Andrew Cotter
Athletics commentator on BBC TV

It is the performances of the athletes that are going to have to provide the drama and the excitement.

And I wonder how difficult that will be with no spectators because, quite often, athletes are takien to a new level competing in front of the noise, the roar, the excitement of a crowd.

But you can see the joy from all these athletes just to be here - it wasn't always guaranteed that it was going to happen at all.

Hazel Irvine
Presenter on BBC TV

We've got great memories, of course, in Great Britain of just how joyous and uplifting and galvanising our home Games were at London 2012.

You really feel for the people of Japan who have invested so much emotion and anticipation and money in these Games that they, like us, will have to enjoy them on television.

Their resilience and determination to stage these Games is laudable indeed.

Want to see another topless man carrying a flag?

Allow me...

All of the athletes that wanted to be present have now arrived. It's taken just under two hours.

Soon they will take the Olympic oath, then we will hear from various dignitaries.

Here they come, the host nation. Just imagine what the noise would have been had spectators been present.

Japan have arrived at their home Olympics. Smiles and waves. Lovely, lovely stuff.

Where might Japan win medals?

Now it's France, hosts of the 2024 Games, which take place in Paris.

And then...

Here come the USA, waved on by the first lady, Dr Jill Biden. There is absolutely loads of them - they certainly haven't held back. Their outfits are quite subdued - a navy number.

If you missed it earlier (and it was much earlier), this was the moment Great Britain made their entry into the Olympic Stadium.

You're right, it was Poland.

They've got form for it. Just ask their swimmers.

Malc: I’m sure some of these countries have been around more than once.

Twenty-five countries to go. Dig in. Almost there.

Hang on, Ed, we might have new champions. South Africa have come as Ace Ventura.

Sofia Bettiza, BBC World Service in the Olympic Stadium: "Watching the spectacle of the opening ceremony in a nearly empty stadium - which normally seats 68,000 - is a surreal experience.

"The fanfare, the theatre, the famous athletes carrying the flag, the kabuki dance, the glistening fireworks…it feels like a very intimate show that I’m watching with just a few other people.

"Outside the stadium, in the searing heat, hundreds of Japanese locals are peering in. The atmosphere is not exactly party-like: Tokyoites have been told to stay at home because of the pandemic. Despite the widespread opposition to the games, people I spoke to said they were brimming with anticipation and pride.

"But as night falls, happy smiles are replaced by angry chanting. As we are asked to stand and observe a moment of silence to commemorate all those who have died of Covid in the past year, we can clearly hear the protesters outside the stadium. It’s an eerie, sobering reminder that most people in Japan are furious these games are still taking place."

Image source, Getty Images

I still can't get over those green German tracksuits.

I'd be wanting a smart suit to wear, then you're sorted for every wedding you'll ever go to.

Image source, Getty Images

More on the protesters outside who could be heard in the stadium during quieter moments.

BBC staff at the event say there are hundreds of people gathered who are chanting, among other things, "stop the Olympics".

Remember a poll in the leading Asahi Shimbun newspaper in May suggested more than 80% of the population want them cancelled or postponed, external.

If you're playing the opening ceremony bingo/drinking game, make sure you have marked the arrival of the Topless Tongan...