All Tokyo 2020 Olympic Medals Are Made From Recycled Electronic Waste

All medals awarded to athletes at the Olympic Games present the greatest honour not just for athletes but also the country that hosts this international leading sporting event. Japan has been selected to host this prestigious event in 2020, these medals are also an opportunity for Japan to showcase its culture and charm to the rest of the world.

Carrying the spirit of an environmentally friendly and sustainable society, The Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020) has conducted Tokyo 2020 Medal Project to collect unused electronic devices such as unused cell phones all over Japan. This decision marks the first time in history that the Olympic and Paralympic Games involve citizens and manufacture winning medals using recycled metal. Designed by Junichi Kawanishi, there are 5,000 medals in total that have been produced from those small electronic devices, thanks to people all over japan that contribute to this project. By recycling all those unused components, this project wants to show the world Japan’s effort to contribute to a sustainable society and it certainly becomes the legacy of Tokyo 2020 Games.

To achieve glory, athletes have to strive for victory on a daily basis, this is the main idea that Tokyo 2020 Olympic Medals want to capture. These medals look like rough stones that have been polished into a shiny object with light and brilliance overall themes. The medals collect and reflect myriad patterns of light that represent the energy of athletes and those who support them. It is intended to symbolize diversity, a world where people who compete in sports and work hard are honoured. These medals also represent the warm glow of friendship depicted by people all over the world holding hands. Each medal includes Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, the official name of the respective Games (in this case Olympic Games Tokyo 2020), and the Olympic five rings symbol.

Besides meaningful medals, the ribbon will also employ traditional Japanese design motifs that can be found in Ichimatsu Moyo (harmonized chequered patterns) and Kasane no Irome (traditional Kimono layering techniques) but in a modern presentation. This ribbon also symbolize “unity in diversity”, promoting Tokyo 2020 brand vision of “Innovation from Harmony”. The surface of the ribbon is applied with Silicone convex lines, therefore, anyone can easily recognise the type of medal (gold, silver, or bronze) simply by touching it.

The medal case design is also inspired by the Tokyo 2020 Games emblem. Each case pays tribute to Olympians who through hard work and discipline, have reached the pinnacle of athletic achievement. Created carefully by Japanese craftsmen, this medal case blends traditional and modern techniques, each case would feature distinctive wood fiber pattern, which is subtly infused into the design.

The Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals

The Victory Medal Ribbon

Medal Case Design

Watch the making below...

Mazda Unveils Vision Coupe Concept car at 2017 Tokyo motor show

Mazda’s ‘vision coupe’ concept expresses a minimalist Japanese aesthetic . The automaker is understood to have been considering a new grand tourers ports car since the unveiling of its ‘RX vision’ concept back in 2015. Mazda officials have told autocar that its engine is ‘designed to work with electrified elements’, suggesting a hybrid set-up could be developed to boost performance.

Highlights of Mazda’s ‘vision coupe’ include a ‘Kodo – soul of motion’ exterior that embodies a minimalist Japanese aesthetic, achieving a simple ‘one-motion’ form that conveys a sense of speed. The interior applies the concept of ma (literally ‘space’) from traditional Japanese architecture, combining three-dimensional depth with a strong longitudinal axis to produce a relaxed space while maintaining the feeling of motion. the concept’s name pays homage to the manufacturer’s tradition of design elegance represented by coupé models like the ‘R360’, Mazda’s first passenger car, and the ‘luce rotary’, also known as the ‘R130’.

This Honda's sports EV concept is an old-school electric S2000 sports car

Honda unveils the ‘sports EV’ concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, a striking electric sports car with zero emissions. The concept is the second model to be previewed on firm’s dedicated electric car platform, after the ‘urban EV‘ city car from the Frankfurt motor show 2017. The Japanese-automaker is now aiming to create a family of electric cars from this new architecture to achieve economies of scale.

Honda has retained the ‘S2000’s’ long bonnet, with proportions of a front-engined, rear-wheel drive electric sports car. It would join the NSX and civic ‘type R’ as one of the Japanese–automaker’s performance vehicles. Honda has kept the new concept’s specific details shrouded in mystery, however, including its powertrain. The firm comments that it, ‘combines EV performance and AI inside a compact body’.

Toyota released its comfort ride car at Tokyo motor show 2017

Toyota unveils the ‘fine-comfort ride’ concept at the 45th Tokyo motor show, a fuel cell vehicle that envisions mobility in a low-carbon society with advanced utilization of hydrogen and renewable energy. the concept vehicle proposes ‘a new form of the premium saloon’ by employing a flexible layout unique to electric-powered vehicles, and a large amount of available electric power using hydrogen as an energy source.

Toyota pursued further possibilities of automotive design through the development of the ‘fine-comfort ride’. it offers environmental performance by discharging no CO2 or harmful substances while in operation, together with the convenience of a generous cruising range with a hydrogen refueling time of about three minutes. the concept vehicle adopts a diamond-shaped cabin that narrows towards the rear, while being wider in all dimensions from the front to the center of the vehicle, maximizing the space of the second row seats and aerodynamic performance. It features a flexible layout unique to electric-powered vehicles, adopts an in-wheel motor, positions the wheels at the very corners of the vehicle, and utilizes a body underside cover, thereby achieving high running stability and quietness suited to a premium saloon.

In adopting the concept of being wrapped in comfort, the vehicle embodies future mobility that provides additional value other than movement to the passengers and is not simply just a ‘ride’. The agent function and the touch display are arranged around the driver and passenger seats. the seats allow for flexible adjustment according to posture, and the displays allow the driver and passengers to freely access information. the seat layout can be flexibly adjusted, so fine-comfort ride can be used as individual space or as a communication space for individuals. The fine-comfort ride boasts quietness and smooth running and also makes full use of the large amount of electricity provided by hydrogen as its energy source. the interior features a raft of innovative equipment, and the car can achieve a cruising range of approximately 1,000 km (620 miles).

Toyota launches Limousine-Like Luxurious Century Saloon Car

Toyota unveils its new saloon car, the ‘century’ at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017, and slates its official release for mid 2018. The third generation of the automobile carries on the tradition of craftsmanship and high-quality Monozukuri (all-encompassing manufacturing) while realizing high-demand environmental performance, and a design layout that pursues absolute passenger comfort. the interior and exterior design injects a new look into the ‘century’ in-line with its heritage, while featuring advanced equipment and comfort amenities only suitable for a luxury limousine.

The exterior of the Toyota ‘century’ is highlighted by traditional Japanese design elements used throughout the car including the grille and black trim on the rear combination lamps. the interior features a raised ‘ceiling2’ design and exclusive fabric while the adjustable rear seats (with massage function), are upgraded with a power leg rest for first-class comfort and a sophisticated riding experience. the Japanes-automaker’s saloon is powered by a 5.0 liter V8 hybrid system to deliver first class fuel efficiency. in addition, the wheelbase has lengthened, the height difference between the scuff plate and floor has decreased, and the height of the door opening has increased, all of which are refinements improving the rear seat riding experience.