Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony: Nagoya Games Officially Begin

Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony officially marked the beginning of the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya on Saturday, September 19, with a colourful and technology-driven spectacle at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Japan. The ceremony combined Japanese cultural traditions with modern visuals, music and performances as athletes from across Asia gathered for the continental sporting event.

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito formally declared the Asian Games 2026 open in the presence of Empress Masako, members of the Japanese imperial family, Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) president Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Kirsty Coventry.

Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony Held in Nagoya

The Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony was held at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, officially welcoming participating nations and athletes to the 16-day sporting event.

The programme featured a mix of Japanese cultural performances and modern technology. The ceremony also included the Japanese national anthem, the raising of the national flag and the Parade of Nations, with athletes and officials representing countries and regions from across Asia.

The opening ceremony provided a showcase of Japan’s cultural heritage while also highlighting the country’s technological capabilities. Performances, lighting effects and large-scale visual presentations formed key parts of the programme.

Emperor Naruhito Declares Asian Games Open

A key moment of the Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony came when Japan’s Emperor Naruhito officially declared the Games open.

He attended the ceremony alongside Empress Masako and members of the Japanese imperial family. OCA president Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and IOC president Kirsty Coventry were also among the prominent international sporting officials present at the stadium.