Emperor Naruhito opens Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya at spectacular ceremony

On September 19, 2026, Japan’s Emperor Naruhito declared the Asian Games 2026 open at a spectacular opening ceremony in Nagoya.

The declaration was made in the presence of Empress Masako, members of the Japanese imperial family, Olympic Council of Asia president Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry. The Asian Games will be held from September 19 to October 4.