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Story highlights
- "Ren-G" unveiled as official mascots
- Japan hosts Asia's first rugby World Cup in 2019
Described as mythical, lion-like creatures that "bring happiness and ward off evil," "Ren" and "G" -- together known as "Ren-G" -- were unveiled Friday as the tournament's official mascots.
The winning design was chosen from around 50 entries and similar depictions are seen throughout Japanese culture.
The pair, which have long, flowing manes, white fur and button noses, were filmed dancing and passing a rugby ball at the official unveiling.
Its the first time since 1999 that there's been an official mascot at a Rugby World Cup -- Dewi the dragon paraded the touchlines in Wales that year.
Japan's rugby dream
The 2019 edition of the tournament, the first to be hosted in Asia, gets underway on September 20, a year before Tokyo hosts the 2020 Olympics.
The 2019 Rugby World Cup will be staged in 12 venues with the final held at the International Stadium Yokohama on November 2.