Large crowds in Tokyo watch Olympic aerobatics
Japan's Air Self-Defence Force aerobatics team Blue Impulse flew across the city, passing the city's iconic Tokyo Tower and leaving a cloud trail of the Olympic colours.
The Jets drew the five Olympic rings across the skies of Tokyo.
Video obtained by Reuters showed coloured smoke in red, yellow, green, blue and black -- the official colours of the rings -- being used in the manoeuvre, which was performed at around 12:45 p.m. (0345 GMT) Tokyo time.
Locals, who waited at Shiba Park under the sweltering sun hours before the performance, said it may have brought some solidarity as the Games have caused split opinion about whether it should go ahead during a state-of-emergency.
"I think there are various criticisms about the Olympics, but I think the people who are working hard in sports are working hard. In the midst of all this, I think everyone was unexpectedly moved when they saw the Blue Impulse. In a sense, I think it was a good that people came together as one. That's my candid opinion," 24-year-old freelance photographer Ryosuke Sato said.
The Opening Ceremony that begins at 8p.m. (1100GMT) Tokyo time on Friday is expected to be a "solemn affair" according to Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto.
