Sochi Olympics Open! With the slogan "HOT.COOL.YOURS." The largest number of countries and regions ever participate.

The 22nd Winter Olympic Games opened in Sochi, Russia, on the evening of February 7 local time. A record 87 countries and regions participated in the Winter Olympics. The winter festival began, with approximately 2,900 athletes competing for medals across all 98 events until February 23rd. This was Russia's first time hosting the Winter Games, with the event slogan being "HOT.COOL.YOURS."

The opening ceremony took place at the Fisht Olympic Stadium in the Olympic Park, attended by world leaders including Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. As the national teams began their entrance, cheers erupted from the packed crowd of approximately 40,000 spectators, to which the athletes responded with smiles. The Japanese delegation entered just before the host nation Russia, appearing last. Led by flag bearer Ayumi Ogasawara (women's curling), they displayed an energetic presence. Japan sent 113 athletes to the Games, marking the first time the women's team outnumbered the men's.

The ceremony introduced Russia's history, geography, and culture through spectacular staging and diverse performances. As the Olympic flame, which had traveled 65,000 kilometers over 123 days, ascended the massive cauldron and fireworks erupted, the venue reached its climax for the day.

[Photo: Fort Kishimoto]