In the heart of Tokyo, a dazzling ceremony on Friday night signaled the start of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad. IOC President Thomas Bach declared the Games open while Emperor Naruhito of Japan looked on. The delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics had finally begun. Despite rising Covid-19 cases, the ceremony took place in an almost empty 68,000-seat National Stadium. Tokyo 2020 has banned spectators from all but a handful of events – with only essential officials, media and athletes allowed to attend.
The ceremony was a vibrant mix of tradition, technology and emotion. As the host nation, Japan wove elements of its rich history into the spectacle. The ceremony opened with a performance of traditional Japanese music and dance, complete with giant puppets and colorful costumes. The Olympic rings were then formed from wood taken from trees planted by athletes at previous Games, while the Olympic cauldron was lit by Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka.
But while Japan showcased its past, the ceremony also had an eye on the future. A team of 1,800 drones flew in perfect formation to create a floating globe above the stadium. The drones then transformed into pictograms of the Olympic sports, symbolizing the coming together of athletes from all over the world.
The ceremony culminated in a fireworks display that lit up the Tokyo night sky. The fireworks were designed to resemble the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy, creating a dazzling display of light and color. Behind the stadium, the iconic Tokyo Tower glowed with the Olympic rings, symbolizing the start of the Games.
The Tokyo 2020 Games are a historic moment for Japan and the world. After a year of uncertainty and upheaval, the Games are a symbol of hope and resilience. The athletes who have made it to Tokyo have overcome incredible challenges to get here. They represent the very best of humanity, and they will inspire us all with their performances.
The focus now shifts to the competition. Over the next two weeks, the world’s best athletes will battle it out for Olympic glory. There will be moments of triumph and heartbreak, but the Games will ultimately be a celebration of the human spirit. Tokyo 2020 will be a Games to remember, and a reminder that anything is possible with determination and perseverance..
