The Olympics opening ceremony kicked off Friday in a nearly-empty stadium in Tokyo.
The big picture: The ceremony, which features fewer performers than usual, started with the idea of being apart but not alone, "recognizing and conveying the emotional connection for athletes training around the globe for the last 17 months, doing much of that in isolation," NBC's Mike Tirico said.
In photos:
A view into the stadium before the opening ceremony starts. Photo: Michael Kappeler/Picture alliance via Getty Images
A performer is seen acting during the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium. Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images
Performance called "Connecting the Dots." Performers use elastic rope to convey the inner workings of the body and the heart. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Performers dance during the opening ceremony. Photo: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
First lady Jill Biden arrives to attend the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Photo: Dylan Martinez/AFP via Getty Images
The Japanese flag is carried past the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
The centerpiece of the cauldron represents Mt. Fuji and, at the summit, a representation of the sun. Photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
The Japan Flag is raised as the national anthem is performed. Photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Olympic rings are brought together during the opening ceremony. Photo: Jan Woitas/picture alliance via Getty Images
Flag bearers Cecilia Carranza Saroli and Santiago Raul Lange of Team Argentina during the Opening Ceremony. Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images
Flag bearers Hanna Minenko and Yakov Toumarkin of Team Israel. The country is taking a run at team sports for the first time since 1976. Photo: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
Athletes from Sardinia. Photo: Ina Fried/Axios
The Great Britain team with flag bearers sailor Hannah Mills and rower Mohamed Sbihi enter the stadium. Photo: Michael Kappeler/Picture alliance via Getty Images
Iran's delegation enters the Olympic Stadium. Photo: Hannah McKaya/AFP via Getty Images
