Created by Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka, the torch is a blend of traditional and contemporary technologies.
The Olympic torch has been created in a traditional form, taking advantage of the same aluminium extrusion manufacturing technology used in the production of the Shinkansen Bullet Train.
The aluminium extrusion technique used to make the torch allows it to be strong, lightweight, and a completely seamless sculpture-like piece.
The head of the 71-centimeter rose-gold torch gradually opens into five sections to resemble the petals of the sakura flower – the national flower of Japan. Five separate flames emerge from flower petals and come together as one at the centre of the torch to give off a more brilliant light — named the 'Path of Hope'.
Tokujin Yoshioka designed the torch to resemble the cherry blossom flower and is partially made from repurposed materials. The aluminium for Yoshioka's torch comes from construction waste from temporary housing used in the aftermath of the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami in 2011. The temporary units that housed those affected by the disaster have been transformed into the Olympic torch, as a symbol of peace and to highlight the steps taken towards the reconstruction of disaster-affected areas.
Yoshioka worked with children living in the affected area sat the start of the design process to draw cherry blossoms, which ultimately gave him the idea for the torch's simple shape. He intended that the design will open up visitors to games' eyes to the broad range of Japanese craft and industry, as well as representing "the kindness and sincerity of the Japanese".
"What I want to show in my work is not some keywords that make you imagine a stereotypical Japan. Rather than that, I want to reflect the perception of Japanese tradition that's in the innermost part of Japanese people," has Yoshioka previously stated of his design.
The weight and grip of the Olympic torch have been manufactured in a way that makes it easy for absolutely anyone to hold. Since the beginning of the torch relay in March 2021, the Olympic flame has been carried from Fukishima and is to arrive in Tokyo tomorrow upon the commencement of the Olympic games.
You can catch all the Tokyo 2020 Olympics action on SuperSport and Showmax Pro from Friday 23 July 2021 until Sunday 8 August 2021.
