Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa confirmed that athletes and sports venues are safe after record rainfall caused citywide flooding ahead of the upcoming Asian Games.
Key facts
- •The Asian Games are scheduled to take place in Nagoya and surrounding areas from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
- •Record rainfall on September 8 caused widespread flooding, stranding vehicles and pedestrians and halting bus and subway services.
- •Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa stated that all venues are prepared for the games despite reports of minor roof leaks.
- •Over 11,000 athletes from 45 countries are registered to participate in the competition.
- •This event marks the first time Japan has hosted the Asian Games in 32 years.
Athletes and venues for the upcoming Asian Games remain unharmed following extensive flooding in Nagoya, Japan, according to Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa. The city experienced record rainfall on September 8, 2026, which flooded roads and homes and forced the temporary suspension of public transit. Despite the severe weather, officials confirmed that the games, scheduled to begin on September 19, will proceed as planned.
By the numbers
Impact on Athletes and Infrastructure
Approximately 400 athletes and staff residing in temporary housing units made from converted shipping containers were briefly evacuated to higher ground during the storm. Mayor Hirosawa reported that while some venues experienced minor issues like leaking roofs, there was no significant damage to the facilities designated for the competition. Approximately 3,500 people sought refuge in emergency evacuation centers across the city due to the flooding.
Event Scope and Economic Outlook
The Asian Games, which run from September 19 through October 4, will host more than 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions. This participation level exceeds the 10,700 athletes who competed in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Local governments in Nagoya and the surrounding Aichi prefecture intend to utilize the new infrastructure and facilities built for the games to support long-term economic development, with forecasts suggesting an $11.7 billion impact through 2036.
Timeline
- September 8, 2026Record rainfall caused flooding across Nagoya, leading to evacuations and transit suspensions.
- September 9, 2026Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa confirmed that venues and athletes were safe and the games would proceed.
- September 19, 2026The Asian Games are scheduled to officially begin.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Nikkei Asia, The Hindu.
