The 2021 Tokyo Olympics have finally arrived.
The opening ceremony began at Friday lunchtime (July 23) in the UK as athletes from across the world prepare for the world's biggest competition.
However, the opening at the Olympic Stadium which sees the traditional lighting of the torch took place in front of empty stands as the city buckles down in its battle against rising coronavirus rates.
Only 30 Team GB athletes were expected to march in the opening ceremony as Covid continues to cause frayed nerves in the Japanese capital.
READ MORE: What's happening with coronavirus in Japan as Tokyo hosts Olympic Games?
But back to the sporting action, the games will last for 17 days, with 33 different sports, and a whopping 339 events.
Team GB will once again be looking to make history after a record-breaking Rio Games with live coverage taking place across the BBC.
Another factor in the Olympic games is, of course, the mascots.
This year, Miraitowa is the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games mascot.
The official Tokyo Olympics website states that the name is based on the Japanese words 'mirai', meaning 'future', and 'towa', meaning 'eternity', "representing the wish that the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will lead to a future of everlasting hope in the hearts of everyone around the world."
The Paralympic mascot is Someity.
Someity comes from 'Someiyoshino' - a popular type of cherry blossom - and the phrase "so mighty".
The official Tokyo Olmpics website says Someity "can show enormous mental and physical strength, representing Paralympic athletes who overcome obstacles and redefine the boundaries of possibility."
