Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony starts without spectators
By WANG XU in Tokyo |
China Daily |
Updated: 2021-07-23 19:01
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At 8 pm local time, Japanese Emperor Naruhito appeared at the National Stadium to mark the official opening of the Games, but did not make a speech in deference to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 61-year-old monarch had earlier expressed concerns about the spread of infections at the Games.
After the playing of the Japanese national anthem, a moment of silence took place to remember the global victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although the regulations governing participation in the Games are strict, more than 100 people linked to the Olympics had tested positive for COVID-19 so far.
