WATCH | 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games' medals

Cape Town - The medals for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were unveiled as there is less than one year to go until the global event.

They were designed by Junichi Kawanishi, director of the Japan Sign Design Association and the Osaka Design Society and made from electronic recycling material.

The intricate designs, which will adorn all 5 000 medals, reflect patterns of light in order to symbolise the energy of the athletes and those who support them. The designs also represent how athletes strive for victory on a daily basis, as well as the Olympic themes of diversity and friendship.

As well as the medals themselves, the medal cases and ribbons were also unveiled, each paying tribute to the ancient traditions of Japanese craftsmanship and the Olympic values.

Each case is manufactured from Japanese ash dyed the same colour as the Olympic emblem and, remarkably, every single one will have its own wood fibre pattern subtly infused into the design, representing each individual Olympian who steps onto the field of play.

The ribbons combine the traditional Japanese design motifs of ichimatsu moyo and kasane no irome in a modern presentation intended to reflect Japan itself, and its demonstration of unity in diversity.

There will be a total of 275 medal ceremonies during the Games, with the highest number of medals to be awarded in swimming (240) and athletics (237).

The 2020 Olympic Games takes place from July 24-August 9, 2020.

The moment you have all been waiting for, your #Tokyo2020 Olympic Medals! ??????

RT for good luck! 100% #Sustainable #1YearToGo pic.twitter.com/DcLKtEF0DQ

— #Tokyo2020 #1YearToGo (@Tokyo2020) July 24, 2019