The Asian Games held in Nagoya and the wider Aichi Prefecture this year experienced numerous operational difficulties that contrasted sharply with Japan’s reputation for successfully hosting major international events. Organizers encountered accommodation problems, transportation mishaps, and diplomatic errors throughout the competition. Some online commentators described it as the worst Games in history and called for a full investigation into what occurred.
Accommodation challenges emerged before competition even began. The organizing committee opted against building a traditional athletes’ village and instead distributed participants across hotels and container-style housing units throughout Nagoya. When late additions to the participant roster strained capacity beyond projections, organizers initially told delegations to arrange their own accommodations before reversing course. The situation became critical enough that an Italian cruise ship with 1,500 cabins was brought in to house participants. The number of delegation members requiring accommodation had grown from an initial estimate of 15,000 to 17,000 or more.
During the Games, multiple incidents undermined the hosting experience. Athletes were transported to incorrect venues, South Korea’s national anthem was played for the North Korean hockey team, and South Korea’s flag was not properly raised during a football medal ceremony. Taiwan’s sports minister was temporarily barred from a flag-raising event. These episodes led officials to issue a formal apology to the South Korean delegation. Similar problems continued into the subsequent Para Games, where incorrect anthems were played at three events, prompting the Nagoya mayor to call the issues unacceptable.
Responsibility for the operational failures remains contested. The contract for venue management went to GL Events, a French company subsidiary, which was selected over Dentsu Group at a significantly lower cost. Some reports suggested GL Events cut corners on hiring and staff training. However, organizers defended the company’s experience with international events. Experts noted that the broad scope of responsibilities assigned and the non-competitive nature of the contract also warranted examination.
Despite the difficulties, Olympic Council of Asia leadership pointed to 54 new world records achieved across swimming, weightlifting, and shooting as evidence of successful competition conditions. The Games attracted more participants than the Paris Olympics, representing a major logistical undertaking for organizers facing numerous unforeseen challenges.
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