With Friday marking a year until the start of Asian Games 2026, organizers are trying to ramp up public awareness of the event. They admit it’s still low but hope interest will grow as they unveil a logo, mascot and slogan.
The theme of the Games is “IMAGINE”. It’s meant to encourage athletes and fans to envision a future in which everyone can live a happy and fulfilling life by putting their hearts into their sport. The slogan will be used in conjunction with the emblem which features a sun with 16 rays that represents the hopes of Asia.
Organizers are working to ensure the Games will run smoothly, particularly when it comes to transportation. Shuttle buses will be available between competition venues and the nearest public transport stations, while measures to curb private cars around the games sites are also being considered.
This will be the third time Japan hosts the Asian Games, after 1958 in Tokyo and 1994 in Hiroshima. The city of Nagoya is home to the main venue, the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, which will be revamped for the occasion.
Japan has banned North Korean citizens from entering the country since February 2016 as part of sanctions against Pyongyang’s repeated ballistic missile firings. However, the government will carefully consider allowing some of them to compete at the Games, Kyodo News reported on Wednesday.