Unity in Adversity: The Message of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony

The Olympics have always been a way to bring the whole world together from everywhere. But this year, that unity is felt even stronger after the pandemic changed lives around the globe.

This year’s opening ceremony occurred in a stadium filled with empty seats, further highlighting the lingering effects of the pandemic.

Opening Ceremony opens with athlete training alone

The opening ceremony reflected the togetherness and overall theme of unity in adversity. Athletes and non-athletes alike can understand the feelings of loneliness experienced during the pandemic.

The ceremony included a moment of silence to pay respect to the lives lost due to covid-19. The performances began by showcasing Japanese art, culture, and traditions including video games and anime. The first images were those of athletes practicing alone in their homes before finally coming together to compete.

A segment titled “apart but not alone” showed Japanese boxer Arisa Tsubata, training alone on a treadmill. Finally, other athletes joined at distances, connected although they were physically apart.