Medal Case for Olympic Games Tokyo 2020
- Tokyo 2020
This medal case embodies the essence of Japanese aesthetics in every detail, its seemingly simple form concealing three thoughtful functions: storage, portability, and display. Crafted from Hokkaido ash wood, its design draws inspiration from the circular motif of Japan’s rising sun flag and the timeless indigo hue of traditional Japanese colors. Japanese artisans poured their dedication into perfecting every element, from how the letters on the medal look when displayed, to the satisfying tactile experience of opening and closing the case, even the precise sound it makes.
The surface emblem achieves remarkable duality – visually beautiful to the eye while featuring carefully engineered textures that allow visually impaired athletes to recognize it by touch. Countless prototypes and refinements went into creating these ideal contours, demonstrating Japan’s commitment to inclusive design excellence.
The production facility, Yamagami Mokko, was founded in 1950 and is located in Tsubetsu-cho, Abashiri County, Hokkaido, with a population of 4,606 at the time. Yuichiro Yamagami (35 years old at the time), the third president of the company, put his life on the line for this major project.
