We’ve previously covered the saga of the logo for the 2020 Tokyo Games. First a logo was chosen to much fanfare, before being unceremoniously dumped a few months later after (potentially unfair) accusations of plagiarism. You can read the full story here.
Anyway, the new logo has been revealed and it’s presumably here to stay. It’s by Japanese artist Asao Tokolo, and it’s official title is the rather bland “Harmonized chequered emblem.”
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 colour 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.
