The Tokyo Paralympics have closed to end a saga that began eight years ago when the Japanese capital was named the host city by the International Olympic Committee.

Princess Mako of Akishino and her college sweetheart Kei Komuro announced their engagement in 2017, and have been plagued with controversy ever since.

The opening featured acrobats, clowns and fireworks to mark the start of the long parade of athletes representing more than 160 nations.