Japan is preparing to welcome thousands of athletes and fans for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya. The event begins on September 19 and runs through October 4.
The Games offer Japan another chance to create the shared sporting atmosphere that the Tokyo Olympics could not deliver. COVID 19 restrictions kept spectators away from most Olympic events in 2021.
Public interest in the Asian Games has remained quieter than organizers expected. Ticket sales have needed extra promotion, while heavy rain caused problems at several venues and accommodation sites.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | Japan is preparing to host the 20th Asian Games. |
| Where | Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya, Tokyo, Osaka and other Japanese locations. |
| When | September 19 to October 4, 2026. |
| Who is involved | Athletes and officials from 45 participating countries and regions. |
| Current status | Organisers are completing preparations ahead of the opening. |
| Sports | 43 sports and 469 medal events are scheduled. |
| Expected participants | Registrations have reached around 17,000 athletes and officials. |
| Why it matters | The Games give Japan another opportunity to host a major international sporting event with spectators. |
Aichi Nagoya Games Expand
The Aichi Nagoya Asian Games will mark Japan’s third time hosting the continental sporting event. The country last hosted the Games in Hiroshima in 1994.
Organisers originally planned for about 15,000 athletes and officials. Registrations have since climbed to around 17,000. The increase partly reflects the addition of new sports.
The Games will feature 43 sports and 469 medal events. That is a much larger programme than the Paris Olympics, which had 329 medal events across 32 sports.
Weather Creates Problems Before the Games
Heavy rain has added pressure during the final preparations.
Hundreds of athletes and officials temporarily left their accommodation after flooding affected the area. Several competition venues also reported leaking roofs.
Nagoya officials have said the weather problems will not disrupt the Games.
A Bigger and More Diverse Sports Programme
The Aichi Nagoya programme includes several newer sports.
Mixed martial arts, padel and surfing will join the competition schedule. Virtual taekwondo and teqball will also feature.
Esports will return as a medal sport after making its Asian Games debut in Hangzhou. Breaking will also return after its appearance at the Paris Olympics.
Athletes to Watch
Several leading athletes could attract attention during the Games.
Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle will compete after winning Olympic gold in the men’s 100 metre freestyle and setting a world record.
His 13 year old Chinese teammate Yu Zidi could also become one of the event’s notable young competitors.
Japan will also have several major medal contenders. Javelin thrower Haruka Kitaguchi will lead the athletics team. She became the first Japanese woman to win Olympic gold in a field event.
Asian Games Use Unique Venues
The Games will use venues across a wide area of Japan. Tokyo will host swimming, while Osaka will stage some football matches.
Organisers have also taken a different approach to athlete accommodation. Instead of building a traditional athletes’ village, they will use several temporary facilities.
Some athletes will stay in wooden container units at Garden Pier. A cruise ship docked in the bay will also provide accommodation.
Asian Games Set for Japan Opening
The Asian Games will officially open on September 19. Competition will continue until October 4.
Swimming will begin on Sunday at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre. Other events will take place across Aichi Prefecture, Tokyo, Osaka, and additional locations.
The Aichi Nagoya Asian Games arrive five years after Japan hosted an Olympics without the crowds it had expected.
This time, organisers are preparing for thousands of athletes, officials and spectators. Despite weather problems and modest public interest, the Games will offer a major sporting programme across Japan.
