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Tokyo Paralympic Torch Relay The torch is "cherry blossom pink"
On March 25, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee held a briefing at its Tokyo office to announce the implementation details, emblem, and torch for the Tokyo Paralympic Games torch relay.
Chairman Mori stated, "The torch relay concept is 'Share Your Light. You are surely someone's light.' It emphasizes partnerships between people." He explained that while the torch shape is the same as the Olympic torch, the color is a Paralympic-exclusive "Sakura Pink," contrasting with the Olympic "Sakura Gold." "We hope it will be cherished by everyone, just like the cherry blossoms currently blooming nationwide. "We hope that the participation of many people in the torch relay will serve as a catalyst for realizing an inclusive society."
Next to take the stage was Paralympian Aki Taguchi (shooting), the official torch relay ambassador. Regarding her appointment, she said, "I was unsure if I could handle it, but my desire to be involved not just in competing at the Games but also in the torch relay grew stronger." She added, "The relay isn't just for athletes; many people can participate. I want to build excitement so people can cheer along the route or watching on TV."
On stage, the torch was unveiled by Ms. Taguchi, torch designer Tokujin Yoshioka, and Olympian Shintaro Ikeda (badminton), who serves on the Athletes' Commission for the Organizing Committee.
Regarding the unveiling of three torches, Taguchi explained, "The number three is a key symbol this time. It represents the unity of strength, seen in the Paralympic symbol's three colors, the 'Three Agitos,' and proverbs like 'three arrows' and 'three heads are better than one.'" He revealed that the Paralympic Torch Relay will feature three people meeting for the first time at each relay point, each holding one torch and running together.
Holding the torch, Taguchi remarked, "The colors are vibrant and beautiful. I'm excited to see how it looks under the sun. Imagining the runners' smiles makes me thrilled." He added that the torch is engraved with the Paralympic values (courage, determination, inspiration, and integrity) in Braille.
Mr. Ikeda remarked, "It's delightful to see 'cherry blossoms' for the second time this year, even in summer when they're not in season." Mr. Yoshioka expressed gratitude, stating, "After three and a half years from conception, it's finally complete. This was only possible thanks to the manufacturing team's cooperation."
The Olympic and Paralympic torches are manufactured through the collaboration of five entities: Yoshio Tokujin Design Office (planning and design), UACJ Extrusion Processing (torch body manufacturing), LIXIL (material procurement), Shin Fuji Burner (combustion mechanism), and ENEOS Globe (fuel supply and cylinders).
Mr. Taguchi explained the relay emblem and implementation outline.
The relay consists of three main scenes. Scene 1 includes the Stoke Mandeville Hospital in the London suburbs, where the Paralympic Games originated, and the flame-lighting ceremonies scheduled in each prefecture (August 13-17, 2020). By lighting the flame in many locations, the relay aims to heighten anticipation for the Games. The lit flame will visit government buildings, schools, and tourist spots in the collection cities (Flame Visits). Some cities will also host the relay.
Scene 2, from August 18 to 21, features the Torch Visits and relays in the host prefectures (Shizuoka, Chiba, Saitama) including Tokyo.
In the final Scene 3, following the Unification Ceremony in Tokyo on the evening of the 21st, where the flames lit in Scenes 1 and 2 are combined, the Torch Relay will be held within Tokyo starting on the 22nd, leading up to the Paralympic Opening Ceremony on the 25th.
The Paralympic Torch Relay emblem follows the recently announced Olympic emblem, utilizing traditional Japanese colors. It combines "gold" and "yellow ochre" to express the brilliance of diverse individuality, conveying a distinctly Japanese festive spirit and anticipation for the Games.
Paralympic Torch Relay Site:
https://tokyo2020.org/jp/special/torch/paralympic/
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