Tokyo 2020 Olympics’ design. Fencing pictogram – All photos: courtesy of Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Design & Graphic Design – Tokyo 2020 Olympics are scheduled to kick off on July 24. We rounded up brilliant designs conveying the Games’ motto United by Emotion with a responsible attitude combining sustainability with Japanese heritage.
Edo era infuse the final official logo
Tokyo 2020 Olympics’ logo by Asao Toloko.
The ‘checker board of harmony’ is the concept behind the Olympics logo by Tokyo-based artist Asao Tokolo. The Olympic and Paralympic design consists of three different sizes of rectangles to make a checkered pattern design. Such Japanese style is known as ichimatsu moyo and was popular during the Edo era while the various shapes of the rectangles represent the nations.
A former controversial official design has been scrapped due to copyright infringement. Indigo, a color considered traditional in Japanese culture, and white – the international a symbol for peace – are the chosen colours.
Upcycling discarded smartphones into Olympic medals
Tokyo 2020 Olympics medals by Junichi Kawanishi.
Tokyo 2020 Olympics’ medals are made from precious metal extracted from mobile phones and other small electronic devices donated by the public. From April 2017 to March 2019, municipal authorities throughout the country have collected 78,985 tonnes of discarded smart phones and other gadgets The medals were created by Japanese designer Junichi Kawanishi following an open competition.
According to tradition, the medals are fronted with Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, who stands in front of the Panathinaikos Stadium. The other side of the medal features a choppy design around the medal’s circumference encircling the Olympics official logo.
The Olympic torch: a message of peace from Fukushima
Tokujin Yoshioka has designed the Olympic torch which is made from recycled aluminium originally used in the construction of prefabricated housing units in the aftermath of the Fukushima earthquake. Inspired by Sakura – Japan’s iconic cherry blossom – the torch takes the shape of five flames emerging from flower petals and coming together as one. “The design wishes for peace and healing of hearts of those affected by the natural calamity,” explains the designer. Read more…
Pictograms revamping Tokyo 1964 Games’ icons
50 retro-style sport pictograms pay homage to the icons introduced at the first Tokyo Olympics in 1964. Created by Japanese graphic designer Masaaki Hiromura over the course of two years, the icons represent all 33 sports that will feature in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games programme, with some sports using more than one pictogram.
Art director Masasa Katzumie and graphic designer Yoshiro Yamashita used simple and schematic shapes to create the silhouette of an athlete’s body in action.
All images: courtesy of Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Tokyo 2020 Olympics medals by Junichi Kawanishi.
