2020 Summer Olympics cauldron, Olympic cauldron at National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan
The Olympic flame burns in a structure with moving panels that open and close like flower petals. It sits near Ariake West Canal beside the National Stadium and remains permanently accessible as an art installation.
The structure was designed for the 2020 Summer Games and lit for the first time with hydrogen fuel. Tennis player Naomi Osaka ignited the flame during the opening ceremony on July 23, 2021.
The design reflects Japanese aesthetics, with steps evoking the sacred Mount Fuji and connecting to traditional natural elements. These references show how modern architecture weaves local symbols into contemporary art.
The installation sits in a public area and can be viewed from outside the stadium grounds. The best view comes from the canal side, especially at dusk when the flame is visible.
The flame runs on hydrogen produced through solar power in Fukushima Prefecture. This was the first time the Olympics used this clean energy source.
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