As his demonstration against racial inequality, Kosuke proposes alternative designs of the Olympic and Paralympic symbols which cerebrate the racial diversity of athletes and spectators.

​

The Olympics and Paralympics are (should work as) one of the symbolic events of fair and peaceful spirit. The atheletes’ performance must be praised for regardless of their nationalities, sexes or colours in the games and beyond the games.

​

The colours of the current Olympic symbol represent the Five Continents. On the other hand, the Paralympic symbol originally consisted of five parts and had the same colours as the Olympic’s, and then it was redesigned in 1994 in three parts which represent spirit, body and mind.

​

The colours of the Olympic alternative focuses not on the regions the athletes and spectators are from but on their identities. The Paralympic alternative, which increases its momentum with the addition of two more swooshes in reference to its original version, is also recoloured to enhance its representation. In this way, reinforcing the philosophy of the Olympics and the Paralympics, these symbols become more human and communicate the very essence of the events.

 

Just because born Asian, he has experienced racial discrimination several times while living in London or traveling around Europe. Even though the experiences were not comparable with the cruelties continuously reported from overseas, they were enough to be felt as a denial of his identity or existence. Hoping for realisation of a fair and peaceful world, Kosuke has created these alternative designs as representation of his voice for racial equality.

​

Diversity must not be subjected to discrimination. It is diversity that makes the world full of wonder. It balances the world. It makes the world rich and deep. It is treasure of the universe.

​

Diversity is beautiful.

​

-

​Concept, Design, Research and Development: Kosuke Araki