2016
Japan's presentation for Tokyo 2020 #Olympics in #Rio2016 is impressive
— Cayteya (@cayteya) August 22, 2016
Japan used Mario and Doraemon as for the opening for Tokyo 2020 olympics jesus christ!
— Lava🐉 @P3R (@uLavalamp) August 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/AdeolaAriyo/status/767524486556033024
Ok I will definitely be saving to attend the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Japan I'm coming back…. in four years time pic.twitter.com/ioCoM63dZG
— Jordana Makin (@AhoySmallFry) August 19, 2016
I think we can all agree that Tokyo 2020 is going to be one hell of a show. Now let’s try to make Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. an official Olympic game.
