Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka has revealed new details of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 torch, as the country prepares for the games this summer.
The head of the 71-centimetre rose-gold torch gradually opens into five sections to resemble the petals of the sakura flower ? the national flower of Japan.
Yoshioka used an aluminium extrusion technique to make the torch. He said this allows it to be strong and lightweight, and "form a single and seamless sculpture-like piece".
"Part of the reason [for aluminium extrusion] was because I wanted to keep the design simple for the structure as well," Yoshioka added.
"It's not a superficial garnish that creates a beautiful design; the key is always a beautiful structure."
Tokujin Yoshioka designed the torch to resemble the cherry blossom flower The aluminium for Yoshioka's torch comes from construction waste from temporary housing used in the aftermath of the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami in 2011.
Yoshioka worked with children living in the affected area at the start of the process to draw cherry blossoms, which ultimately gave him the idea for the torch's simple shape.
The torch relay traditionally opens the games and will see athletes and citizens run in relay to the National Stadium in Tokyo, designed by Kengo Kuma.
The head of the torch gradually opens into five sections to resemble the petals
"The polyhedral shape of a cherry blossom reflects sunlight from different angles when the torc...