Emperor and Empress Watch Asian Games Basketball

Sep 21, 2026 | News On Japan

NAGOYA - Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako watched Japan defeat Kazakhstan in a women’s basketball preliminary-round game at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya.

The Emperor and Empress arrived at the competition venue in Nagoya at around 2:30 p.m. and exchanged handshakes with event officials.

They attended the preliminary-round women’s basketball game between Japan and Kazakhstan.

With cheers from spectators and the sound of players’ shoes echoing through the venue, the imperial couple watched the game while listening to explanations from tournament officials.

Japan went on to win the match, and the Emperor and Empress applauded the players from both teams after the final whistle.

Following the game, Empress Masako told an official accompanying them, "That was a convincing victory," adding, "It is wonderful to see both men’s and women’s basketball becoming so popular."

Source: TBS

Typhoon No. 25 Nears Kanto Bringing Violent Winds

Large and powerful Typhoon No. 25 was moving north toward the Izu Islands and Kanto on September 21, with destructive winds and torrential rain forecast as the storm makes its closest approach through the evening and night, while at 5 a.m. it was located about 220 kilometers southwest of Hachijojima and moving north at 20 kilometers per hour, with the center expected to approach very close to the Izu Islands after midday before turning northeast over waters east of Kanto.

Typhoon Threatens Widespread Travel Chaos Across Kanto

Large and strong Typhoon No. 25 is expected to make its closest approach to Kanto from the afternoon through the night of September 21, with rail operators canceling services, airlines warning of widespread disruption at Tokyo airports and expressway closures already in effect across parts of Chiba Prefecture.

Emperor and Empress Watch Asian Games Basketball

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako watched Japan defeat Kazakhstan in a women’s basketball preliminary-round game at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya.

Drone Hits Nagoya City Hall During Asian Games Light-Up

A drone filming the illuminated Nagoya City Hall headquarters crashed into a building across the road shortly before 9 p.m. on September 17, with police investigating whether the flight may have violated Japan's Civil Aeronautics Act.

Mount Tokachi Volcano Continues to Emit Smoke

Volcanic smoke continues to rise from Mount Tokachi (Tokachidake), an active volcano in Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido, one week after its eruption alert level was raised to Level 3, restricting entry to the mountain and prompting a series of cancellations at nearby hot spring inns just before the peak autumn foliage season.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sports NEWS

Drone Hits Nagoya City Hall During Asian Games Light-Up

Asian Games Open in Japan for First Time in 32 Years

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.

Japan Women Rout Vietnam 8-0 to Reach Asian Games Quarterfinals

Japan secured a place in the women’s soccer quarterfinals at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with one group-stage match remaining after overwhelming Vietnam 8-0 for its second consecutive victory.

Cruise Ship Arrives at Nagoya Port to House Asian Games Athletes

A cruise ship that will serve as an accommodation base for athletes and other participants in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games arrived at Nagoya Port on September 15, ahead of the opening of the competition this week.

Digital Art Lights Up Aichi Government Buildings for Asian Games

Digital art projections will illuminate the Aichi Prefectural Government Office and Nagoya City Hall from September 17 through October 24 as part of celebrations surrounding the Asian Games and Asian Para Games, which will be held in September and October.

Nadeshiko Japan Crushes Thailand 8-0 in Asian Games Opener

Japan opened its women's soccer campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with an 8-0 victory over Thailand on September 14, making a dominant start to its bid for a third consecutive and fourth overall championship.

Japan Sports Report: September 12-13 Weekend Roundup

Japan enjoyed one of its busiest sporting weekends of the year on September 12 and 13, highlighted by the men's national volleyball team winning the Asian championship and securing qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, while Nippon Professional Baseball's pennant races tightened, Miyu Yamashita captured the Japan Women's PGA Championship, Kosuke Sunagawa earned his first men's tour victory, and the Asian Games moved closer to their official opening.

Sota Fujii Wins Seventh Straight Oi Title

Sota Fujii successfully defended his Oi title for a seventh consecutive year after defeating fellow 24-year-old Takumi Ito in Game 6 of the best-of-seven series, winning the match 4-2.

< 2 3 4 5 >