Tokyo 2020 is officially here and after months of uncertainty, Japan kicked of the delayed games with a subdued and muted ceremony.
This year’s games, which have been heavily disrupted by COVID-19, kicked off in an opening ceremony that paid tribute to key workers who worked on the front line during the pandemic as well as paying homage to Japanese culture.
Follow live updates from the opening ceremony.
Image:
The Olympics started of with a muted and subdued ceremony this year, largely due to the pandemic
Image:
People gathered near the stadium ahead of the official opening ceremony in Tokyo
Image:
Fireworks light up the night sky in Tokyo during the opening ceremoney
Image:
Popular singer Misia sings the Japanese national anthem. Pic AP
Image:
Arisa Tsubata began the muted ceremony as she ran on a treadmill. The boxer is also a nurse, who has spent the last 18 months working on the frontline
Image:
It hasn’t been all celebration in Japan ahead of the official start of the Olympic games, with people protesting in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, calling for the games to be cancelled. Pic AP
Image:
COVID-19 means the ceremony had to be stripped back, including less performers than usual
Image:
COVID-19 has meant that athletes will be competing for gold in empty stadiums
Image:
Despite not being allowed into Tokyo’s National Stadium due to COVID-19 restrictions, people gathered near the stadium ahead of the opening ceremony. Pic AP
Image:
Dancers depicting traditional carpenters re-enact the building of wooden buildings which are common in Japan.Pic: AP
Image:
British contingent enters the stadium with Hannah Mills and Mohamed Sbihi, carrying the country’s flag
Image:
Stadiums will be empty for this year’s delayed Olympics, but people are showing their support from the games from their homes. Pic AP
Image:
The Ireland contingent during the ceremony, with golfer Rory McIlroy a key medal hope
