Japan dismisses logo plagiarism claims
Print Edition
Tokyo Olympics organizers said there is no problem with their new logo after discussions arose about possible plagiarism, with internet commentators suggesting there was a resemblance to an overseas design.
The emblem, unveiled last week, had already received mixed reviews from the public and risks becoming the latest in a series of missteps to mar Japan’s reputation as it prepares to host the Summer Games for the second time in 2020.
Designed by Kenjiro Sano, the logo — which includes black for diversity and a red circle that echoes the Japanese flag — centers around a loose representation of the letter “T”.
But questions about the motif erupted on social media after Belgian-based designer Olivier Debie uploaded the logo for the Theatre de Liege in Belgium, with many netizens seeking clarification about what they said was too much similarity.
NHK national television said the emblem also resembled the logo drawn up by a Spanish designer to help raise money for Japan after the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami.
The Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee insisted the design underwent thorough checks before being unveiled.
The logo, which replaced a ring of Japanese cherry blossoms in rainbow colors used as a bid emblem, was unveiled on July 24 in a glitzy ceremony.
Japan won the bid to host the Games in 2013 largely on its reputation for organizational prowess, but has been hit by a series of logistical problems, including the scrapping of the design for the centerpiece Olympic stadium earlier this month due to soaring costs.
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