’64 Tokyo Olympics First Poster and Logo
A Design That Served as a Grand Vessel
In 1964, we created the first poster and logo for the Tokyo Olympics, the first Games to be held in Asia.
At that time, the Olympics presented a perfect opportunity to showcase Japan’s recovery to the international community. It became a major design project to which post-war Japanese designers devoted their collective talents. What was needed was a design that could function as a “grand vessel” — unifying a large-scale festival with participants from many countries.
A red circle with the golden Olympic rings and the text “TOKYO 1964.” The logo — powerfully symbolized through strong form and vivid colors — instantly drew the world's attention toward the Tokyo Olympics and Japan itself.
Visual Identity
The Tokyo Olympics were the first Olympic Games held in Asia. NDC was involved in the production of the logo, poster, entry tickets and competition pictograms, establishing the overall visual identity of the international setting for the Olympics. The pride of being host country, the excitement of athletes competing and the festiveness are expressed with simple elements. ※Photo provided by 亀倉雄策資料室
Credit
- Art Direction
-
- Yusaku Kamekura
- Design
-
- Yusaku Kamekura
