Well the 2020 Olympic games were canceled as you all know. In a perfect world it would be held next year; invigorating the world as they overcome this pandemic together and border restrictions lifted allowing all to roam freely.
But what about the 2020 Olympic goods, what will happen to them?
It has been said that the goods will not change for 2021 and will still have the 2020 dates on them. From what I have seen the average Japanese are not interested in purchasing these goods until you say "hey, these just might become collectors items". The main target market for these goods were foreigners visiting for the games and that won't be happening anytime soon.
But then there are the not so average Japanese buying up as much as they can as if these items will become precious. Who really knows. I bought a few accessories the other day as someone told me they wanted them ( not sure I can ship it out to them now) but then I thought hmmm let me do a blog post and put a link to an Ebay listing.... I have yet to do that listing, but here is the blog. ( I may edit that in another time).
Let's take a look at some of the goods
Below are what I feel will be the most sought after of all the goods, the official Olympics and Paralympics Keychains. They're many variations for each sport made from different materials. My major concern is that all these items are made in China so fakes or "surplus" could flood the market. BUT... If you buy direct from Japan, you know you are getting the "real deal" as they are very strict when it comes on to copyrights.
The pins as seen below will be very popular too I believe as they are small, simple, durable, can be used on many things ( hats, shirts, dolls etc) and at this moment are somewhat affordable. ( Around $4.5).
This mini plush doll of Miraitowa (Japanese: ミライトワ ) is the official Summer Olympics character for 2020. Honestly I haven't seen anyone buying them or even looking at them in stores ( except me ) as they are pricey. ( But hey, I am not at the stores 24/7).
The other character below is known as Someity (Japanese: ソメイティ). She is the official mascot of the 2020 Summer Paralympics.It is interesting how these characters look like aliens from outer space. I think that it would be a good time for them to visit us bringing the cure ( or the purge).
While these neck straps aren't bad they will wear and tear easily; that is why I believe the key-chains will be the most sort after followed by the pins.This accessory is cool for those who actually do sports.
It wouldn't be a Tokyo Olympics without an Asian style fan with the logos on it. Sorry, I couldn't actually open it as it was sealed. Surprised they didn't have a sample out but I realized they have many different variations.
They even have mini notebooks with the characters on it. Very cute. I imagine all the products being great travel gifts or "Omeyagi" as they call it here. Just imagine if you came for the Olympics? You would buy a bunch of this stuff for family and friends back home.
Now the thing is, the products above are just the tip of the iceberg. These are products you will find in many stores across the island in a mini pop up space. But they are many many more products to match every size wallet with variations galore. Just take a look at this gold and silver medallion set. Now this is a collectors item. ( Note: This item is on pre-order only, who knows when it will be available).
source
Material: [Body] Pure gold, sterling silver [Case] Wood
Size: [Pure Gold] D25mm (approx.), 20g / [Pure Silver] D40mm (approx.), 30g
Country of Manufacture: Japan
The precious metals will be the real collectors items as they already have value but for the simple accessories, who knows. But I feel once the dust settles from Corona, and a few years pass, all these goods will represent the year the world changed, 2020
What do you think? Do you think simple 2020 Olympic goods will become collectors items?
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Cover Image via Canva and the 2002 Tokyo Olympic committee. Edited by
