Tokyo 2020The Brand

Winning design

Harmonised chequered emblem

Chequered patterns have been popular in countries around the world throughout history. In Japan, the chequered pattern was 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 the fact that the Olympic and Paralympic Games seek to promote diversity as a platform to connect the world.

Designer of the Tokyo 2020 emblems

Asao Tokolo

Profile

Year of birth: 1969
Place of residence: Tokyo
Occupation: Artist
Education: Graduated in Architecture from the Tokyo Zokei University
Current employment: Tokolo.com

Awards and exhibitions

MOT Annual 2010: Neo-Ornamentalism from Japanese Contemporary Art, Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Open Space 2010 and 2011 - InterCommunication Center (ICC), Tokyo
2014 Materializing Exhibition II - Chinretsukan Gallery of the University Art Museum, Tokyo University of the Arts
2016 TOKOLO Asao x Aomori City Archives Exhibition - Aomori Contemporary Art Centre, Aomori Prefecture

Selected works

2007 - FRP/F town façade pattern, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture (architect: Hitoshi Abe)
2012 - Façade pattern for the 125th Anniversary of the Education Center, Kogakuin University (architect: Chiba Manabu Architects, design work with Azumi Mitsuboshi, Hachioji, Tokyo)
2015 - BaoBao Issey Miyake bag (Tokolo pattern)
2015 - Low-rise part façade glass pattern for the Dai Nagoya Building, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture (Architect: Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei Inc.)

Runner-up designs

Connecting Circle, Expanding Harmony

Designer of the Tokyo 2020 emblems
Kozue Kuno

Profile
Year of birth: 1978
Place of residence: Tokyo
Occupation: Designer

Surpassing One's Personal Best

Designer of the Tokyo 2020 emblems
Takaaki Goto

Profile
Year of birth: 1966
Place of residence: Tokyo
Occupation: Art Director/Designer

Flowering of Emotions

Designer of the Tokyo 2020 emblems
Chie Fujii

Profile
Year of birth: 1967
Place of residence: Tokyo
Occupation: Designer

Substitute designs

Names and places of residence of creators of shortlisted designs

Daisuke Kumei
Place of residence: Hokkaido

Kazuyuki Yamano
Place of residence: Tokyo

Sayuri Shoji
Place of residence: Tokyo

In order of received entry

Selection Process

Selection process through to the four shortlisted emblem designs

Tokyo 2020 emblems - selection process