Tokyo 2020 mascots Miraitowa and Someity were treated to a departure ceremony at the Japanese capital's Haneda Airport ©Tokyo 2020

Tokyo 2020 mascots Miraitowa and Someity were treated to a departure ceremony at the Japanese capital's Haneda Airport as they left for a tour of former Olympic and Paralympic host cities in Europe.

The duo will visit Barcelona, Paris, Bonn, Athens, London and Lausanne to promote the "Make the Beat!" campaign being run by Tokyo 2020 organisers.

This is a rhythm which fans can dance to or clap along with when watching the action at Olympic and Paralympic venues.

It is hoped that this will improve the atmosphere and heighten excitement around the sport taking place.

The send-off ceremony for Miraitowa, the Olympic mascot, and Paralympic equivalent Someity featured a video message from American pop group Backstreet Boys.

Guests included Japan's Olympic bronze medal-winning volleyball player Megumi Kurihara and model Honoka Tsuchiya, the winner of the Miss Japan competition last year.

All of those in attendance had a go at doing the routine themselves, alongside the mascots.

Fans are now being encouraged to upload videos of themselves performing the beat.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will run between July 24 and August 9 with the Paralympics following between August 25 and September 6.