A Japanese reporter's infatuation for the panda-shaped mascot of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Bing Dwen Dwen, became one of the most talked-about topics during the opening ceremony.

NTV's announcer Gido Tsujioka has earned himself the nickname "Gido Dwen Dwen" after a series of video clips of him promoting Bing Dwen Dwen to Japanese audiences went viral on the Chinese internet with more than 300 million views.

The 35-year-old reporter said that having the mascot could draw more attention to the Beijing Winter Olympics. "If his existence could draw more people's attention to the Beijing Winter Olympic Games, it would be great," he said during an interview with the Global Times.

 

 

 

 

 

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Love at first sight
Bing Dwen Dwen has saved Tsujioka's life, he said. He was having a hard time dealing with losing his jacket on the plane to Beijing. When he saw the mascot, he was able to feel like he was healed immediately.

Tsujioka said he fell in love with the mascot immediately after seeing him. Even though he was tired, he still felt motivated by Bing Dwen Dwen. "I fell in love with Bing Dwen Dwen at the first sight," Tsujioka said. "No matter how tired, whenever I see Bing Dwen Dwen, I feel motivated… With Bing Dwen Dwen, I do not feel cold without my jacket."

Announcer Tsujioka has eight Bing Dwen Dwen badges on his press card. He also owns a variety of souvenirs related to the mascot, such as a scarf and clothes.

For his excitement and love for Bing Dwen Dwen, Tsujioka received many requests to bring the mascot to Japan. "I have received countless messages, asking me to bring Bing Dwen Dwen back to Japan," he said. "Maybe I will buy a lot of Bing Dwen Dwens, throw away my clothes and fill my suitcase with all Bing Dwen Dwens."

Despite the number of Bing Dwen Dwens he owns, Tsujioka still has two wishes. One of which is to take a photo with the mascot, and the other is to have a conversation with the mascot's designer.

Tsujioka meets Bing Dwen Dwen's designer
The designer of Bing Dwen Dwen, Cao Xue, has implied that he would like to meet the reporter to understand why he so passionately enjoys the mascot. Thanks to Global Times, both could sit down and talk about Bing Dwen Dwen.

During their conversation, Cao talked about the various details of Bing Dwen Dwen's design, such as conceptualized and how they kept their secrets as they worked on the project. Tsujioka was able to ask a lot of questions about the mascot. He also learned more about the people behind the project.

After their conversation, Tsujioka asked Cao if he could draw a cartoon of him and Bing Dwen Dwen using his mobile device.

"Tsujioka said he was touched by Bing Dwen Dwen, and we are touched by his love for Bing Dwen Dwen… this is also what we want to convey by designing Bing Dwen Dwen — to share love and happiness and the spirit of the Olympics with more people," Cao said after the conversation.

 

 

 

 

 

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