The Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony may have been in a mostly empty stadium, but the energy and excitement was still high. In case you missed the real-time broadcast, Friday at 8 p.m. Tokyo-time, here are the most powerful moments to remember including basketball player Sue Bird being one of Team USA's flag bearers, and tennis champion Naomi Osaka lighting the Olympic Cauldron. Keep reading to live (or re-live) these special Olympic Ceremony moments.
Japanese boxer Arisa Tsubata ran on a treadmill to symbolize how many athletes had to train in isolation, but stayed connected through their collective passion to compete.
The Japan national anthem was sung by Misia, as members of Japan's Self Defence Forces held the Japanese flag.
The fireworks launching from the ceiling of the stadium at multiple times during the ceremony were really impressive!
Tap dancers dressed as carpenters performed to a traditional work song called the "Kiyari Uta," performed by members of the Edo Firemanship Preservation Association.
This part of the performance was meant to represent the inner blood vessels of the athletes as they trained during the pandemic. Dancers used beige toned clothing and red elastic to represent the bodily functions that are present within every athlete.
The Olympic Rings were made from wood that was grown from seeds brought by international athletes to Tokyo the last time they hosted the Games in 1964.
Greece is always first since that's where the Games originated. Then the order followed the Japanese alphabet, with future Olympic host countries being last.
Shirtless and oiled up, Pita Taufatofua was the Tongan flag bearer you just can't miss. For more shirtless action, check out Riilio Rii from Vanuatuan.
Team USA was third-to-last to enter in the Parade of Nations, with basketball player Sue Bird and baseball player Eddy Alvarez holding the American flag.
In a stunning spectacle, 1,824 drones form planet Earth in the sky above the stadium, as a junior chorus sings John Lennon's "Imagine." It was very moving. Then there's a video shown of artists around the world singing along, including American singers John Legend and Keith Urban.
Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto gave a heartfelt, almost teary speech hoping the Olympics will offer a moment of peace. Then IOC President Thomas Bach thanks Japan for hosting the Games, and takes time to welcome the refugee athletes.
Jazz pianist Hiromias lively played as legendary Kabuki actor Ebizo Ichikawa performed on the stage that represents Mount Fuji and the sun.
Performers recreated the 50 Olympic sports with live human pictograms, including basketball, fencing, and skateboarding.
Naomi Osaka, who's representing Japan, was the final torchbearer who lit the Olympic Cauldron.
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