This is the first-ever Games opening with no spectators because there are concerns for the spread of coronavirus infection. In addition, according to Kyodo News, only about 1k guests will be at the event: fewer than originally planned.
WHO WILL OPEN THE GAMES?
One of the changes for this Olympics is that there are more mixed events, and some women’s disciplines have been added to the program. The organizers have almost reached gender equality with female athletes accounting for 48.8% of those competing in the Games, while previous percentages were: London 44.2%, Rio – 45%.
The Olympic parade will start with Japan’s delegation. After the last Japanese team, the refugee team will march. The tradition to open up an Olympics is that a high-ranking official or head of state from all countries participating opens it as well and when they have walked to the end of the course in triumph. Emperor Naruhito is going to be responsible for this ceremony at Tokyo 2020 Games.
The Tokyo Olympics organisers have decided to forgo the shows which the opening ceremony is famous. Instead, they will have a no less solemn format – it should emphasise Japanese flavour.
Ceremony 2021
The opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games has been slimmed down due to coronavirus restrictions. The theme of today’s event is Moving Forward, which will touch on many topics including: the global health crisis that forced the postponement of the games by a year, and Japan’s recovery from its 2011 devastating earthquake.
The current Tokyo Olympics that are to be held from July 24th to August 9th 2020 will now take place from April 27th, 2020 until November 12, 2020.
Rules and rituals of the opening and closing ceremonies
Local Olympic authorities allow the opening and closing ceremonies to be held at a predetermined stadium according to an approved ritual outlined in the Olympic Charter.
The Opening Ceremonies represent the official ceremonious start of the Olympic Games. An important part of this ceremony is the artistic programme, allowing individual countries to showcase their past and present. The ceremonies usually commence with the hoisting of its country’s flag and playing of its anthem. Afterward, a specific number will take place displaying different cultural activities such as music, singing, dance and theatre; followed by each country’s motto that occurred during Olympic times.
The Parade of Nations starts with the delegation from Greece, which is home to the Olympic Games. The order of marching in alphabetical order and is led by the delegations which organize the games. One of the most famous athletes carry’s their national flag.
After all the countries have been paraded, the President of the Organising Committee of the Games, and then the IOC President, make a speech. At the end of his speech, he introduces the head of state of the host country, or the person representing him, who officially announces the opening of the Games. The Olympic flag is then carried into the stadium and the Olympic anthem is played while it is raised. The Olympic Charter states that the Olympic flag shall be “unfurled throughout the Olympic Games on a flagpole placed prominently in the main stadium.
The International Olympic Committee thanks the host country and announces the Games will be closing. Three flags are raised on different poles: Greece, the current host country, and the future host country’s flag.
The Olympic flag is lowered and solemnly carried before the central podium. The Olympic torch is extinguished in the bowl. A solemn artillery salute sounds as a chorus sings. As per protocol, this signals to the public that the closing ceremony of the Games will soon commence at center stage in an arena behind me.
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