AFP, Tokyo :
Tokyo’s 2020 Olympic emblem has triggered astonishment in Europe over its resemblance to the logo of a Belgian theatre and a separate Spanish design.
In the latest public relations blow to Tokyo after plans for its $2 billion Olympic stadium were ditched, a Belgium-based designer took to social media to register surprise over the similarities between the logos.
“Striking when you know the Liege Theatre logo has been regularly shared on Pinterest,” Studio Debie wrote on its Facebook page. “Even the typography is the same.” Japanese government spokesman Yoshihide Suga declined to make a formal comment on Thursday, insisting officials had exercised due diligence prior to unveiling the logo last week. “We are aware of the reports that the 2020 Olympic Games logo is similar to one for a Belgian theatre,” he told reporters. “Before unveiling it, we received a report that there was no problem over trademarks following investigations in Japan and abroad.”
The Tokyo 2020 logo, which was unveiled last week, is based around the letter “T”-for Tokyo, tomorrow and team with a red circle representing a beating heart.
