Tokyo: Japan, which will be hosting the 2020 Olympics, has released its logo. The final logo was selected from 15,000 entries invited through an open-call competition. It was designed by Asao Tokolo and is called ichimastu moyou or ‘The Harmonised Checkered Emblem’.
The 46-year-old designer explains that his logo represents “different countries, cultures and way of thinking” and “incorporates the message of unity in diversity”. The colours- white and indigo, depict a “refined elegance and sophistication of the Japanese tradition”, praises Ryohei Miyata, who led the selection committee.
Toloko received ¥1 million ($8,250) and free ticket to the opening ceremonies of the Olympics and Paralympics as the reward for his contribution in bringing up the logo. It was voted first from a shortlist consisting of three other logos published on April 8.
The initial logo, created by Kenjiro Sano was taken back in September 2015, after it was found to be plagiarized. Sano’s logo closely represented the Théâtre de Liege of a Belgian designer, Oliver Debie, who brought the news to public attention through his Facebook page.