The theme of the evening was “Harmonious Cacophony,” meaning that even in an aggregation of different noises, we can achieve harmony.

Arielle Busetto, JAPAN Forward

Beauty in diversity. We are all different, but we are all great in our differences.

This was the message that shone loud and clear from the National Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on September 5, at the closing ceremony marking the end of the Paralympic Games.

Starting at 8 p.m, the ceremony provided a way to thank the over 4,400 athletes from 162 countries who had competed fearlessly in 22 sports over a period of twelve days.

Representing Japan, Crown Prince Akishino of the Imperial Household presided over the occasion, joined by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike.

The evening was a rare celebration of how different we all are, and how we can hope to achieve a more inclusive society going forward.

Shibuya Scramble Kick Off

The ceremony delivered an unflinching display of bold color, strong energy and positivity which was infectious even for those sitting at home watching on TV.

Just minutes after 8 p.m, young performers kicked off the show, including an elementary school girl and famous beatbox performer, RIN, and an 18-year-old music writer who composed the music for the event, SASUKE.

The music lent the notes for an energetic dance that reproduced the Shibuya scramble intersection in one of Tokyo’s liveliest neighborhoods.

The segment included world-class breakdancer MORIKO. The dancer has a condition which causes loss of vision, yet he wowed the audience with incredibly energetic spins and flips.

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