Gaming Reviews, News, Tips and More.
We may earn a commission from links on this page

The Rip-Off Controvesy Over the Tokyo Olympics Logo

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Now that the Tokyo Olympics has scrapped plans for that stupidly expensive stadium, it can focus on other things. Like questions over its new logo.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics logo was revealed this week with a fancy intro clip. Art director Kenjiro Sano, one of Japan’s top graphic artists, designed the logo.

Advertisement

According to the official press release (via Under Consideration), the Tokyo Olympics logo is filled with symbolism:

The black colour of the central column represents diversity, the combination of all colours. The shape of the circle represents an inclusive world in which everyone accepts each other. The red of the circle represents the power of every beating heart.

Advertisement

However, many Twitter users have alleged that the Olympic logo is similar to the logo for Théâtre de Liège in Belgium, going as far to call it “plagarism” (パクリ or “pakuri” in Japanese).

Advertisement

The Théâtre de Liège logo dates from 2013.

Advertisement
Advertisement

On Twitter, graphic designer Olivier Debie uploaded the animated image below, asking if the Tokyo Olympics logo was plagarism. Note that even the fonts do appear somewhat similar.

Advertisement

As Fashion Snap reports, other Twitter users say the logos are different. Well, what do you think?

To contact the author of this post, write to bashcraftATkotaku.com or find him on Twitter@Brian_Ashcraft.

Advertisement

Kotaku East is your slice of Asian internet culture, bringing you the latest talking points from Japan, Korea, China and beyond. Tune in every morning from 4am to 8am.