The Olympics opening ceremony is almost as anticipated as the Olympics itself. Here's what you need to know.
We're just weeks ago from the Tokyo Olympics, but before that comes the opening ceremony, which is always worth a watch.
Partly because of the pageantry -- the glorious artistic displays that represent the culture of the host nation -- but also because of the memes. During the 2016 Olympics we were introduced to the shirtless, greased talents of Pita Taufatofua, from Tonga, who promptly set the internet on flames. He repeated the trick in 2018 at the Winter Olympics.
Will he return for the Tokyo Olympics? We don't know for sure, but it's as good a reason as any to watch.
When does Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony start?
The Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony takes place at Friday, July 23 at 7 a.m. EDT (4 a.m. PDT).
Let's break that down into further timezones.
In the UK, that time translates to 12 noon BST on Friday, July 23.
In Australia it's 9 p.m. AEST on Friday, July 23.
Where can I watch the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony?
In the US
This year NBC is broadcasting a whole day of day one Olympics coverage, including the opening ceremony. You'll be able to watch it live coast-to-coast. NBC will be broadcasting across all US time zones starting at 6:55 a.m. EDT (3:55 a.m. PDT) for the very first time.
NBC will also re-broadcast the event at re-broadcast at 7:30 p.m. EDT (4:30 p.m. PDT).
In the UK
In the UK the BBC and Eurosport have the rights to the Tokyo Olympics. Since the everyone in the UK has access to the BBC, that will most likely be the easiest way to watch. It'll be broadcast live on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
In Australia
Much like in the UK, the Tokyo Olympics is available to watch on free to air TV. The opening ceremony will be available to watch live on Channel 7 or via the 7plus streaming service.
Where is the Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony taking place?
The opening ceremony will take place at the Japan National Stadium, aka the Olympic Stadium.
What can we expect?
Shinzo Abe, wearing a Mario hat at the Rio Olympics closing ceremony.
Typically Olympics opening ceremonies celebrate the culture of the host country, augmented by some theme. During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, for example, the theme was unity. These events can be expensive, often costing upwards of $100 million.
Japanese opening ceremonies have traditionally celebrated ancient Japanese culture, but previous Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dressed up as Mario during the handover at the Rio Olympics closing ceremony, so many expect Nintendo's mascot to show up in an opening ceremony more dedicated to Japan's impact on technology and popular culture.
Could we finally see Naruto at an Olympics opening ceremony? We can dream...
Producer Marco Balich has also said that COVID-19 will somehow be referenced during the event.