Memorable moments: Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics [PHOTOS]

These pictures are definitely worth a thousand words!

Deputy Editor - U.S.

JULY 23, 2021 4:15 PM EDTJUL 23, 2021, 4:15 PM EDT

The Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, which were delayed last year by the coronavirus, opened today on Friday, July 23, 2021.

The opening ceremony kicked off with breathtaking fireworks and dazzling choreography made to impress TV viewers as due to the continuing pandemic, the stadium was nearly empty. This was a unique event in the history of the Olympics.

Browser our gallery for some of the best photos of the opening ceremony.

The exciting moment when tennis player, Naomi Osaka lit up the cauldron and stood proudly with the torch during the opening ceremony.

overhead view of the moment Naomi Osaka lit up the Olympic cauldron

The stunning fireworks that preceded after the cauldron was lit.

People outside the stadium, taking photos and watching the fireworks during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

U.S. First Lady, Jill Biden waving during the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

President of France Emmanuel Macron is seen waving at the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony.

The Olympic flag being carried into the National stadium during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games

Team USA entering during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

Team Columbia jumping with joy for a picture during the opening ceremony.

Japanese singer Misia sings Japan‘s national anthem “Kimi Ga Yo” during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

The amazing dancers that performed and twirled around with bands that connected one another during the ceremony.

A performer dressed as a Samurai acts out a routine as part of the entertainment of the opening ceremony- Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

Performers surround the Olympic rings at the stadium during the opening ceremony

Japanese jazz composer Hiromi Uehara passionately plays the piano during the opening ceremony

Tonga’s flag bearers Malia Paseka and Pita Taufatofua lead the delegation during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games opening ceremony’s parade of athletes

Flag bearers Sofya Velikaya and Maxim Mikhaylov from the Russian team take part in the Parade of Nations during the opening ceremony

Stadium message: Faster, Higher, Stronger, Together

Members of Hong Kong‘s delegation pose for a selfie during the opening ceremony

Athletes from Spain’s team hug overwhelmed with emotions during the parade at the opening ceremony.

Flag bearers Adriana Díaz and Brian Afanador of team Puerto Rico during the opening ceremony

Venezuela‘s flag bearers Karen Leon and Antonio Jose Diaz Fernandez leads their delegation at the opening ceremony

A group of female athletes from team Argentina are seen posing for a photo during the opening ceremony.

Flag bearers Ketleyn Quadros and Bruno Mossa Rezende of Team Brazil take part in the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony