The torch used for the Nagano Winter Olympic Games in 1998 was inspired by «taimatsu», the traditional Japanese torch. The hexagonal shape symbolizes snow crystals, and the choice of the materials, silver blended with gold, with hints of red, evokes a winter landscape warmed by the flame of the Olympics. The element of the snow crystal appears also in the logo, and it’s called «snowflower»; in fact, every petal of this flower symbolizes a different type of winter sport. The stalk of the torch reveals the inscription «The XVIII Olympic Winter Games, Nagano 1998». The torch was produced by Katsura Co., and weighs 1500gr. The fuel used was propane. 6.901 torchbearers have traveled 1162 km. Snowboarding debuted as an official discipline. For the first time, professional players from the National Hockey League (NHL USA) participated. Official staff uniforms were made from fully recyclable materials. Women took part in ice hockey for the first time in Olympic history. The games were opened by His Majesty Emperor Akihito and the last torchbearer was Midori Ho (figure skating).