Tokyo 2020 Olympics opening ceremony includes eerie pandemic section before fireworks light up Japanese capital

THE Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games have officially been launched after an explosive opening ceremony.

Having been delayed by year due to the coronavirus pandemic, expectations were high for the show-stopping event.

EPAThe opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Games finally arrived after a year-long delay – as fireworks boomed in the sky and performers lit up the National Stadium[/caption]

ReutersTeam GB arrived in the stadium as they paraded around the National Stadium in Tokyo[/caption]

APTokyo was illuminated as the Olympic opening ceremony opened the Games with a bang[/caption]

GettyThe focal point of the ceremony was a runner on a treadmill as Tokyo reflected on the coronavirus pandemic[/caption]

AFPPerformers surrounded the iconic Olympic rings during a busy opening ceremony[/caption]

ReutersThe national flag of Japan was carried across the arena before it was raised[/caption]

GettyFireworks lit up the sky to officially open the Tokyo 2020 Games[/caption]

And while there was a sombre nod to the pandemic – with an athlete working out on a treadmill in the middle of the National Stadium – it was an otherwise colourful affair.

The Tokyo skyline was illuminated by fireworks after the Olympic flame was delivered to the Japanese capital.

Fanfare, famous faces, theatre and even kabuki dance – the spectacle would have unfolded in front of a packed, 68,000-strong crowd.

But instead, the carnival had a somewhat more intimate feel, with just a handful of VIPs invited to watch.

And it was the same story for the competitors, with a limited number of athletes allowed inside the stadium.

Just 22 of Team GB‘s 375-strong squad were allowed to parade around the stadium, with sailor Hannah Mills and rower Moe Sbihi the flagbearers.

Among the showstoppers was Tongan cult icon Pita Taufatofua.

The athlete is now competing at his third-straight Games – taking part in both summer and winter events.

And Taufatofua arrived proudly showing off his trademark oiled chest.

But he was given a run for his money this year by Vanuatu’s rowing sensation Rio Rii – whose pecs also glistened under the moonlight and fireworks.

Meanwhile, IOC boss Thomas Bach claimed the troubled Olympics would shine a ‘light at the end of this dark tunnel’ for the rest of the world – with 11,000 athletes converging from around the world to compete.

Bach claimed: “Today, the Olympic athletes are sending a resounding message of hope to our fragile world.

“The Opening Ceremony will highlight this Olympic message of resilience, solidarity and unity of all humankind in overcoming the pandemic.

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AFPThe opening ceremony took place on Friday as Tokyo put on a show[/caption]

GettyEvery country made their way into the stadium carrying their national flag[/caption]

AFPThe sound of fireworks rung around the Japanese capital to mark the Games’ opening[/caption]

AFPThere was another appearance for Tongan cult hero Pita Taufatofua at the ceremony[/caption]

PAVanuata rower Rio Rii rivalled Pita Taufatofua with his oiled-up, topless, flag-bearing routine[/caption]

“The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 are a light at the end of this dark tunnel.

“Over the coming days, the athletes will inspire us all with their athletic excellence.

“In doing so, they will exemplify the true meaning of ‘Higher, Faster, Stronger – Together’.