The Asian Games, hosted once every four years, has a reputation for being home to dazzling sports that defy conventions. Breakdancing contests are judged on style or difficulty, Muay Thai athletes rely on local skills, and eSports competitions feature the highest-ranked players. These new events aren’t just tacked onto the schedule at the last minute, they get top arenas and big TV slots alongside the classics, and are often headlined by breakout performances that change the way we think about sports in Asia.

The next edition, to be held in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City from 19 September to 4 October 2026, will be a significant event for sport in Asia. It is expected that around 10,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions will compete in 41 sports.

In addition to organising the Games, Japan is also working to expand the impact of the Asian Games beyond the sports arena. In particular, the country is stepping up efforts to promote cultural exchange and tourism through a variety of projects, including the development of new routes for overseas visitors and an online database featuring the best tourist spots in the host cities.

As part of this effort, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee has published a series of guides for overseas visitors who want to experience the best of Japanese culture and cuisine. It also offers a number of useful apps for tourists who wish to explore the country beyond the main urban centres.