Asian Games open with sparkling ceremony, message of unity following chaotic build-up
Sep 19, 2026
Organisers tried to put a chaotic build-up to the Asian Games behind them on Saturday with a sparkling opening ceremony in Nagoya, although not even an acrobatic aerial display by Japan’s Blue Impulse team could silence the criticism swirling over their heads.
Barely a day has gone by over the past week where complaints have not been made about the state of official accommodation, transport, venues and some of the other facilities being used for the Games.
Just hours before Japan’s royal family...
