Fireworks illuminate Tokyo as Japan take its Olympic bow

Fireworks lit up the night sky above Tokyo on the night of August 8 as the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games wrapped up with a glittering closing ceremony after 16 days of competition.

Fireworks explode during the closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, August 8, 2021. (Photo: Tokyo 2020)
Fireworks explode during the closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, August 8, 2021. (Photo: Tokyo 2020)

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The Olympic flame burns during the closing ceremony. (Photo: Tokyo 2020)

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Japanese Olympians carry the host nation's flag at the head of the parade of countries during the closing ceremony. (Photo: Getty Images)

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Athletes and flagbearers make their entrance. (Photo: Tokyo 2020)

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The Japanese Olympic team enter the stadium. (Photo: Tokyo 2020)

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In the spirit of omotenashi, the floor of the stadium is transformed into a grassy field for the athletes to relax on. (Photo: Tokyo 2020)

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Fireworks illuminate Tokyo as Japan take its Olympic bow ảnh 7

The athletes of the competing nations enter the stadium during the closing ceremony. (Photo: Getty Images)

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Dancers partake in the closing ceremony. (Photo: Getty Images)

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Entertainers perform during the closing ceremony. (Photo: Getty Images)

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The different colours, performers, sights, sounds and people come together at the closing ceremony. (Photo: Tokyo 2020)

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A display of luminous colours swirl together, representing the many flags of the world. (Photo: Tokyo 2020)

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Fireworks illuminate Tokyo as Japan take its Olympic bow ảnh 14

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The Olympic Rings are formed impressively during the closing ceremony. (Photo: Tokyo 2020)

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This is the first time in history that a Victory Ceremony is being held for both a men’s and a women’s event at the Summer Games. (Photo: Tokyo 2020)

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Fireworks illuminate Tokyo as Japan take its Olympic bow ảnh 18

Traditionally, the men's marathon victory ceremony has taken place during the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games. At Tokyo 2020, the women's marathon medal winners received the same honour. (Photo: Tokyo 2020)

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Fireworks illuminate Tokyo as Japan take its Olympic bow ảnh 20

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Fireworks light up the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. (Photo: Tokyo 2020)

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Fireworks illuminate Tokyo as Japan take its Olympic bow ảnh 23

The Olympic flag is lowered and handed to Paris for hosting the next Summer Olympics. (Photo: Tokyo 2020)

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French aerial patrols fly over the fan village in front of The Eiffel Tower during the Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony. (Photo: AFP/Getty Images)

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“I declare the Games of the 32nd Olympiad closed,” President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, officially closes the Tokyo Olympic Games. (Photo: Getty Images)

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Fireworks illuminate Tokyo as Japan take its Olympic bow ảnh 27

The Olympic Flame is extinguished as Tokyo passes the baton to Paris for hosting the next Summer Olympics. (Photo: Tokyo 2020)

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It's not goodbye from Tokyo, yet. The Paralympic Games will commence on August 24. (Photo: Tokyo 2020)

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Fireworks light up the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. (Photo: Tokyo 2020)