Japan opens Asian Games 2026 with a heartfelt celebration of culture and unity in Aichi-Nagoya

NAGOYA: Almost three hours before the start of the Asian Games opening ceremony at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, spectators had begun filling the expansive, multi-tiered stands. The 35,000-capacity venue was not full, but that did little to dampen the celebration that followed.The first glimpse was of a gigantic heart. But this was not merely about love. The heart-shaped stage, bathed in white, underlined the ceremony’s theme — Harmonic Hea-rtbeat. Like matcha, sake or sushi, themes and cultures can be an acquired taste. Whi-le some found the nearly two-hour spectacle underwhelming, from a Japanese perspective it was a celebration steeped in tradition, culture, diversity and technology.The evening began with a pre-ceremony performance by the Shigo Bonote Preservation Society and the hugely popular INI boy band. The ceremony itself opened with dancers in heart-shaped attire and a performance by celebrated Japanese violinist Taro Hakase. With Japanese royalty led by emperor Naruhito and empress Masako, International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry and Olympic Council of Asia president Sheikh Joaan Hamad Al Thani among the dignitaries in attendance, the Japanese national flag was raised by members of the Japan Self-Defence Forces.Volunteers carrying heart-shaped placards bearing the names of participating countries then led the athletes and officials into the stadium. The Indians, looking dapper in deep blue, received a warm welcome, though the loudest cheers in the stadium were reserved for the hosts.The centrepiece of the night was a replica of Nagoya Castle, placed at the heart of the stage and illuminated in a kaleidoscope of colours.The heart-shaped cauldron was lit by five-time Asian Games champion and hammer throw legend Shigenobu Murofushi and his son Koji, the 2004 Olympic hammer throw champion.Sheikh Joaan in his speech said, “Tonight, the eyes of Asia and much of the world turn to Japan. What we will see over the next few days will inspire us. It will move us. And it will remind us of what we are capable of when we come together for Asia.”With One Asia, One Heart at the centre of the ceremony, the troubles of the past few days, which had put Nagoya’s ability to host the Games under scrutiny, seemed to fade into the background, at least for the night.The ceremony ended with fireworks lighting up the night sky, offering a fitting hope that the Games, too, will shine as brightly.Who will open India’s medal tally?India, who returned from the 2022 Hangzhou Games with a record 107 medals, will begin their quest to better that haul on Sunday, with three disciplines offering early opportunities to get on the board.All eyes will be on the Aichi Prefectural Shooting Ra-nge, with India expected to be in the thick of action, fighting for a podium finish. Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Maskar and Vidarsa Vinod will comp-ete in the women’s 10m air rif-le, with medals at stake in bo-th the team and individual ev-ents. In women’s cricket, defe-nding champions India face Bangladesh in the semifinal. A win will assure India of a m-edal. There could also be an interesting twist to India’s medal-opening narrative. In teqball, two bronze medals are up for grabs, while Suraj Singh will compete in the men’s changquan event, a medal event on the day, in wushu.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.