The opening ceremony seen from Japan and the United States

The nearly four-hour show offered by France was generally well received in Japan and the United States, although some conservative voices expressed some criticism.

Impressed, surprised, excited, sometimes shocked but above all moved. The Japanese who watched the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics, broadcast between 2:30 and 6:30 in the morning in Japan, went through a whirlwind of feelings, according to the first reactions. “It is a ceremony of unprecedented scale”writes on the internetAsahi Shinbuna progressive daily newspaper. And to emphasize the staging of France’s motto, supplemented by other words reflecting the values ​​of the country of human rights.

While diversity and inclusion, very present in various forms and without taboos, were praised by some viewers, others who were more conservative sometimes considered it too much. The audacity in any case did not escape anyone. The scene of Marie-Antoinette being decapitated did not leave the Japanese indifferent, for whom the last queen of France is an adored heroine. The emotion in Japan was also Celine Dion who was unanimous.

In Baltimore, in the United States, the future host country (Los Angeles 2028), the Americans seemed won over by this show lasting almost 4 hours. “This is the first time I’ve seen an opening ceremony, it’s incredible”enthuses Judith, who has difficulty hiding her emotion despite her sunglasses. “It was iconic, very French. We’re going to have to work hard to do better.”Maggie continues, in a sports bar in the city. These Americans also believe that this ceremony marked Olympic history.