TOKYO — Japanese designer Kenjiro Sano refuted claims Wednesday that he copied the emblem of a Belgian theatre when he created the official logo for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr Sano said his design is original and that he never saw the emblem for the Theatre de Liege before creating his logo.
Belgian designer Olivier Debie has asked the International Olympic Committee and Tokyo Olympic organisers to change the logo because it bears too much resemblance to his emblem for the theatre in the city of Liege.
"I am extremely surprised to hear the remarks of the Belgian designer," Mr Sano said, adding he was saddened and shocked by claims he plagiarised. "I would like to take this opportunity to state that his claims are completely groundless."
In this July 31 file photo, Belgian designer Olivier Debie displays the official emblem for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and his logo for the Theatre de Liege on a screen in his office in Liege, Belgium. (AP photo)
Mr Sano said his geometric design uses a widely available font for the letter "T," which stands for Tokyo, team and tomorrow. He said the red circle in the logo was inspired by designer Yusaku Kamekura's emblem for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
The 2013 logo for the theatre in Liege has a similar "T" letter in white against a black backdrop.
Tokyo organisers said they researched trademarks both inside Japan and abroad before deciding on the logo. The emblem for the Belgian theatre is not a registered trademark.
Hidetoshi Maki, the executive director of marketing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, said sponsors are already using the logo.
The logo controversy is another setback for Tokyo organisers who last week apologised to the IOC over the scrapping of the original design for the Olympic stadium amid public criticism over the cost.