Tokyo Olympics 2020: Torch made by Aluminium extrusion technique

Japan is getting ready for the summer, as the Olympics 2020 is coming up. Tokujin Yoshioka, the Japanese designer has revealed new details of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 torch.

Sakura flower, the national flower of Japan has resembled as the Tokyo Olympics 2020 torch. The head of the 71-centimetre rose-gold torch gradually opens into five sections to resemble the petals of the sakura flower.

Yoshioka used an aluminium extrusion technique to make the torch, He said “this allows it to be strong and lightweight, and "form a single and seamless sculpture-like piece".

"Part of the reason for aluminium extrusion was because I wanted to keep the design simple for the structure as well”.

"It's not a superficial garnish that creates a beautiful design; the key is always a beautiful structure"  Yoshioka added.

The aluminium for torch has been gathered from the construction waste and temporary housing used in the aftermath of the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami in 2011.

Yoshioka worked with children living in the affected area at the start of the process to draw cherry blossoms, which ultimately gave him the idea for the torch's simple shape.

The torch relay traditionally opens the games and will see athletes and citizens run in relay to the National Stadium in Tokyo, designed by Kengo Kuma.

"The polyhedral shape of a cherry blossom reflects sunlight from different angles when the torchbearers are running with it," said Yoshioka. "We hope that each torchbearer would shine with a sparkle in their hand, and the torch relay would be memorable for everyone."