Olympic pictograms were first systematized at the 1964 Tokyo Games before becoming widely used around the world. The 2020 pictograms are based on the designs of the ones used at the ’64 Games. The new pictograms will be used for signposting during the Games as well as on tickets and events-related goods.

Fifty pictograms have been unveiled for the Games’ 33 sports. The symbols illustrate the characteristic features of each sporting category, for example, there are different designs for the kata (form) and kumite (sparring) karate events.

Graphic designer Masaaki Hiromura, who is a member of the team that created the pictograms, said: “Hailing from the country that originated the system of Olympic pictograms, I think we have created something that we can be proud of.”

The ’64 Games introduced 20 pictograms related to Olympic sports as well as 39 symbols to indicate the locations of such amenities as toilets and locker rooms.

Based on the design and concept adopted for the ’64 Games symbols, the team in charge of the 2020 pictograms made some changes so that people would be able to better understand the characteristics of each event. For example, the ’64 judo pictogram featured a black-belt wearing judoka, while the new symbol depicts a competitor being thrown. Basketball is represented by a player dunking a ball.

The creators “paid respect to designs from the previous Games,” an organizing committee official said.

Printmaker Tsunao Harada, 80, who was a member of the design team for the ’64 Tokyo Games, said: “The new designs inherit the simplicity of the ’64 pictograms, and also reflect the dynamism [of the events]. They are great to look at and I think they will be cherished for many years to come.”

Pictograms for the Paralympic Games will be announced in April.
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