Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Japanese violist Taro Hakase performs during the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (far L) and Empress Masako (2nd from L) attend the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026. Standing beside them are Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (far L) and Empress Masako (2nd from L) attend the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026. Standing beside them are Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (4th from L) and Empress Masako (5th from L) attend the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (4th from R) and Empress Masako (3rd from R) attend the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (C, L) and Empress Masako (C, R) attend the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

A banner for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is displayed near Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the games' opening ceremony later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

People line up at a ticket center in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: OCA president

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: OCA president

Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani meets the press in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team creates a heart with smoke trails after flying over Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team creates a heart with smoke trails after flying over Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Nagoya Castle in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Torch relay

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Torch relay

Former sumo grand champion Hakuho (L) attends an event marking the finale of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games torch relay at a park in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026, the eve of the games' opening ceremony.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Torch relay

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Torch relay

Former sumo grand champion Hakuho attends an event marking the finale of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games torch relay at a park in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026, the eve of the games' opening ceremony.

Japan: Air Self-Defense Force’s Blue Impulse Marks Asian Games Kickoff

On Saturday, September 19, Japan's Air Self-Defense Force aerobatic team Blue Impulse conducted a flyover of Aichi Prefecture to mark the opening of the 20th Asian Games and 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Photo taken on Sept. 19, 2026, shows Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, central Japan, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Photo taken on Sept. 19, 2026, shows Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, central Japan, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Welcome reception

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Welcome reception

A calligraphy performance is held during a welcome reception at a hotel in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026, the eve of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Welcome reception

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Welcome reception

A welcome reception is held at a hotel in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026, the eve of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Welcome reception

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Welcome reception

Aichi Gov. Hideaki Omura speaks during a welcome reception at a hotel in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026, the eve of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Welcome reception

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Welcome reception

A welcome reception is held at a hotel in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026, the eve of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Japan players celebrate after beating China in a men's basketball semifinal match at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Japan players celebrate after beating China in a men's basketball semifinal match at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Japan players celebrate after beating China in a men's basketball semifinal match at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Japan players celebrate after beating China in a men's basketball semifinal match at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Japan's Ren Kanechika (13) blocks China's Cui Yongxi from shooting during the third quarter of a men's basketball semifinal match at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Japan's Ren Kanechika shoots during the first quarter of a men's basketball semifinal match against China at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

China's Li Hongquan (14) plays during the second quarter of a men's basketball semifinal match against Japan at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Japan's Kotetsu Kurokawa shoots during the third quarter of a men's basketball semifinal match against China at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Japan's Kotetsu Kurokawa shoots during the third quarter of a men's basketball semifinal match against China at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

China's Pang Zhenglin (9) dribbles the ball during the third quarter of a men's basketball semifinal match against Japan at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

China's Yu Jiahao (11) plays during the second quarter of a men's basketball semifinal match against Japan at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

China's Pang Zhenglin (R) and Japan's Kotetsu Kurokawa vie for the ball during the third quarter of a men's basketball semifinal match at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Japan's Ren Kanechika (L) scores a three pointer during the third quarter of a men's basketball semifinal match against China at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Japan's Ren Kanechika (L) scores a three pointer during the third quarter of a men's basketball semifinal match against China at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Japan's Kotetsu Kurokawa (C) passes the ball during the third quarter of a men's basketball semifinal match against China at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Japan's Alex Kirk dunks during the third quarter of a men's basketball semifinal match against China at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Japan's Atsuya Ogawa (R) passes the ball during the third quarter of a men's basketball semifinal match against China at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Japan's Yuto Kawashima (R) scores during the third quarter of a men's basketball semifinal match against China at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Japan's Alex Kirk scores during the third quarter of a men's basketball semifinal match against China at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Japan's Alex Kirk reacts after scoring during the third quarter of a men's basketball semifinal match against China at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Basketball

Japan's Toyoshige Kano scores during the third quarter of a men's basketball semifinal match against China at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026.