Nagoya, the host city for the upcoming Asian Games 2026, was hit by severe flooding after parts of central Japan recorded unusually heavy rainfall on Tuesday.. Water also reached some venues linked to the multi-sport event, which is scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4. Despite the disruption caused by the record rainfall, Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Kawamura has ruled out any impact on the Asian Games schedule. Organisers are continuing preparations for the event, suggesting that the flooding is being treated as a temporary weather-related setback rather than a reason to alter the competition dates.
Asian Games 2026 Host Nagoya Hit by Widespread Flooding After Record Rainfall
Nagoya, the host city for the 2026 Asian Games, faced severe flooding after parts of central Japan were hit by record rainfall on Tuesday. Several roads and homes were submerged, while pedestrians and vehicles were left stranded as water levels rose across parts of the city. The heavy downpour also affected some venues and accommodation facilities being used for the multi-sport event. Around 400 athletes, staff and officials were temporarily moved to safer, higher ground, but they were later able to return. No injuries were reported, and Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa said the situation was not serious enough to affect the Games.
“The situation is not severe enough to jeopardise the opening of the Games on the 19th,” Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa told reporters. “Based on the current situation, I don’t believe there will be any problem to hold the Asian Games.” Several venues reportedly suffered leaking roofs following the intense rainfall, although officials said there was no major damage. Hirosawa added that authorities were still assessing conditions outside Nagoya and could not yet provide a complete picture of the situation across all locations hosting events.
“We have not yet been able to fully assess the situation outside Nagoya City, so I cannot comment on the overall situation,” he said. “Based on the information we have at this point, I believe that we will be able to hold the Games without delay.”
Asian Games 2026: Over 11,000 Athletes to Compete in Nagoya
The flooding comes as athletes from across Asia begin arriving in Japan ahead of the September 19 opening. Around 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions are expected to participate, while India will send a 503-member contingent. Unlike a traditional athletes’ village, organisers have arranged accommodation across hotels, a cruise ship and converted shipping containers, with some of those container units temporarily evacuated during the downpour. India had won a record 107 medals, including 28 gold, at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
