In photos: Opening ceremony of Tokyo 2020 Paralympics

The Paralympics began Tuesday in the same empty National Stadium – during the same pandemic – as the opening and closing ceremonies of the recently completed Tokyo Olympics.

Japan's Karin Morisaki (L), Yui Kamiji (C) and Shunsuke Uchida light the Paralympic cauldron during the opening ceremony for the 2020 Paralympics at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

Japan's national flag is raised as the national anthem is sung at the start of the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

Tourch bearers carry the Paralympic flame during the opening ceremony, Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

A performer takes part in the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

A member of Ecuador's team arrives during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

A Mexican athlete points at his nation's flag during the opening ceremony, Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

Turkey's team arrives at the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

Performers during the opening ceremony, Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony for the 2020 Paralympics, Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

A dancer performs during the opening ceremony, Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

Performers take part in the opening ceremony, Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

Entertainers perform during the opening ceremony for the 2020 Paralympics, Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

Athletes from Japan enter the stadium during the opening ceremony, Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

Athletes arrive at the stadium for the opening ceremony of the Summer Paralympic Games, Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

Actors perform during the opening ceremony for the 2020 Paralympics at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

Fireworks illuminate the sky over National Stadium, as viewed from Shibuya Sky observation deck, during the Opening Ceremony for the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

Fireworks illuminate the National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

The Olympic flame after it has been reignited for the Paralympics, Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

Fireworks explode during the opening ceremony, Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.

Protesters hold signs near the national stadium during the opening ceremony, Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021.