Asian Games Open in Japan for First Time in 32 Years

Sep 19, 2026 | News On Japan

NAGOYA - The 20th Asian Games opened on September 19 with a ceremony at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, launching competition across venues in five prefectures through October 4.

The summer event, held in principle once every four years, is taking place in Japan for the third time and the first in 32 years, following Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.

More than 15,000 athletes and team members from 45 countries and regions are gathering for the Games, which are intended to promote friendship and peace.

Japan has entered a record 932 athletes across all 43 sports, the largest delegation in the country's Asian Games history.

The host nation is aiming for its best performance ever, seeking to surpass the 78 gold medals won at the 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok.

Source: Kyodo

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