Summary

  • Tokyo Olympic Games declared open in poignant ceremony

  • Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka lights Olympic flame

  • 'Today is a moment of hope,' says IOC president Thomas Bach

  • Japan’s Emperor Naruhito among almost 1,000 VIPs and delegates attending

  • Ceremony at Tokyo Olympic Stadium without spectators

  • Only 22 of GB's 375-strong squad join much-reduced athletes' parade

  • Protests against the Games outside stadium

Live Reporting

Stephan Shemilt

  1. This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy and privacy policy before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

  2. Back in the day, 1992 I think, US great Carl Lewis got in trouble for taking a call on his mobile during the opening ceremony.

    That was when mobiles were the size of breeze blocks.

  3. Get Involved

    #bbcolympics

    Simon Thomson: Anyone who enters an opening ceremony with a mobile phone should be banned from competing, this is a total joke.

  4. Nothing is topping this fact.

    The kalpak, the distinctive national hat of Kyrgyzstan, has Unesco world heritage status.

    Comfortably the best headgear on show.

  5. In case you're keeping score, we're 51 countries in, so less than a quarter of the way through.

    They'll be coming in for another hour yet, I reckon.

    Imagine if we had a full quota of athletes...

    Dutch teamGetty Images

  6. I'll be honest, I haven't yet seen anything to challenge GB as best-dressed.

  7. This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy and privacy policy before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

  8. There's some superb knowledge being unearthed in this parade. I've just learnt that Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country.

  9. This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy and privacy policy before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

  10. Here come the Aussies. Good of them to turn up.

    I'll make the same joke when New Zealand enter.

  11. Get Involved

    #bbcolympics

    Helen Blaby: I’m not sure about this 2 flag holder business. They look like they’re having a fight!

  12. Hazel Irvine
    Presenter on BBC TV

    It's big Moe Sbihi's third Games - gold and silver already tucked away for the rower.

    And Hannah Mills, setting sail in her attempt to become the most decorated female Olympic sailor from any country.

    It is a team of 375, Team GB - only 22, we understand, are marching this evening.

    GB flagbearersGetty Images

  13. The height difference between Moe Sbihi and Hannah Mills makes the carrying of the flag look quite comical...

    Team GBGetty Images

  14. Great Britain arrive

    Here they come, decked out in a blue jackets so smart they should have a degree.

    Big smiles, even from behind masks, waves.

  15. Get ready for Great Britain...

  16. This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy and privacy policy before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

  17. Fair play to Ukraine, first team that I've spotted to enter wearing shorts. Sensible.

  18. This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy and privacy policy before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

  19. Bizarre openings

    Text 81111 (standard rates apply, UK only)

    As a Plymouth Argyle fan, I recall former manager Peter Shilton opening a car park in Mid Devon. He stayed in his car to cut the ribbon.

    Richard

  20. Now then, Italy are making a bid for the worst-dressed award. There are wearing white tracksuits with the colours of the Italian flag on the front. Only problem is the flag looks like Pacman gobbling food. Very strange.

    ItalyGetty Images