Kumamon's bid to carry 2020 Olympic flame ends in failure english.kyodonews.net

KYODO NEWS - 2 hours ago - 10:41 | Sports, All, NewsKumamon, the cuddly Japanese black bear-like character whose fame has spread overseas, has missed out on becoming a runner for the 2020 Olympic torch relay, officials familiar with the matter said Saturday.
(Kumamon performs ahead of a Rugby World Cup match between France and Tonga on Oct. 6, 2019 in Kumamoto city.)
To be eligible as a torch runner, a person must be born before April 1, 2008.
An official at the organizing committee said that when it comes to the torch runners, "a special exception is not permitted."
"We want him to get involved in the Olympics in a form other than a torchbearer," a Kumamoto official said.