Japan’s Olympic committee has unveiled the logo it will use for the 2020 Summer Olympics, the second attempt by the nation on this front after an earlier version was nixed following allegations of plagiarism.
The new design is by Japanese artist Asao Tokolo and is called “Harmonized chequered emblem.” According to the Olympic committee, the pattern became known in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1867), though it also added checkered patterns have been popular in many countries throughout history. The design by Tokolo uses an indigo blue that “expresses a refined elegance and sophistication that exemplifies Japan.”
Last year, Japan unveiled a logo designed by Kenjiro Sano, which later generated controversy after a Belgian designer accused Sano of copying a graphic he created for a theater company. Japan quickly moved to drop the logo and pursue a new emblem.
Though the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio are still a few months away, future games often generate buzz through incremental updates about logos, mascots, the progression of construction projects and other updates that can be shared with global media. It is the second time Tokyo is hosting the Summer Olympics, after holding the games in 1964.
