Olympic Bid[]
The Olympic bid logo showed a circle made of cherry blossoms, the country's most celebrated flower. Although the initial design was made to symbolize friendship and harmony, the floral design expressed the Japanese culture and the proposed role it plays during the Olympic Games. The logo was selected out of a competition among young art and design students in Japan, with the contest winner being student Ai Shimamine.
Olympic Torch Relay[]
The logo for the Olympic torch relay for Tokyo 2020 was created out of three rectangular shapes, making to look like a flame or torch. The colors red (vermilion) and gold (ochre) followed the design of the other logos of Tokyo 2020, and the color gradation was inspired by fuki bokashi, a Japanese painting technique. The vermilion symbolises the energy, passion, affection, and dynamic movement of the Olympic flame, while the ochre depicts the earth and land of Japan.
Olympic Games[]
The initial design showed a T, with the different parts of the letter representing diversity, collectivity, and the culture and history of Japan. Though, shortly after the announcement, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee was accused of plagiarism, since the logo would be identical to the logo of the Theater of Liège in Belgium. After several months, the initial design was scrapped, after which another competition was started to select a new logo for Tokyo 2020.
As a result of this competition, a new logo was selected. This new logo showcases a ring in a pattern similar to a Japanese checkerboard, tracing back to the 17th century. The total design represents the diversity and unity of different cultures and countries. The emblem was designed by Asao Tokolo, an artist residing in Tokyo, who also designed the facade of several buildings in Japan, such as universities and museums.
Rejected Designs[]
This logo was preferred over three other alternatives, with all three representing either Japanese or Olympic values. One of the alternatives, named "Connecting Circle, Expanding Harmony" focused more on the relationship between athletes and spectators, displaying dynamic movement and colors in combination with the joy of international spectators. Designed by Japanese designer Kozuo Kuno, the emblem encapsulated dynamic movement, speed, and euphoric emotions.
The second alternative, named "Surpassing One's Personal Best", puts the individual athletes in the spotlight. In this design, a dynamic figure of an athlete crossing the finish line represents the goal of all athletes to surpass their own expectations. Designed by art director and designer Takaaki Goto, the design is inspired by the traditional Thunder God to symbolise peace, diversity, and harmony.
The last alternative "Flowering of Emotions" celebrates the importance of Japanese nature to the world, showing a morning glory flower as it grows brighter when the sun comes up. Representing athletes to look forward to their own performances, and the bright faces of fans applauding the athletes, the flower is able to grow seeds to convey the same message to further generations. This design was created by designer Chie Fujii.
Sports[]
The pictograms for the Olympic sports were designed to show the incredible dynamics and individuality of each sport, with a nod to the last time Tokyo hosted the Olympic Games, in 1964. The pictograms were designed by Masaaki Hiromura, a graphic designer from Tokyo, who has also worked on the National Railway Museum, several department stores, and the Museum of Art. A later version of the pictograms allowed the pictograms to move, being the first edition of the Olympic Games to create this dynamic.