Yui Ohashi, the first Japanese female swimmer in history to win two gold medals at a single Olympic games, visited Hikone City Hall, Shiga Prefecture, where she is from, to report her achievement at the Tokyo Olympics to the mayor. Smiling, she took a photo with Hikonyan, the city's popular feline character of whom she is a great fan. The city government announced it on August 16.

The visit took place on August 13, privately at the request of Ohashi and her family. According to the city government, Ohashi requested a visit with the mayor to coincide with her O-bon holiday return to her hometown.

Ohashi met Mayor Hiroyuki Wada with her father and sister and reported her achievement, holding the gold medals in her hand. When Hikonyan appeared, she ran up to the cat and shook its hand, saying, "It's cute." She said, "I'm wearing socks (with a Hikonyan pattern)," and held its hand for a friendly photo.

When the mayor presented Ohashi an illustration of Hikonyan in a swimsuit drawn by Moheron, the original author of Hikonyan in commemoration of her achieving two gold medals, and other items, she said in an animated voice, "I thank everyone in my hometown for their support. Thanks to power from Hikonyan, I was able to win the medals. I am so happy to be congratulated by Hikonyan."