Songs were blaring on a loudspeaker, and young girls and boys were doing a gymnastics performance, their families clapping and cheering for them.

Nations gave their votes by 'acclamation' - clapping in front of their cameras via their video links.

And five months on from her accident, she did just that, breaking into a broad smile as staff and patients cheered and clapped.

An audience clapping in rhythm, fireflies flashing in unison, or flocks of starlings moving as one -- synchronisation is a natural phenomenon observed across diverse systems and scales.

“Japanese audiences, in general, they’re so respectful. So maybe I should bring them to the States where they will see more reaction like this,” says Ito, clapping her hands like a boisterously applauding moviegoer.