The Japanese Olympic team was given a rousing send-off in Tokyo on Friday by a large and enthusiastic crowd of mostly children as the athletes enjoyed a moment in the spotlight together before the 2024 Paris Games, which begin later this month.
The Japanese delegation participated in an inauguration ceremony at Yoyogi National Stadium early in the afternoon before moving to Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium for a send-off party, during which each of Japan’s teams marched into the arena to the cheers of the crowd.
“Three years ago, we held the send-off party online,” said Japanese Olympic Committee Secretary-General Mitsugi Ogata, who will lead the Japanese delegation in Paris. “We are really grateful to be sent off so warmly today. We are looking forward to Paris.”