The Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee has revealed their shortlist of the logos for the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games.
Following an open call for logo designs last year, the following four designs have been chosen. Here are the four options that have been chosen, along with remarks from the Committee about the rationale for their selections:
A: Harmonized Chequered Emblems
“Chequered patterns have been popular in many countries around the world throughout history. In Japan, the chequered pattern became formally known as “ichimatsu moyo” in the Edo period (1603–1867), and this chequered design in the traditional Japanese color of indigo blue expresses a refined elegance and sophistication that exemplifies Japan. Composed of three varieties of rectangular shapes, the design represents different countries, cultures and ways of thinking. It incorporates the message of “unity in diversity.” It also expresses that the Olympic and Paralympic Games seek to promote diversity as a platform to connect the world.”
B: Connecting Circle, Expanding Harmony
“This design expresses the connection between the dynamism of the athletes and the joy of the spectators, and the expansion of peace and harmony throughout the world. It seeks to encompass mental and physical strength, dynamic movement and speed, and the euphoric emotions that the world derives from outstanding athletic performances. The design also conveys the respect and warm hospitality that will be accorded to visitors from around the world to the Tokyo 2020 Games.”
C: Surpassing One’s Personal Best
“These emblems were inspired by the traditional Wind God and the Thunder God, and seek to convey dynamic movement at the instant an athlete breaks the tape on the finish line. They also represent athletes as they endeavor to attain and surpass their personal best. The Wind God and the Thunder God have been much loved by the people of Japan for centuries (e.g. the famous painting by the early 17th century Japanese artist Tawaraya Sotatsu, and the statues of these Gods at the Kaminari-mon Gate in Tokyo’s Asakusa district). In the original depiction, the taiko drums held by the Thunder God are represented by fireworks, while the Wind Cloth held by the Wind God is replaced by the portrayal of a rainbow to symbolize the concepts of peace, diversity and harmony. The emblems also express the athletes’ continued contribution to peace through their mental and physical tenacity, and a connection to the future.”
D: Flowering of Emotions
“The morning glory flower, as it faces up towards the heavens to greet the new morning, expresses the faces of athletes striving to attain a personal best and the bright faces of people as they applaud the athletes. The upward-looking morning glory also represents the climax of this range of emotions. The seed of the morning glory sprouts, the vine grows, and the flower opens – the process of the flower growing and eventually returning to seed conveys the sense of expectation for the Games and succession to the next generation. This flower was particularly popular during Japan’s Edo period (1603–1867), and remains a firm favorite (e.g. as subject for “Ukiyoe” prints). It signifies a heightened sense of anticipation towards the 2020 Games and the warm welcome that visitors from around the world will receive.”
Which one do you like the most? Let us know in the comments below, or better yet, let the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee know. They are taking comments until Sunday, April 17. Visit www.emblem-comments.jp to sound off on which one you like most. The Committee will make their final decision on April 25.
