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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dressed as Super Mario at Rio closing ceremony

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After Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 awaits. See the Japanese Prime Minister like you've never seen him before at the Olympic closing ceremony in Brazil.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a surprise appearance in a Super Mario outfit during the closing ceremony at the Rio Games.

The Olympic flag was formally passed over ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Games and Mr Abe then supplied a light-hearted moment to the thousands of fans who attended the ceremony at the Maracana Stadium.

During a video montage to promote the next hosts, Mr Abe announced that he did not have enough time to make the trip to Brazil. 

Super Mario was then shown jumping into a green pipe and the footage cut to the Maracana, where Mr Abe emerged from the pipe, wearing the trademark outfit of the computer game character.  

It was a dramatic transformation from Japan's Prime Minister, who quickly reverted back to his suit and tie.

Rio Olympics end in style
Rio Olympics end in style

The Rio Olympics concluded in a spectacular closing ceremony

Team GB will be hoping for similar success in Japan after finishing second in the overall medal table with a total of 67.

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Click on the video above to see the Japanese Prime Minister make a surprise entrance as Super Mario.