(ATR)It is back to the drawing board for Tokyo 2020 leaders in charge of selecting a logo for the 2020 Olympics.
Following a decision to scrapits first logo, a design by KenjiroSano, Tokyo 2020 will once again open up competition for artists to submit ideas for alternative emblems.
On Wednesday, The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that Tokyo 2020 will consider relaxing requirements for designers taking part in the logo contest.
Sources told theJapanese daily that deliberations to modify conditions began "amid mounting criticism of the closed-door selection process that led to the adoption of Sano's works."
Experts initially opened the logo competition only to artists who had won at least two of seven designated design awards, but the selection process was not disclosed.
In the end, Sano's design was chosen out of 104 submissions.
While organizers have yet to announce exactly how they will renew the process, sources tell the Yomiuri Shimbun that Tokyo 2020intends to invite ideas from a "broader spectrum to secure transparency and to avoid a recurrence of plagiarism claims."
The process to find a new logo for the Games could take some six months. After designers submit their proposals to Tokyo 2020, experts will select a design for Tokyo government leaders and domestic sponsors to review.
Once Tokyo leaders have signed off, the last hurdle for the design will be gaining the IOC's approval.
Tokyo Government, Sponsors Discard Logo
In the wake of the decision to scrap Sano's logo, Tokyo government leaders and Olympic sponsors have scrambled to take down posters and cancel production of goods adorned with the controversial emblem.
Sponsors including Asics Corp.,Japan Airlines, Megabank Mizuho Financial Group, Inc., NEC Corp, and Nippon Airwayshave all done away with any advertising that incorporated the now-defunct logo.
The Taipei Broadcasting Station has reported that Tokyo's metro government originally set aside about $382,960 in advertising and other fees for Sano's emblem.
The Yomiuri Shimbun says thatTokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. will stop airing a TV commercial released in August that shows the logo.
This marks the latest blow to Tokyo's Olympic preparations after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe axed the Zaha Hadid-designed Olympic stadium over cost concerns in July. At $2.5 billion, it would have become the world's most expensive stadium.
The IOC is helping with the tender for a new national stadium. Construction won't begin on the 68,000-seater until next year. The IOC has set a January 2020 completion deadline to allow for additional overlay in the stadium, technical installation, Olympic Broadcasting Services preparations and rehearsals for the opening ceremony.
Written byNicole Bennett
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