Tokyo 2016 Unveils Official Bid Logo

(Click image to visit the Tokyo 2016 Official Website)

London 2012 could learn a few things from this... First and foremost it looks like an Olympic Logo. Secondly the imagery calls to mind the city or the nations culture. Additionally, it also follows the rules set forth by the IOC for Bid City Logos. (Chicagos Logo for its 2016 bid apparently did break these rules by using imagery that resembled a Torch and is being redesigned before its official bid submission) The Tokyo 2016 bid committee commented on the logos unavailing saying...

This logo, our MUSUBI knot, integrates the values that underpin both the Olympic Movement and Tokyo 2016. It ties together sport and culture, urban and natural environment, Japan and the world, the world and peace. The Tokyo 2016 MUSUBI also represents a blend of our Olympic heritage and innovation. Our plan will demonstrate the power of the Olympic Games to deliver sustainable development. Our proposed use of Tokyo ’64 venues, which have been in daily use for nearly half a century, is our Olympic heritage. Our Olympic innovation will be the delivery of much needed new sports venues that will serve the sporting needs of Japan and the International Federations for generations to come.

I think Toyko is going to face an uphill battle with their bid unfortunatly. The vote is going to come in 2009, the year after China will have hosted the Olympics for the first time. On top of that the summer games in 2016 will follow the winter games to be held in Sochi Russia in 2014 which is technically part of Asia. If history is any indication the IOC likes to spread out the games geographically. Regardless, it would be great see the games held in Japan. Good Luck!