The Rugby World Cup opened with children singing while a brief history of rugby union was projected behind them onto the slopes of a replica of Mt Fuji erected in the middle of the pitch.
Around its base were the groups of schoolchildren representing each of the competing teams.
As they announced the participating countries in the World Cup, Japan got the loudest applause.
It was clear locals loved the All Blacks as cheers for New Zealand were second only to Japan.
Fans were later on the big projector screen as they danced along to YMCA.
Japan jerseys made up the majority of those in the crowd, but there were pockets of supporters from all around the world.
Japan's Crown Prince Akishino declared the tournament open, welcoming the tournament to Asia for the first time.
Prince Akishino made the declaration after performances inspired by Japanese festivals with a high‑tech Kabuki dance performance.
Radio NZ reports former All Black captain Richie McCaw was part of the opening, too, delivering the William Webb Ellis Cup to the tournament under a spotlight.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said in a speech during the ceremony that Japan has made history.
The tournament runs through to 2 November.
ADVERTISEMENT
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
