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Photos: Highlights Of The Tokyo Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony
Fireworks explode during the Opening Ceremony.
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.
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.
Tonga's flag bearers Malia Paseka, left, and Pita Taufatofua lead the delegation.
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.
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony.
Team Ireland flagbearers Kellie Harrington and Brendan Irvine carry the Irish tricolour.
Supporters standing outside take pictures of the fireworks lighting up the sky over the Olympic Stadium.
Performers take part in the opening ceremony.
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Great Britain flagbearers Hannah Mills and Mohamed Sbihi lead out the team.
General view inside the stadium as fireworks are seen during the Opening Ceremony.
Flag bearers Laura Ludwig and Patrick Hausding of Team Germany leads their team out during the Opening Ceremony.
Performers are seen during the Opening Ceremony.
A security officer looks out over an empty stadium.
A member of Team Egypt waves a flag.
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.
A police officer gestures towards a small group of protestors (not seen) protesting against the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The Olympic Cauldron is seen as the Japanese Flag is raised during the National Anthem.
A performer is seen acting during the Opening Ceremony.
Members of Team United States enjoy the atmosphere.
A traditional song is performed during the show.
An overview shows the Japanese national flag being raised during the opening ceremony.
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Performers dance at the opening ceremony.
Flag bearers Anna Korakaki and Eleftherios Petrounias of Team Greece lead their teammates out during the Opening Ceremony.
A general view outside the stadium as fireworks are let off during the Opening Ceremony.
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