The Most Stunning Photos From The Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony

The pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games kicked off in a riot of color.
Valery Sharifulin via Getty Images

The Tokyo Olympics may be muted because of the coronavirus pandemic, but that didn’t stop Friday’s opening ceremony from being a riot of color.

Stunning fireworks, intimate dance performances and even a treadmill set the scene for the next two weeks of sporting endeavors ― even though spectators were largely banned from the National Stadium.

See some of the most iconic images here:

Fireworks illuminate over the National Stadium during the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony.
Fireworks illuminate over the National Stadium during the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony.
via Associated Press
An overview shows a performer walking on a treadmill during the opening ceremony.
An overview shows a performer walking on a treadmill during the opening ceremony.
ANTONIN THUILLIER via Getty Images
Team Ireland flag bearers Kellie Harrington and Brendan Irvine carry the Irish tricolor.
Team Ireland flag bearers Kellie Harrington and Brendan Irvine carry the Irish tricolor.
Brendan Moran via Getty Images
Team Cameroon enters the arena.
Team Cameroon enters the arena.
Clive Rose via Getty Images
Fireworks explode over the arena.
Fireworks explode over the arena.
picture alliance via Getty Images
Performers dance in front of giant golden Olympic Rings.
Performers dance in front of giant golden Olympic Rings.
Hannah McKay - Pool via Getty Images
Fireworks light up the night sky.
Fireworks light up the night sky.
DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Paper lanterns light up during the show.
Paper lanterns light up during the show.
picture alliance via Getty Images
Members of Team China enter the stadium.
Members of Team China enter the stadium.
Richard Heathcote via Getty Images
Team USA flagbearers Sue Bird and Eddy Alvares.
Team USA flagbearers Sue Bird and Eddy Alvares.
Stephen McCarthy via Getty Images
Team Turkey flag bearers Merve Tuncel and Berke Saka.
Team Turkey flag bearers Merve Tuncel and Berke Saka.
Matthias Hangst via Getty Images
The Olympic and Japanese flags sway in the wind.
The Olympic and Japanese flags sway in the wind.
DYLAN MARTINEZ via Getty Images
Team Japan's Naomi Osaka carries the Olympic torch.
Team Japan's Naomi Osaka carries the Olympic torch.
JEFF PACHOUD via Getty Images
Naomi Osaka of Team Japan lights the Olympic cauldron.
Naomi Osaka of Team Japan lights the Olympic cauldron.
Laurence Griffiths via Getty Images
The Olympic Cauldron is lit.
The Olympic Cauldron is lit.
Maddie Meyer via Getty Images
The Olympic Flame burns.
The Olympic Flame burns.
FRANCK FIFE via Getty Images
Fireworks light up the sky over the Olympic Stadium.
Fireworks light up the sky over the Olympic Stadium.
KAZUHIRO NOGI via Getty Images
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