Honohon unveiled as the mascot for the Aichi‑Nagoya 2026 Asian Games
Honohon, created by Japanese graphic designer Yoshiyuki Nakagawa, was unveiled in July 2024 as the official mascot for the Asian Games to be held in Aichi‑Nagoya, Japan. The announcement named Honohon as the symbol for the 2026 continental tournament.
The design draws on the Shachihoko, a mythical creature with a tiger head and a carp body that is closely linked to Nagoya Castle and the Aichi‑Nagoya region. Organisers selected the final version after reviewing 264 entries in June 2024, with Nakagawa’s concept revealed the following month. The selection process and unveiling established Honohon as the chosen emblem for the host region.
Visually, Honohon has a predominantly white body with red, flame‑like shapes on its head that resemble a rice ear. Red “Kumadori” markings are painted around the mascot’s large eyes; those markings are inspired by the traditional makeup associated with Japan’s Kabuki theatre and are also linked to the flamboyant samurai figures known as Kabukimono. The flame motif is a recurring element of the character’s appearance.
The mascot’s name is derived from the Japanese word ‘Honoho’, which is said to be the origin of the Japanese word for ‘flame’. According to reports, the organisers chose this name for its friendly, approachable style. The flame imagery is highlighted in the head features as part of that naming rationale.
The Games’ official slogan is "Imagine One Asia"; the Japanese version of the slogan means "Become One Here" and was created by copywriter Waka Sakamoto, who announced it in October 2019. The Asian Para Games, scheduled for October 18 to 24, 2026 in Aichi‑Nagoya, will have a separate water‑themed mascot named Uzumin. According to the official press release, the Aichi‑Nagoya Games mascot has no gender and is newly born "inside the hearts of athletes".
The Aichi‑Nagoya Asian Games are scheduled to run from September 19 to October 4, 2026, with the Asian Para Games following from October 18 to 24, 2026.
