The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch is set to begin its journey across Japan on March 26 ©Getty Images

Tokujin Yoshioka has revealed more details about his Olympic Torch design for the Tokyo 2020 as the countdown continues to the start of the Japanese section of the Relay next month.

Yoshioka helped unveil the design of the Torch bearing the motif of a cherry blossom - Japan's most familiar and best-loved flower - in March 2019.

With the arrival of the cherry blossom season in March 2020, the Olympic Torch will be integrated within the "Hope Lights Our Way" concept of the Torch Relay and will begin its journey across Japan.

The shape of the Torch resembles that of a Japanese traditional "Sakura-mon" cherry blossom emblem.

It was shaped into this form using the same aluminium extrusion technology used in the manufacture of Japan's famous bullet trains.

This forms a seamless, single piece symbolising the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay, created by fusing Japanese tradition and modern technology.

"Part of the reason [for aluminium extrusion] was because I wanted to keep the design simple for the structure as well," Yoshioka was reported as saying by design magazine Dezeen.

"It's not a superficial garnish that creates a beautiful design; the key is always a beautiful structure."

Tokujin Yoshioka, left, helped unveil the design of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch in March 2019 ©Getty Images
Tokujin Yoshioka, left, helped unveil the design of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch in March 2019 ©Getty Images

Aluminium construction waste from temporary housing built in the aftermath of March 2011's Great East Japan Earthquake was used to create the Torch.

It will be carried through Japan's rich scenery by many different Torchbearers. 

"The polyhedral shape of a cherry blossom reflects sunlight from different angles when the Torchbearers are running with it," Yoshioka said. 

"We hope that each Torchbearer would shine with a sparkle in their hand, and the Torch Relay would be memorable for everyone."

Yoshioka also claimed he began work on the Torch even before a competition for the project was launched.

"No one at that moment knew if there would ever be a competition of the Olympic Torch design, but because an idea bubbled up inside me and I was curious to see it in life, I couldn't help but to get rolling with it," he said.

The Japanese section of the Tokyo 2020 Torch Relay is due to begin in Fukushima Prefecture on March 26.

It will pass through all 47 prefectures in the country over 121 days.

Around 98 per cent of Japan's population are claimed to live within one hour's travel of the proposed route.

The Torch Relay is set to conclude at Tokyo's recently-completed New National Stadium, where the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics is scheduled to be held on July 24.