After a year delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Olympic Games finally kicked off in Tokyo on July 23. These were the best moments at the opening ceremony.
Bringing together the most elite athletes from around the globe in celebration of the world of sport, the Tokyo Olympics 2020 has finally begun. Although not quite the Games that Tokyo had originally planned, and sure to be unlike any Olympics in history––with the event itself going ahead after a one year delay, no spectators permitted and more strict protocols in place due to the continued pandemic––the Tokyo Olympics 2020 officially kicked off today, July 23.
Although uncharacteristically low key for an opening ceremony, with just an estimated 950 VIPs in attendance, the event still managed to capture the spirit of the Games, together with the history and culture of Japan. From illuminated drones to the athletes parade and, of course, the ceremonial lighting of the cauldron to mark the official commencement of the Games, here are the 10 best moments from the opening ceremony of the 32nd Olympic Games.
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1. The Japanese flag enters the stadium
After a sombre start to the ceremony which looked back on the last year and depicted athletes training alone as the Games were postponed, it was time for the national flag of Japan to enter the stadium.
Carried by various members of Japan’s defence forces, ex-Japanese Olympians and key workers who served the country through the pandemic, the scene was set against a backdrop of a replica of Mount Fuji. As the flag was raised, the Japanese national anthem, Kimi Ga Yo, was sung by singer Misia––who wore a show stopping rainbow-hued gown by Tomo Koizumi.
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