The ten metre high puppet arrived at the Japanese National Gardens at Shinjuku Gyoen, Shinjuku-ku for a spectacular dusk performance in which it came to life in a sequence of music and dance, surrounded by other strange creatures.

Singer Sayuri Ishikawa, known for performing Japanese ballads in the style known as Enka, recited the words of "Tohoku Happiness," (Tohoku no Sachi) a work by Naoki Matayoshi, which tells the story of MOCCO's journey to tell the rest of the world about Tohoku.

"MOCCO keeps walking, gathering the cheers and love from people all over the world," said the narration.

"I am sure that MOCCO's journey will continue and connect many people’s hearts together," Ishikawa said after the performance.

The puppet’s journey began in mid May to promote recovery work in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima, the three prefectures of the region which were worst hit by the disaster.

Before the performance, Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto stood in silence to remember those who had lost their lives.

"I have a strong awareness that Tokyo 2020 should contribute to all those who have worked towards the recovery by sharing information about those efforts, to those inside Japan and to the wider world," Hashimoto said.

"Today’s programme will share the culture of Tohoku and the areas affected by the disaster as they walk towards recovery.

"Behind me is the giant puppet MOCCO.

"He started gathering sentiments and messages from Tohoku. 

"I pray that the feelings of the people of Tohoku are delivered to the world."

The puppet had been inspired by the ideas of children who sent in pictures suggesting what MOCCO should look like.

Messages of support from those in the three prefectures and from Tokyo were displayed on stage during the performance.

The event was originally intended to be a focal point of the Tokyo 2020 Nippon Festival but became yet another event hit by the state of emergency.

Instead performances were streamed online.