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Rio Olympics Open! Opening Ceremony at Maracanã Stadium
The 31st Olympic Games (Rio de Janeiro 2016), the first to be held on the South American continent, opened on August 5 (August 6 Japan time). A record 205 countries and regions are participating, with over 11,000 athletes competing fiercely across 28 sports and 306 events over 17 days. (Photo = Fort Kishimoto)
On the same day, the opening ceremony was held at Maracanã Stadium in central Rio.
The overall artistic direction was handled by Fernando Meirelles, a renowned Brazilian film director. Using large-scale projection mapping, he depicted the birth of life on Brazilian soil, the Amazon rainforest, the influx of European culture, the history of slavery, and the rise of cities. This showcased the collision and fusion of various races and cultures, expressing Brazil as a multi-ethnic nation.
Particularly impressive were the synchronized projection mapping and performers during the scene of buildings rising one after another, and the spectacle of an airplane taking off from the stadium and flying over Rio at night. A dance symbolizing Japan was also performed, hinting at the significant influence of the Japanese community in Brazil.
The athletes' entrance march proceeded to music based on samba rhythms, with Japan appearing 104th. As the delegation emerged led by flag bearer Keisuke Ushiro (decathlon), a particularly loud cheer erupted. Japanese athletes waved small flags of both the Hinomaru and the Brazilian flag, symbolizing the bond between the two nations. When the newly formed Refugee Team entered for the first time, the venue responded with a standing ovation.
Acting President Michel Temer declared the Games open, and the Olympic flame arrived at the stadium. The final torchbearer was Vanderlei de Lima, bronze medalist in the men's marathon at the 2004 Athens Games.
The lit flame was hoisted upward and placed before an object symbolizing the sun. Finally, numerous fireworks were launched, enveloping the entire stadium in a variety of colors for a spectacular finale.
Mr. Yoshiro Mori, President of the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, who attended the ceremony, commented: "I sincerely congratulate the opening of the Rio Games and express my deep respect for the passion and hard work of all those involved. I look forward to the wonderful and intense competition from athletes gathered from around the world during the Games. The Organising Committee will also learn much from Rio and apply it to preparations for the success of the Tokyo 2020 Games."
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