The design of the #Tokyo2020 Olympic Torch has been unveiled! The torch bears the motif of a cherry blossom, Japan’s best-loved flower, and will begin its journey across the country with the arrival of the cherry blossom season in March 2020. 🌸 #TorchRelay @OlympicFlame pic.twitter.com/xfPn6MQz8S
— #Tokyo2020 (@Tokyo2020) March 20, 2019
What may be one of the most beautiful Olympic torches ever produced was unveiled, as Tokyo 2020 organizers presented the intricately designed piece of art today. Bearing the motif of a cherry blossom, Japan’s best-loved flower, the torch will be used during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay.
The cherry blossom carries the Torch Relay’s theme of ‘Hope Lights Our Way’ and embodies ‘a passion for recovery and consideration for sustainability.’ Aluminum construction waste from temporary housing built in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake was infused into the torch’s construction.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay emblem incorporates three rectangular shapes arranged to depict the dynamic flames of a torch. In addition, a “ukiyo-e“ woodblock printing technique known as “fukibokashi“ has been used to produce graduated tones across two colours. One of these – vermilion – produces an energetic, loving and passionate image, and is combined with ochraceous, reminiscent of the earth, to create a festive feeling evoking Japan as well as the effect of a flame. (Tokyo 2020)
Torch relay ambassadors were also announced, whose role will be to promote the attractions of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay and the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Torch Relay to people all over the world. The ambassadors include 3-time Olympic medalist in Judo, Tadahiro Nomura, 3-time Paralympian Aki Taguchi, actress Satomi Ishihara and comedic duo Mikio Date and Takeshi Tomizawa.