Inspirations from history, tradition, culture and social appeal are some of the factors that led Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka to create the concept for the torch for the 2020 Olympics, which will be held in Tokyo. The professional combined several references from the country, from materials to events , to carry out the project, which has caused admiration on the internet.
First of all, the torch was inspired by the sakura cherry blossom, Japan's most famous flower. The design of the shiny rose gold piece was created from a single sheet of aluminum, derived from the waste from temporary housing built for victims of the 1998 earthquake. 2011 and the tsunami.
“Cherry blossoms pulled by children in the disaster-hit area inspired me,” explains Tokujin.
The torch is 71 cm long and weighs 1.2 kg. It is designed to ensure that the flame does not go out, even during typhoon season. In addition, the weight and shape of the torch handle are designed to make it easy to handle. by anyone and includes a positioning mark, indicating the front of the piece for the visually impaired.
Fukushima has been chosen as the starting point for the Olympic torch relay. The torch relay is scheduled to begin on March 26, 2020, and will head south to the subtropical island of Okinawa – the starting point for the 1964 relay, the first time Tokyo hosted the games – before heading back north and arriving in the Japanese capital on July 10.
