Fireworks light up the sky at the Opening CeremonyTHE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Most memorable moments from the Tokyo 2020 Opening Ceremony

Though this Opening Ceremony was remarkably quieter than past Games, it was no less special. From honouring the legacy of Tokyo 1964 to training during a global pandemic and nearly 2000 drones lighting up the sky, it was a night to remember.

In case you forgot to set your alarm for the 7:00 am start time (ET), here are some of the memorable moments from this year’s Opening Ceremony at Tokyo 2020.

Training Alone 

A performer is pictured on a treadmill with beams connecting them to the other performers.
A performance during the opening ceremonies during the Tokyo Olympics in Tokyo, Japan on Friday, July 23, 2021. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld)

Olympic athletes have had to make massive adjustments in their preparation for Tokyo 2020. Whether training from home or in isolation, they adapted and overcame both physical and mental challenges. The Opening Ceremony started with a visual of this isolated training, before the performers came together to show that they were always connected by an invisible bond.

Carpentry Arts

Dancers performing on tables with wooden props.
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 23, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

In a nod to traditional Japanese carpentry arts, performers danced in a woodworking scene. Japanese tap dancer Kazunori Kumagai topped it off with a beautiful solo routine.

Legacy of Tokyo 1964

Wooden Olympic Rings are pictured at the Opening Ceremony, surrounded by performers.
The Olympic Rings are pictured during the Opening Ceremony at Olympic Stadium to officially start the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on July 23, 2021. (Photo by Leah Hennel/COC)

Athletes from each participating nation in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games brought seeds from their home countries to be planted throughout Japan. These seeds grew into an international array of trees and were harvested to make the Olympic rings presented in the Opening Ceremony. Lumber from pine and spruce trees represented Canada.

Cultural Outfits

Malia Paseka and Pita Taufatofua carry the Tongan flag in to the Opening Ceremony.
Malia Paseka and Pita Taufatofua, of Tonga, carry their country’s flag during the opening ceremony in the Olympic Stadium at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 23, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (Hannah McKay/Pool Photo via AP)

The Opening Ceremony provides an incredible opportunity to get a glimpse into the world’s cultures all in one place. Cultural traditional outfits were on display as each Olympic committee marched through the Olympic Stadium.

Flying the Flag

Team Canada marches into the Olympic Stadium.
Canadian flag bearers basketball player Miranda Ayim and rugby player Nathan Hirayama lead Canada the Opening Ceremony at Olympic Stadium to officially start the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on July 23, 2021. (Photo by Darren Calabrese/COC)

Basketball player Miranda Ayim and rugby sevens player Nathan Hirayama proudly led Team Canada into the Olympic Stadium. This is the first time that an athlete representing a team sport has been chosen as Canada’s Opening Ceremony flag bearer.

Stronger Together

Drones flying high above the Olympic Stadium.
Drones form a globe during the opening ceremony in the Olympic Stadium at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 23, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)

1824 drones lit the night sky in the form of a globe as the Suginami Junior Chorus started singing “Imagine” by John Lennon. They were then joined by Grammy award winners Angélique Kidjo (Africa), Alejandro Sanz (Europe), John Legend (Americas), and Keith Urban (Oceania).

Tribute to Frontline Workers

Six athletes carrying Olympic flag.
Athletes present the Olympic flag during the opening ceremony in the Olympic Stadium at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 23, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Athletes that have dedicated their time, efforts, and talents to fighting COVID-19 on the frontline carried the Olympic rings before passing the flag to essential workers from Tokyo.

The Flame is Ignited

The Olympic cauldron is lit by Naomi Osaka.
Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka stands beside the Olympic flame at the opening ceremonies during the Tokyo Olympics in Tokyo, Japan on Friday, July 23, 2021. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld)

Naomi Osaka was the final torch bearer, climbing to the top of a mountain inspired by Mount Fuji. The sphere opened like a flower to embody vitality and hope, and the Olympic cauldron was lit. This marked the close of the Opening Ceremony, and the beginning of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.