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Photos: Highlights Of The Tokyo Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony
Fireworks explode during the Opening Ceremony.
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Fireworks soared above Tokyo's new Olympic Stadium Friday as the delayed Summer Games finally held its opening ceremony — an event that culminates in lighting the Olympic cauldron.
Athletes marched in front of thousands of empty seats as only a sparse crowd was admitted due to COVID-19 restrictions. Those attending included first lady Jill Biden, who chatted with French President Emmanuel Macron.
A standout moment came midway through the event when Tonga's Pita Taufatofua once again vied to steal the show by marching into the stadium bare-chested (and oiled).
This year's ceremony, titled "United by Emotion," also brought a poignant moment of silence as organizers encouraged people to remember loved ones who were lost to the pandemic.
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Despite the cloud cast by the coronavirus — from the one-year postponement to a ban on spectators — athletes showed their excitement finally to be at the Olympics, bouncing and bounding across the stadium floor to open the Games.
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Performers dance during the Opening Ceremony.
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Naomi Osaka of Team Japan lights the Olympic cauldron with the Olympic torch.
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Tonga's flag bearers Malia Paseka, left, and Pita Taufatofua lead the delegation.
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Tokyo was to host the 2020 Summer Olympics from July 24 to Aug. 9, 2020, however because of the COVID-19 pandemic the games have been postponed for a year and are due to take place from July 23 to Aug. 8, 2021.
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Dancers perform during the opening ceremony.
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Team Ireland flagbearers Kellie Harrington and Brendan Irvine carry the Irish tricolour.
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Supporters standing outside take pictures of the fireworks lighting up the sky over the Olympic Stadium.
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Performers take part in the opening ceremony.
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Great Britain flagbearers Hannah Mills and Mohamed Sbihi lead out the team.
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General view inside the stadium as fireworks are seen during the Opening Ceremony.
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Flag bearers Laura Ludwig and Patrick Hausding of Team Germany leads their team out during the Opening Ceremony.
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Performers are seen during the Opening Ceremony.
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A security officer looks out over an empty stadium.
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A member of Team Egypt waves a flag.
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The Japanese National Flag is brought onto the stage during the Opening Ceremony.
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More than 1,800 drones form the shape of a globe during the opening ceremony.
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A police officer gestures towards a small group of protestors (not seen) protesting against the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
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The Olympic Cauldron is seen as the Japanese Flag is raised during the National Anthem.
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A performer is seen acting during the Opening Ceremony.
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Members of Team United States enjoy the atmosphere.
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A traditional song is performed during the show.
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An overview shows the Japanese national flag being raised during the opening ceremony.
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Performers dance at the opening ceremony.
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Flag bearers Anna Korakaki and Eleftherios Petrounias of Team Greece lead their teammates out during the Opening Ceremony.
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A general view outside the stadium as fireworks are let off during the Opening Ceremony.
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