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Pageantry, tech, whimsy: defining moments from the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony
USA TODAY
![Naomi Osaka lights the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium, July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/6a13edf3-7916-4060-91f5-6985d02dc8ba-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.68.jpg?width=660&height=467&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Naomi Osaka lights the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium, July 23, 2021.
Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY Sports![A general view of fireworks at Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/227f77e3-eabd-4f18-be4c-73235c1236db-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.67.jpg?width=660&height=444&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A general view of fireworks at Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games on July 23, 2021.
James Lang, USA TODAY Sports![United States athletes walk out during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/18093a77-5da8-41e5-a110-3e98daf952af-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.44.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
United States athletes walk out during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports![The Olympic torch is lit during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/1db372c4-75b8-454f-b4a2-a96bd40629c6-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.71.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
The Olympic torch is lit during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports![Naomi Osaka prepares to light the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/505dbbc3-6e01-4fe9-be2a-9996af48a2bd-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.74.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Naomi Osaka prepares to light the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports![Naomi Osaka climbs steps to light the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/92b93d78-6446-4ca4-9112-9948ed391171-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.75.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Naomi Osaka climbs steps to light the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports![Team USA athletes march during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games on July 23, 2021, at Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/68348f7f-861d-4b6c-9ba8-64169120f4da-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.51.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Team USA athletes march during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games on July 23, 2021, at Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.
Rob Schumacher, Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports![Baseball players Sadaharu Oh , Shigeo Nagashima and Hideki Matsui with the Olympic flame during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/e0e5ba89-5dc8-46a3-b0b5-70ed1d03a31b-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.70.jpg?width=660&height=461&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Baseball players Sadaharu Oh , Shigeo Nagashima and Hideki Matsui with the Olympic flame during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium.
Mandi Wright, USA TODAY Sports![Japanese athletes march during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games on July 23, 2021, at Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/75d18b65-4aec-4715-9957-3096df512ecb-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.49.jpg?width=660&height=425&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Japanese athletes march during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games on July 23, 2021, at Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.
Rob Schumacher, Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports![Performers dance during during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/0150c248-dc93-45d2-b93b-42f40b05f365-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.21.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Performers dance during during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports![Drones create a display during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23. 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/4f2a0786-5d3e-41a4-96f4-27b0c1ae32a7-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.54.jpg?width=660&height=408&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Drones create a display during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23. 2021.
Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY Sports![The Olympic flag is raised during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/c2adee7e-553b-43d2-b087-b17613561f06-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.61.jpg?width=660&height=375&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
The Olympic flag is raised during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Rob Schumacher,USA TODAY Sports![Performers make replicas of the 50 Olympic sports logos during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/826b10e4-477b-4f08-a054-ba3e92e0f3b3-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.65.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Performers make replicas of the 50 Olympic sports logos during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports![Kabuki performance during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/da0f8c5b-171f-4d87-9761-fbd8eea70cce-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.64.jpg?width=660&height=397&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Kabuki performance during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY Sports![Drones create a display over the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/d700a151-3850-42b0-96ab-267e8f988fc1-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.52.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Drones create a display over the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports![Hiromi performs during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/c3adfbbd-007a-4f07-8987-86f9e5718842-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.63.jpg?width=660&height=401&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Hiromi performs during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY Sports![Fireworks explode on July 23, 2021, during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/7e32dcf3-f22f-4fa2-afff-0f96e4b2c812-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.48.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Fireworks explode on July 23, 2021, during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.
Grace Hollars, Grace Hollars-USA TODAY Sports![Anna Korkaki and Elefthesios Perounias carry the flag of Greece during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/41932a04-6743-44e4-953c-cb661c92b990-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.24.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Anna Korkaki and Elefthesios Perounias carry the flag of Greece during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports![Sue Bird and Eddy Alvares carry the flag for the United States during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/cbdb3d83-2c87-45ad-8168-5f9c468a8441-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.46.jpg?width=440&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Sue Bird and Eddy Alvares carry the flag for the United States during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports![Argentina dances during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/e5c704bc-3aae-440a-bcdb-d3e2e3b1096e-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.29.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Argentina dances during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports![Saudi Arabia athletes march during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/4faa4bb9-36d6-4eb8-a08f-3e596d9b0b59-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.31.jpg?width=660&height=453&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Saudi Arabia athletes march during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY Sports![Colombia athletes march during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/b6b4c11e-39a4-4493-a403-8e5943882c95-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.32.jpg?width=660&height=478&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Colombia athletes march during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY Sports![Tonga flag bearers Malia Paseka and Pita Taufatofua during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23. 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/1be5f7b8-b2d9-454c-91a9-7f998160b9ad-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.55.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Tonga flag bearers Malia Paseka and Pita Taufatofua during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23. 2021.
Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY Sports![Cameroon athletes march during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/e6038cea-800a-4cbf-ba55-3cce4665b1b3-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.34.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Cameroon athletes march during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY Sports![Keet Oldenbeuving and Churandy Martina carry the flag for The Netherlands during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/e462f432-9bea-4efa-aaaa-8ac63b00d0c9-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.30.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Keet Oldenbeuving and Churandy Martina carry the flag for The Netherlands during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports![Russian athletes, competing under ' ROC ' or the Russian Olympic Committee, march on July 23, 2021, during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. The athletes are not allowed to compete under the Russian flag due to sanctions regarding a state-sanctioned doping scandal.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/10f81307-dff0-4ce9-9253-8d06f907c9b3-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.33.jpg?width=660&height=435&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Russian athletes, competing under 'ROC' or the Russian Olympic Committee, march on July 23, 2021, during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. The athletes are not allowed to compete under the Russian flag due to sanctions regarding a state-sanctioned doping scandal.
Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY Sports![Athletes from Italy during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021, in Tokyo, Haoan.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/2f619c86-d873-474f-9124-0f3287579daf-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.28.jpg?width=660&height=455&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Athletes from Italy during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021, in Tokyo, Haoan.
Mandi Wright, USA TODAY Sports![Vanuatu flag bearer Riilio Rii leads his delegation during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/1111eacc-8715-4159-bf0c-753dd5a209f2-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.50.jpg?width=660&height=396&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Vanuatu flag bearer Riilio Rii leads his delegation during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium.
Rob Schumacher, Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports![Fireworks explode above the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/3fe10bfd-2bd1-4673-b653-90d36028b10f-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.23.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Fireworks explode above the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports![The Refugee Olympic Team comes into the stadium on July 23, 2021, during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/fc29c596-670f-4999-a8ee-18d7f4407b7d-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.22.jpg?width=660&height=407&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
The Refugee Olympic Team comes into the stadium on July 23, 2021, during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.
Rob Schumacher/USA TODAY Sports![Performers dance during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/07d9787d-35df-4f7e-8e25-f3f0725dcf9e-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.26.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Performers dance during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports![Mirai Moriyama performs during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/9e3f7f29-11a6-4f2f-a3ed-21513e0230d2-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.12.jpg?width=660&height=423&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Mirai Moriyama performs during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY Sports![Fireworks above the stadium and Olympic rings during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/deb4af4c-24af-4d9e-b177-bb668f56c82b-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.20.jpg?width=660&height=386&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Fireworks above the stadium and Olympic rings during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Yukihito Taguchi, USA TODAY Sport![Protesters outside Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/581cd01f-dd68-4969-8cab-e4ce50d6ba6a-USP_Olympics-_Tokyo_2020_Protest.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Protesters outside Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games on July 23, 2021.
James Lang, USA TODAY Sports![Fireworks above the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/1be54323-159f-4a89-8f94-8751dbfebb34-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.16.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Fireworks above the stadium during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Grace Hollars, USA TODAY Sports![The flag of Japan is raised during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/b484fb01-d7d7-4b6d-9aa3-3d32e6b4d874-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.14.jpg?width=660&height=414&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
The flag of Japan is raised during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY Sports![IOC president Thomas Bach and Japanese Emperor Naruhito stand for the Japanese national anthem during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/62a25ef0-a512-48ca-bce6-234dc0a4ae03-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.17.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
IOC president Thomas Bach and Japanese Emperor Naruhito stand for the Japanese national anthem during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports![First Lady Jill Biden observes a moment of silence during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/ec7215b6-c21e-44ed-885b-a85b8687b73c-AFP_9FQ22U.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
First Lady Jill Biden observes a moment of silence during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, on July 23, 2021.
POOL PHOTO BY DYLAN MARTINEZ![Misia performs as the flag of Japan is raised during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/ae9d2849-73bc-4530-907c-f5bd9b59c6fa-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.13.jpg?width=660&height=461&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Misia performs as the flag of Japan is raised during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY SportsPeople march in protest during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games on July 23, 2021.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports![A view of lanterns during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/18b9a0e2-3642-4cae-8a6d-aca061d585ff-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.18.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A view of lanterns during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports![First Lady Jill Biden attends the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/b7e10f07-5142-46e5-a8f1-48f84895ae82-AFP_9FQ3WR.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
First Lady Jill Biden attends the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, on July 23, 2021.
POOL PHOTO BY LEON NEAL![Performers during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/ecafc42f-4d5b-4520-a292-4c0f4456def5-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.8.jpg?width=660&height=397&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Performers during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY Sports![Fireworks explode above the stadium at the start of the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/5dd91b00-c04a-4475-a23b-f593703c5909-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.6.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Fireworks explode above the stadium at the start of the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports![A performer runs on a treadmill during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/bbff59e9-44c0-41cd-aada-0f5bc9beb68c-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.7.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A performer runs on a treadmill during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports![People march in protest during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games in Tokyo, Japan on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/17c136c8-2ba5-40e5-ac8d-31305137a2fa-USP_Olympics-_Tokyo_2020_Protest.1.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
People march in protest during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games in Tokyo, Japan on July 23, 2021.
Kirby Lee, -USA TODAY Sports![Dancers perform during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/b6623f34-9eed-4d38-835e-70a78e4b02bf-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.9.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.
Grace Hollars, USA TODAY Sports![Performers dance during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/712d2028-6535-4067-ae36-99128ca6cf26-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.10.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Performers dance during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports![A performer runs on a treadmill during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/81ab730c-f358-4a6d-802b-4297b8130fad-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.19.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A performer runs on a treadmill during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports![A view of the stadium before the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/65e7e610-adc5-4bfd-aac4-d60a3815d8c0-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.2.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A view of the stadium before the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports![People sit in the empty stadium before the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/68cc3954-ceaa-478b-8a4c-2003178adb9f-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.4.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
People sit in the empty stadium before the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports![Country delegates sit in the seats during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/8886b66d-48b7-4a3d-8239-f9d379f280ed-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.3.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Country delegates sit in the seats during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports![Volunteers pose with the Olympic rings before the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2021/07/23/USAT/a63a98a1-f1b2-4751-95a5-1cb0e64fc0e3-USP_Olympics-_Opening_Ceremony.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Volunteers pose with the Olympic rings before the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on July 23, 2021.
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