2020 Tokyo Olympic logo

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.

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.)