No those aren't the new Powerpuff Girls. They are the official mascots for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. As I have said many times before, Asians LOVE LOVE LOVE to make EVERYTHING CUTE. It's in our blood and the latest icon to be swept up in Asian aesthetics are the Olympic rings - turned cute cuddly animals.
They are called "Five Friendlies". Beibei a fish creature, Jingjing a panda, Huanhuan a malevolent fire demon, Yingying an antelope, and Nini a swallow. When halved and strung together, their names mean Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni meaning Welcome To Beijing!
note: the reason why Asian often double their names is because it denotes cuteness and youth
Of course that isn't it. Although the five mascots may look cute and cuddly, they can do something that will probably translate to some amazing opening Olympic show. Kiddies, these five can combine to form a giant robot! GO VOLTRON!
Man, once the marketing machine gets a hold of them, expect to see them sell out everywhere. Watch out Hello Kitty, there's a new gang in town.
asia champions the power of mascots.
i wish western culture utilized mascots more often to facilitate branding.
i loved the 70's dodge duster for its google-y eyed twister.
i like bei jing huan yinh ni but in there, i think u should more pictures.