Japan made the Olympics 2020 unique than ever - Read to know how!
Social Mela Guest
Jul 26, 2019
827
0
Tokyo has blazed a trail by recycling waste on such a huge level and the reason behind deserves all the attention and appreciation.
One year to go until the commencement of the 2020 Olympics. The organising committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games has unveiled the designs for the winning athletes’ bronze, silver and gold medals and their cases. Now, here’s the speciality about the medals that has caught the eye of everyone. 
The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020) held the “Tokyo 2020 Medal Project “to gather some small electronic devices such as used mobile phones, laptops, etc. from all over Japan. This project makes Tokyo 2020 the first in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to involve citizens of the country and to manufacture the medals using recycled metals.
More than 78,985 tonnes of used mobile phones and other gadgets were collected by municipal authorities, with a total of 6.21 million used mobile phones handed in at collection centres. Altogether these yielded 32 kilograms (kg) of gold, 3,500 kg of silver and 2,200 kg of bronze. Each medal measures 85 millimetres (mm) in diameter, 7.7mm at their thinnest part and 12.1mm at their thickest. Approximately a total no. Of 5000 medals have been made from the recycled parts of the mobile phones which were contributed by the country people. 
The project also conducted a design competition which included entries from more than 400 professional designers and design students. Kawanishi’s presentation was selected amongst all – “It is a great honour that my design was selected for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Medal,” said Kawanishi.“With their shining rings, I hope the medals will be seen as paying tribute to the athletes’ efforts, reflecting their glory, and symbolising friendship,” he added.
The medal ribbons feature modern takes on traditional Japanese design motifs, such as the chequered “ichimatsu moyo” pattern also seen in the Tokyo 2020 emblem, and the “kasane no irome” layering technique used for kimonos. Every ribbon was prepared from chemically recycled polyester fibres, which comparatively produce less CO2 than other polyester materials during their manufacturing process. 
Manufactured from dyed Japanese ash wood, the medal cases have been handmade by Japanese craftsmen using a blend of traditional and modern techniques, granting each one a distinct pattern. 
The Committee mentioned that the “Tokyo 2020 Medal Project” was a part of the country’s goal to make the 2020 Olympics the “most environmentally friendly and sustainable Games so far” which also involved the entire country from the procurement of materials till the end result.
As per tradition, the medals are fronted with Nike – the Greek goddess of victory – standing in front of the Panathinaikos Stadium.
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend or sharing it on Twitter or Facebook. Do not forget to like on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. Send your entries too…
Thank you! Signing off
-Team Social Mela
Comments (0)