Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 opens with dazzling fireworks display

After a 12 months delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics officially kicked off with a dazzling fireworks display during the opening ceremony held at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on the evening of July 23.

Friday, July 23, 2021 13:29

Fireworks during the opening ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. (Photo: Reuters)

The Japanese flag is carried ahead of being raised during the opening ceremony. (Photo: Reuters)

Japan's Emperor Naruhito during the opening ceremony. (Photo: Reuters)

Performers dance during the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo: Reuters)

Performers during the opening ceremony. (Photo: Reuters)

Performers are seen during the opening ceremony. (Photo: Reuters)

The Olympic Rings at Olympic Stadium. (Photo: Reuters)

Fireworks go off during the opening ceremony. (Photo: Reuters)

Fireworks light up the sky over the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony. (Photo: Getty Images)

A general view during the athletes' parade at the opening ceremony. (Photo: Reuters)

Italy's contingent at the athletes' parade during the opening ceremony. (Photo: Reuters)

Vietnam’s delegation before the parade at the opening ceremony. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam’s delegation at the opening ceremony. (Photo: Getty Images)

Runner Quach Thi Lan and swimmer Nguyen Huy Hoang lead Vietnam’s contingent during the athletes’ parade. (Photo: Getty Images)

Vietnam’s delegation at the opening ceremony. (Photo: Getty Images)

The host country, Japan, led by flagbearers Yui Susaki and Rui Hachimura during the athletes' parade at the opening ceremony. (Photo: Tokyo 2020)

IOC President Thomas Bach speaking at the opening ceremony. (Photo: Tokyo 2020)

IOC President Bach invites His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan, to declare the Games as open. "I declare open the Games of Tokyo, celebrating the XXXII Olympiad of the modern era." (Photo: Reuters)