Fireworks explode during the Opening Ceremony.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
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 to finally be at the Olympics, bouncing and bounding across the stadium floor to open the Games.
Performers dance during the Opening Ceremony.
Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
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.
Sergei Bobylev/TASS
Sergei Bobylev/TASS
Supporters standing outside take pictures of the fireworks lighting up the sky over the Olympic Stadium.
Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images
Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images
Team Ireland flagbearers Kellie Harrington and Brendan Irvine carry the Irish tricolour.
Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Performers are seen during the Opening Ceremony.
Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
General view inside the stadium as fireworks are seen during the Opening Ceremony.
Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
The Japanese National Flag is brought onto the stage during the Opening Ceremony.
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
The Olympic Cauldron is seen as the Japanese Flag is raised during the National Anthem.
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
A performer is seen acting during the Opening Ceremony.
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
A traditional song is performed during the show.
picture alliance/Getty Images
picture alliance/Getty Images
An overview shows the Japanese national flag being raised during the opening ceremony.
Francois-Zavier Marit/AFP via Getty Images
Francois-Zavier Marit/AFP via Getty Images
Performers are seen during the Opening Ceremony.
Hannah McKay /Getty Images
Hannah McKay /Getty Images
Flag bearers Anna Korakaki and Eleftherios Petrounias of Team Greece lead their teammates out during the Opening Ceremony.
Maja Hitij/Getty Images
Maja Hitij/Getty Images
A general view outside the stadium as fireworks are let off during the Opening Ceremony.
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
